Purging Compounds: Effective Solution for Plastic Molding Process

PCs are chemically formulated materials that are used to clean plastic injection molds and extrusion dies. They help remove leftover polymer residue which can negatively impact the quality and appearance of new parts. Regular purging is necessary to maintain optimum productivity and part quality since even small amounts of carbonized plastic residues can cause defects like color variation, unacceptable surface texture and mechanical property issues.

Common purging compound formulations are specifically designed to dissolve and extract undesirable plastic residues from molds. They contain strong solvents and other active ingredients that can penetrate small crevices and bond to residue. During purging, the compound is pushed through the mold at high pressure to dissolve and remove problem deposits. This restoration process ensures a consistent melt interface for subsequent production runs.

Purging Reduces Downtime and Scrap

Without proper purging, plastic manufacturing equipment will accumulate residue over time which causes problems that increase downtime and scrap. Defects like short shots, poor surfaces, flashing and color changes will occur more frequently as molds get progressively dirtier. This diminished part quality forces production lines to halt earlier and waste more material. Regular purging prevents this decline and allows maximum run lengths before changeovers are needed. It can save significant costs by minimizing unscheduled shutdowns and rejected parts.

Compatibility with All Resin Types

A diverse range of purging compounds have been developed to be compatible with all common thermoplastics like polycarbonate, nylon, polypropylene, ABS and PVC. Options exist for general purpose residue removal as well as formulations targeting specific polymer buildup. Compatible purging chemicals do not cause material degradation or tool damage, even after multiple uses. They leave molds thoroughly clean for reuse while protecting expensive production assets from unnecessary early replacement.

Health and Environmental Safety

Since purging compounds contain hazardous substances, precautions are required for their use and disposal. They must be applied only in well ventilated areas by trained personnel wearing proper personal protective equipment. While providing valuable benefits, purges also introduce occupational and environmental risks that necessitate compliance with safety data sheets and regulations. Responsible manufacturers implement controls and procedures centered on worker and ecological protection.

In conclusion, regular purging is a highly effective maintenance solution for plastic processing equipment. It restores mold performance and enables long, consistent production runs with minimized scrap. A wide range of compatible purging compounds are commercially available to suit all common resins. Though handling precautions apply, they deliver important productivity and quality benefits when used correctly in modern manufacturing facilities.