Mandrel Release Agents

Below hose producers can find general tips and best practices for applying mandrel lubricants; however, we recommend consulting product TDS and SDS sheets and contacting McLube for technical assistance specific to your process: 

1. Mandrel Preparation. Apply to a clean, dry mandrel for optimum performance. Mandrel surfaces can be cleaned with a solvent wash, alkaline water solutions, water-based soap solutions or water. The condition of the mandrel will dictate which cleaning method is best for your application. Failing to properly clean a mandrel before application of release can cause difficulty with blow-off/ hose removal or part defects. 
2. Consult the mandrel release agent's TDS and SDS before use or handling. Some mandrel lubricants may require mixing before use. In this case, ensure all solid, active ingredients are dispersed from the bottom of containers before application. Mandrel lubricants may also be suitable for dilution prior to use. Consult the TDS for recommended dilution ratios or contact your McLube product specialist. 
3. Application. The most common application methods are wiping or flow coating. To ensure proper mandrel removal, apply a thin, even coating onto the entire mandrel surface. For best coverage, we recommend rotating the mandrel as the release coating is wiped on with a lint-free cloth. Work on small sections at a time to ensure adequate coverage. In general, wipe application is more common on rigid mandrels while flexible mandrels are often flow coated. 

NOTE: Solvent-based mandrel lubricants will dry quickly, however, water-based mandrel lubricants require more care. Ensure water-based mandrel lubricants are completely dried before starting your hose. Drying may be facilitated with heat and/or airflow. Some hose producers may run the mandrel through an air circulation chamber maintained at 120F-150F to facilitate drying. 

If your hose material or process changes, consult McLube before producing your hose. 

Cure wrap tape coatings are typically applied in a dip tank and then the the tape is rolled up wet. The solids content of dip tanks must be carefully monitored to ensure a sufficient amount of the coating's active ingredients are impregnated into the tape during application. 

We always recommend regular cleaning of dip tanks to prevent contaminants from negatively affecting hose appearance during vulcanization. 

McLube hose specialists can assist with the appropriate dilution ratios and application methods to ensure maximum tape lifespan. 

Internal mandrel lubricants are added to the hose material and designed to migrate to the compound surface to provide anti-stick and slip when milling, calendering, feeding or extruding. Materials such as fatty amines, amides, stearic acid, polyethylene, polyglycols and metal stearates are commonly used. Internal mandrel lubricants can be effective in some rubber compounds but leave surface residue and may cause defects or modify hose performance characteristics. Batch formulations must be tested to ensure the compound properties are not affected. Internal release agents can assist with the release of hoses but do not eliminate the need for an external release agent in the majority of specialty hose manufacturing processes.

Diluting concentrated release agents offers molders more control over their process, reduces shipping costs, and can also allow molders to tailor coatings to different processes within their facility. In every case, consistency is crucial. 

McLube recommends: 

• Placing one team, shift, or supervisor in charge of all dilution to ensure consistency. 
• Keep lids closed when not in use to prevent evaporation and contamination.
• If the product requires agitation before use, mix periodically before AND during dilution. 
• Adding water to product, not product to water. 
• Regularly cleaning dilution equipment. 
• Testing dilutions in a lab setting before moving to the production floor.
• Always consult your McLube product specialist before attempting dilution or if your molded material composition changes. 

Follow this link to read more about dilution or contact us for assistance.