Solutions for the Thermoplastics Industry
External Mold Release for Thermoplastics
Our water-based and solvent-based mold release agents for thermoplastics are formulated to reduce scrap rates and cut down on stoppages for cleaning. We also offer custom-formulated release agents for unique goals and requirements. Our line of release agents include silicone-free, semi-permanent, and high-slip options as well as dilutable products and aerosols to suit any application.
Mold Protection Coatings
We offer water-based and solvent-based mold protection coatings in bulk and aerosol. These coatings offer corrosion protection during downtime and storage to keep expensive tooling in service longer. Many of our release agents will also provide corrosion protection for extended periods of time.
Mold Cleaners
Our water-based and solvent-based cleaners are used when traditional cleaning solvents are not sufficient to remove buildup and grime on thermoplastic molds and equipment. These cleaners are specifically formulated to reduce the amount of physical abrasion required during cleaning to protect mold surfaces and keep lines running efficiently.
Polymer Pelletizing Anti-stick Additives
Our water-based polymer pelletizing anti-stick additives are added to cutting water to prevent pellet agglomeration and deformation.
Learn more about our anti-stick additives for polymer pelletizing.
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Rotational Molding
We offer water-based and solvent-based semi-permanent release agents for rotationally molded parts with controlled slip coefficients. In addition to release agents for rotomolding, we also offer machine greases and other ancillaries.
Thermoforming
Thermoforming is a process that involves heating a sheet of thermoplastic material, then forming it into a specific shape using a female mold. McLube offers mold release agents for all common thermoforming processes, including vacuum forming (vacuum-assisted), pressure forming, twin-sheet forming, and mechanical forming designed for consistent release and minimal buildup. Common thermoformed materials we support include ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene), PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol), PE (HDPE, LDPE, and HMWPE (High Molecular Weight Polyethylene), PP, PVC, PC, PMMA, and TPO.
Injection Molding Thermoplastics
Injection molding is the most common plastic manufacturing process, capable of producing high volumes of complex parts with excellent precision. When applied at startup, our semi-permanent mold release agents for thermoplastics help to extend run times and make for a more efficient injection molding process.
We support common materials like PP, PE (HDPE, LDPE), polystyrene, and PVC as well as high-performance engineering plastics like ABS, PC (polycarbonate), PA (Nylons), POM, PMMA (acrylics), PET, and thermoplastic olefins (TPOs). We also support thermoplastic elastomers (TPE, TPU, and TPR) and specialty thermoplastics such as PEEK, PPA, and others.
Compression Molded Thermoplastics and Composites
Compression molding can be a more effective and economical for certain thermoplastic applications but is more commonly used to produce rubber, thermoset, and composite parts. Common supported thermoplastics used in compression molding include PP, HDPE, UMHW, and TPEs. McLube also offers release systems for fiber-reinforced Nylons, PPS, PEEK, and more. Read more about our mold release systems for FRP and advanced composites here.
Extruded Thermoplastics
Our release agents may be used during startup in thermoplastic extrusion operations to prevent sticking and buildup on die heads.
