PU Mould Release Agent for Foam and Footwear

What a PU mould release agent does

A PU mould release agent (also spelled mold release agent) forms a thin, uniform barrier between the polyurethane part and the mould surface. Parts then demould cleanly, without tearing, sticking or surface defects. The right agent also affects how quickly residue builds up on the mould, how long a cycle takes, and whether the part can be painted or coated afterwards.

Chemie Products has dealt in mould release agents since the beginning, and we are the sole selling agent in India for ARCAD Chemicals GmbH, Germany. We keep ready stock of imported release agents and we also formulate ready-to-use release agents to suit your process.

Release agents for foam

Foam moulding covers many processes, and each one asks for something different from the release agent.

• Moulded flexible foam and integral skin foam.
• Cast elastomers, where mould wax and reinforcing paste are also available.
• NVH insulation, trim and rigid foams.
• PU toys, special foams and PU filters.
• Anti-squeak agents for parts that rub against other surfaces.

Release agents for footwear

Footwear brings a second question: what happens to the sole after it leaves the mould. We supply water-based release agents for PU chappals, paintable water-based release agents for shoes and soles, grades compatible with in-mould coatings, and solvent-based release agents for all PU footwear. KPU, CPU and cast shoe uppers are covered as well.

Choosing between solvent, water-based and hybrid

Solvent-based grades flash off fast and suit processes where cycle time is tight. Water-based grades suit plants that want to reduce solvent use and meet workplace norms, though flash-off depends on mould temperature. Hybrid grades sit between the two. The best choice depends on your mould material (aluminium, steel or epoxy), cycle time and part shape, and on whether the part will be painted. Tell us these details and we will suggest a grade to trial instead of guessing.

Release agents can be sprayed, wiped or brushed. We supply spray guns and pressure pots, and PU mould cleaners to lift build-up so a clean mould gives a clean part. Packing is 25 and 50 litre cans for foam and 25 litre cans for footwear.

What to tell us before you order

A release agent that works well in one plant can fail in another, because moulds, cycle times and finishing steps differ. The more we know, the faster we find a grade that works, and the fewer trials you spend.

When you contact us, please share the product you are moulding, the mould material and its temperature, how the agent is applied today, and any problem you see, such as sticking, tearing, build-up on the mould, or paint that will not hold. If the part is painted, bonded or coated after demoulding, say so, because that rules out some grades. We then recommend a grade for a trial on your line, send a sample, and help you set the spray pattern and frequency.

Because we also make colorants and in-mould coatings, we can check that the release agent, the colour and the finish do not work against one another. Our troubleshooting guides on parts that stick or tear at demould and on residue build-up on moulds are a good place to start if you are already facing a problem.