From manufacturing to metal casting and food production – mould release oil is used to prevent materials from sticking to a mould.
This article will take a look at the factors in the selection process for mould release oil, discussing why the type of mould material, the material being cast and the specific requirements of each process are important.
Why mould release oil?
Due to its ability to prevent materials that fill a mould from sticking to it, mould release oil from brands such as Millers makes demoulding easier, helping to maintain the integrity of both the mould and the casted product.
Considering the type of mould material
The first step in choosing the correct mould release oil is considering the material of the mould itself. Moulds come in various materials such as steel, wood or plastic, and each may require different type of mould release oil.
Steel is one of the most durable materials for moulds and it works well with most release oils. Select a product that doesn’t cause rust or corrosion, and with anti-rust additives to protect the steel.
Wooden moulds can be porous, so the release oil used should help to seal the surface and prevent the material from soaking into the wood. Plastic is often easier to demould. Sometimes non-silicone-based products that won’t affect the surface finish can also be considered.
The material being cast
The next consideration is the material you are casting. Different casting materials require different release oils for the best results.
Concrete tends to be sticky, so a heavy-duty mould release oil with strong lubricating properties is ideal.
For resins like epoxy or polyester, a mould release oil should offer a thin, even coating that doesn’t affect the surface finish. Silicone-based oils are often used for resin casting as they help achieve a smooth surface and ease demoulding.
If you are casting metals, a higher-temperature resistant mould release oil is needed to withstand the heat generated during the casting process.
Specific requirements
Specific requirements for mould release oils include food-grade standards or the need for a paintable finish.
Moulds used for food items demand non-toxic mould release oils that are approved for food contact. The oil should be fully compliant with relevant food safety regulations.
Moulds that will be painted after the casting process need a release oil that leaves a smooth, residue-free surface.
To sum up – choosing the right mould release oil will make a critical difference to ease of production and the final product’s finish.
