PTFE Coated Moulds
Teflon® and Xylan® PTFE coatings are synonymous with excellent release and non-stick and therefore makes for the most logical solution, to enable suitable de-moulding, would be for the application of a PTFE coating. There are many types of moulds, moulding a variety of materials to exacting standards, that is why within the range of PTFE coatings there is a coating that will enable engineers to maximise production rates and turnover.
Typical application for moulds include; tyres, automotive products, food products and many types of packaging. Moulds coated with PTFE can also improve the release of rubber and polyurethane. Some of the process benefits of a mould coated with PTFE can be:
- Excellent release
- Resistance to abrasion
- Reduces build up
- Improves surface finish
- Extends the service life
- Food contact compliant
Just as important as improving production, PTFE coating can;
- Reduce down time for maintenance
- Increased production rates
- Reduce costs
The investment mould tooling requires and demands a planned maintenance program. Whereas no coating will last forever, applied PTFE coatings can be easily removed and re-applied, without degrading the geometry of the mould. An important
factor in the life of a PTFE coating is in the manner in which it is looked after by production personnel. Operators need to understand and identify when the coating is showing signs of wear and also that attempts to use metallic objects against the coating is not the best way forward to maximise the service life.
PTFE Applied Coatings offer a range of Teflon® and Xylan® coatings for the industrial markets, most PTFE coatings will increase the release properties of the mould part, in part be the low co-efficient of friction. Most moulds coated with PTFE can be operated at a level of 260°C. Fluoropolymer coatings such as PTFE, FEP and PFA are designed to prevent sticking and rejection as well as eliminating stringing.
As well as industrial moulds, the surface treatment of food processing equipment remains an ideal opportunity for increased production. Coated equipment does not require the costly and sometimes messy option of applying oil as a release agent. PTFE coatings have been designed to be food contact compliant to meet the rigours of modern process plants. Teflon® and Xylan® coatings are most suited for these applications to minimise the need for repeated cleaning.
Very few substances will permanently adhere to a PTFE coated surface and the type of moulds that can take advantage of the benefits are:
- Platens
- Tablet Moulds
- Tyre Moulds
- Plug Moulds
- Rubber Moulds
- Rollers, Dies and Cutters
- Shoe Moulds
- Glove Moulds
- EPS Foam Packaging Moulds
- Vacuum Form Moulds
- Thermoforming Moulds
A typical application would to apply FEP coating to provide for good non-stick and resistance to chemicals. FEP melt flows at its design temperature, giving a non-porous film to the surface of the mould, as well as good abrasion resistance. This is but one example of how PTFE coatings can provide a cost effective solution to a range of moulding problems.
PTFE Applied Coatings provide the most up to date coatings available on the market, coupled with our applicator licenses from both Chemours™ and Whitford Ltd™, as well as having Quality management System accredited by BSI. We are able to offer both technical advice as well as traceability on our coating processes.