I’m getting ready to run our oven for the first time for a prepreg part I’m baking to 425F. What do you guys recommend in the way of mold release?
Will PVA do it?
TR Chemlease?
I’m only making a part to be test fit and prototyped, but eventually I’ll need to pull them out and have them polished.
Thoughts?
Thanks!
425F is pretty hot, make sure your mould can go that high. Otherwise I would recommend a semi permanent release agent such as frekote or Chemtrend. Good luck
freekote is the best bet. What are the molds made out of?
PVA wont be very stable at those temps. The Chemlease sealer and semi permanent release is perfect for production molds that require many run cycles, and it will hold up to the temps, it’s the mold you will need to worry about. The main benefit to the Chemlease is once the mold is sealed and treated with the release agent, you can go 10-15 cycles before needing to reapply a coating of the release agent. With that said, it may not be cost effective if you only intend on making a handful of parts.
Altough Freekote will work I can help you with a free sample. I’ve been doing this for 25 years. Outside of temperature it helps to know the tool surface and temperature it will be applied at. Also if the part will be glossy. Steel and chrome are the best surfaces.