When a mould has a build-up of grease, old release agent, wax or light carbon, clean it with a fast-evaporating solvent mould cleaner before the next run, before switching release type, or before storage. Micron 1220 Mould Cleaner is a solvent-based cleaner whose page says it removes grease, silicones, waxes, mould-release agents and light carbon from metal surfaces and leaves no film. If the mould is going into storage, follow up with a rust-protective coating such as Micron 1201 Mould Saver.
Why it happens
Every production run leaves something behind on the tool:
- Release agent build-up. Over many cycles, layers of release accumulate, especially in fine detail and vents.
- Grease and oil from moving parts. Ejector pins, slides and lifters carry lubricant onto the moulding surface.
- Light carbon from heat. Hot spots and degraded material leave thin carbon deposits.
The signs are a sticky or dull mould surface, marks transferring onto parts, or residue you need to remove before changing release type or putting the mould away.
How to fix it
- Routine cleaning, before switching release type, or before a critical run: Micron 1220 Mould Cleaner. Its page lists injection moulding tool maintenance, cleaning compression or extrusion moulds, and toolroom cleaning. It is described as fast-evaporating, residue-free and non-corrosive on most metals used in tooling.
- Cleaning before storage: clean with 1220, let it evaporate fully, then apply Micron 1201 Mould Saver. The 1220 page lists "pre-treatment before applying anti-rust or protective sprays".
The 1220 page does not give step-by-step directions. Follow the instructions on the can and the TDS. Work on a cool, shut-down mould, and let the surface dry fully before moulding or coating.
What to avoid
- Do not spray near live electrical components. The 1220 page says it is non-conductive and safe around electrical components only when fully dry.
- Keep it away from ignition sources and use it in a ventilated area. This is a general solvent precaution: the page does not state flammability, so treat it as flammable until the SDS confirms otherwise.
- Do not spray onto a hot mould. Let it cool first.
- Do not expect a solvent to remove heavy burnt deposits. It is meant for grease, wax, release agent and light carbon.
When to ask an expert
Ask your toolroom if:
- carbon or burnt polymer will not move with solvent;
- residue keeps returning quickly, which may mean too much release or a process problem;
- the mould surface looks etched, pitted or damaged under the residue.
Heavy carbon and burnt polymer need mechanical, ultrasonic or dry-ice cleaning by the toolroom.
FAQ
Can a mould cleaner remove silicone release?
The 1220 page lists silicones and mould-release agents among the residues it removes. This is useful if you are switching from a silicone to a non-silicone release.
Is mould cleaner safe on all mould steels?
The page says it is non-corrosive and compatible with most metals used in industrial tooling. If your tool uses an unusual alloy or coating, test on a small area first.
Do I need to clean the mould before storing it?
Yes, if there is grease or release agent on it. Clean with 1220, let it dry, and then apply a rust-protective film such as 1201 Mould Saver.
How often should I clean the mould?
There is no fixed interval on the product page. Clean when you see dull or sticky areas, marks on parts, or before changing release type or storing the tool. If you need to clean very often, check whether too much release is being applied.
Can I use mould cleaner while the machine is running?
No. Shut down, let the mould cool, and keep the cleaner away from live electrics until it is fully dry.
See the product: Micron 1220 Mould Cleaner. Related: 1201 Mould Saver. More moulding fixes: moulding hub.