Mold Release Agents in the Sports Industry

Many people don’t spend too much time thinking about mold release agents, but these chemicals play a fundamental role in creating countless items we use daily — from plastic bottles to steering wheels and pens, to name a few. One area where these agents can be especially helpful is the sports industry.

Being involved in the athletic manufacturing sector, you know firsthand that precision is key when it comes to products like footballs, surfboards, footwear and archery targets. Discover how the right mold release agents can make all the difference.

What Are Mold Release Agents?

Various items are made using molds to help them keep a specific shape. However, these materials can stick to the mold, making it difficult to remove and even damaging the item if it’s only partially removed. 

That’s where mold release agents come in. These chemicals help ensure the easy and complete removal of an object from a mold. Note that these agents have little to do with the actual molds. Manufacturers of these substances generally create the release product, not the mold or the final item. 

How Do Mold Release Agents Work?

Mold release agents create a barrier to prevent substances from sticking to the mold surface. Without them, you may have a hard time releasing products from molds, which can slow production and damage the product. Ultimately, these problems could lead to a loss of revenue. 

What Are the Different Types of Mold Release Agents?

There are two main types of mold release agents — permanent and non-permanent. Both options have benefits, and the kind of agent you select will depend on the intended use:

• Permanent products: These are best suited for molds with hard-to-reach cavities, as it can be difficult to evenly apply non-permanent chemicals to these areas. Long-term solutions have low buildup and result in a clean release.
• Non-permanent products: Non-permanent agents dry quickly, which saves time. They also increase productivity and create cleaner working environments.

Now, let’s take a look at some specific kinds of mold release agents:

• Water-based agents: These are more complex than other options because they require complicated research, development and formulation. However, they yield a smooth release from molds and are environmentally friendly because they don’t contain harsh chemicals. 
• Solvent-based agents: Unlike water-based agents, solvent-based solutions contain chemicals like petroleum to ensure that rubbers, metals and polymers easily release from molds. They balance good quality with quick results, making them ideal for industries where productivity is vital — like the sports world. 
• Silicone agents: Although less commonly used, silicone mold release agents produce clean results. They have excellent oxidation resistance and higher heat stability, making them perfect for manufacturing athletic equipment. 
• Silicone-free agents: In some situations, silicone-free solutions are a better choice than silicone agents. They’re compatible with various materials, including rubber, plastic and wood. Another benefit of these substances is that they are food-safe. 

Benefits of Using Mold Release Agents in the Sports Industry

Release agents are popular in the athletic industry since many types of sports equipment require precise results. If manufacturers place these substances in molds without an easy means of release, they could get stuck, which could cause damage. Mold release agents help reduce these occurrences. Here are some benefits of using a mold release when manufacturing sports equipment:

• Increased productivity: Products that get stuck in a mold can be slow to release. In the sports industry, where thousands of items are manufactured each day, taking a long time to remove products from their molds could significantly decrease your production timeline and slow your productivity. 
• Longer mold life: Release agents protect the mold’s items and the mold itself. The chemicals prevent mold damage, increasing life span and service life.
• Fast cleanup: If an item adheres to a mold, cleaning the residue can be a challenge. Mold release agents reduce the remaining buildup, making cleanup quicker and easier.
• Undamaged products: Products that get stuck to a mold may be damaged if you try to remove them. Release products enable a clean product release, reducing the risk of damage. 

Common Uses of Mold Release Agents in the Sports Industry

If you’re wondering how to use mold release agents in sports equipment manufacturing, here are some common applications. 

Golf Balls 

Anyone who has seen a golf ball knows that almost all of them look identical — and that’s because they’re usually made using similar types of molds. Golf balls are typically made using styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) or foamed polyurethane (PU) with a hard outer layer of resin. If any of these materials get stuck, it will compromise the ball’s integrity. 

Because there are billions of lost golf balls each year, it’s no surprise that manufacturers need to produce excessive amounts to keep up. Golf ball companies don’t have endless time to carefully remove each ball from its mold in hopes that it won’t stick. They need quick and reliable results, and release agents can offer them exactly this. 

Footballs

If a football isn’t perfect, it could affect its balance, which may impact a player’s performance. Therefore, the balls must perfectly release from molds for best results. Wilson, the supplier of footballs for the NFL and college football games, makes around 2,100 footballs each day by hand. A damaged football that needs to be thrown out is both frustrating and costly, so football producers must ensure high success rates.

Release agents can help the balls effectively come out of the mold without any damage, making the complex process of creating a football a bit easier. 

Shoes 

Manufacturers use molds for all types of shoes, including athletic ones. Footwear plays an essential role in any athlete’s life since it is designed for specific sports. Players need reliable shoes that won’t let them down during their runs, matches or games. 

Wearing the correct shoes can help with:

• Stability.
• Breathability.
• Traction.
• Arch support.
• Comfort.

Silicone molds play a major role in shoe sole manufacturing, and release agents ensure that the soles emerge from the molds undamaged. 

Other Uses

The applications mentioned above are just the tip of the iceberg — many other types of sports products can benefit from mold-release agents:

• Surfboards.
• Wakeboards.
• Archery targets.
• Bicycle tires.
• Kayaks.
• Fishing rods.

Contact W.N. SHAW for Your Mold Release Agent Needs

At W.N. SHAW, we specialize in custom mold release solutions. Our product range includes multiple types of agents, so whatever your requirements, we can assist. With over 100 years of experience in the industry, we have the knowledge and skills needed to help you craft the perfect solution for your sports manufacturing applications. 

If you’re ready to level up your molding process, contact us today to get started!