Top-notch production quality in plastic component manufacturing requires meticulous maintenance of injection molds. With antiquated mold cleaning methods being gradually replaced with new technologies across various industries, laser cleaning has surfaced as an advanced new tool. It presents a groundbreaking solution that promises rapid, safe, and comprehensive residue removal.
Mold Maintenance for Superior Product Quality
Complex injection molds can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, so producers want to utilize them for as long as possible. They are designed for long-term use, often processing more than 1 million components during their service life. Yet leftover residue in a mold can lead to misalignments and material inconsistencies, producing below-standard parts with defects as a result. To ensure the quality of the finished product does not deteriorate, molds, their cavities, and cooling channels must be well-maintained and properly coated. Proper preventive mold care is planned and regular, with diagnostics done systematically to ensure long-term performance.
Laser Mold Cleaning
Laser cleaning technology is powered by a concentrated laser beam which blasts away material residue and mold release agents, restoring the mold’s cavities to a perfectly clean state, ready for immediate utilization.
Unlike cleaning by hand or blasting molds with other media, laser cleaning:
- vaporizes dirt particles
- generates no secondary waste
- uses no consumables
- requires no physical force
- reduces worker exposure to toxic substances
- is environmentally friendly
Laser cleaning works well with most metallic molds, but with a variety of systems available on the market, it’s crucial to select equipment that suits your specific application. If you are producing plastic components with a polished finish, choose a laser that will not damage the microstructure of the material.
The Optimal Laser System for Your Molds
CleanTech laser cleaning systems by Laser Photonics are available in a range of configurations and tailored to the customer’s unique manufacturing needs. We design handheld tools, semi-automated systems for conveyor production, and robotic workcells integrating laser technology and purpose-built configurations to accommodate existing production lines.
If you are seeking a new solution for your mold maintenance processes, reach out to us to speak with a laser specialist. We take pride in identifying the right fix for material processing challenges in manufacturing and other industrial applications.