Types of Plastic Injection Mold's injection mold maintenance
Routine Preventive Maintenance
These are maintenance performed on a daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly basis. This ensures smooth operation. This includes; routine maintenance such as mold inspection, cleaning, lubrication of moving parts, etc. Less regular routine maintenance may include a more in-depth cleaning of the injector unit.
Non-routine/diagnostic maintenance
This is not an ideal approach. This means that a failure has occurred before maintenance can be performed. This is usually done after a failure. Engineers then perform maintenance checks. This is to see the cause of the problem and then diagnose it.
Some Tips for Maintaining Molds
It is very important to make sure that the product is well-designed in the first place. Poor design can lead to problems such as difficult release and poor mold filling. Make sure you are using the correct draft angle, that the ejector pins are positioned correctly, and that you are using the correct gate. Failures in other parts of the injection molding machine may end up in the mold. At the same time, mold operation and maintenance can be carried out very well. If other processes in the injection molding machine are not running properly. The resulting problems may transfer to mold. For example, if the injection pressure is too high, it can cause unnecessary stress on the mold. Or if the melt is not well mixed and melted and contains particles that could damage the mold surface. It is important that other parts are also well-operated and maintained. This is where it is important to work with a reliable mold maker. This is to ensure that these factors are considered first.
A maintenance plan to be followed
There should be a documented maintenance plan. This includes procedures for maintenance work.
A process for confirming that maintenance work has been performed and when the next maintenance is due
Each mold should be accompanied by an operating and maintenance instruction manual and checklist. This guides the operator and reduces the chance of human error.
Feedback system that allows errors to be detected before they occur
Proper and ongoing training of operators
Regularly inspect cavities, gates, and runners for wear, blockage, and damage
lubrication or surface
Regularly clean and remove debris from cavities and all parts
Make sure cleaning agents are non-toxic and use recommended solvents and cleaning agents
Use of corrosion or rust inhibitors and paints
Avoid moisture problems with proper flushing and drain lines
Check that the boards are well aligned
Make sure the ejection system is not obstructed and is functioning properly
Clean and lubricate ejector pins and parts