Release Agent for Molds in the Footwear and Automotive Industries

A release agent (or mold release agent) is used to facilitate the removal of a molded part from the mold. It is sprayed onto the mold surface prior to the molding process to make demolding easier and prevent damage to the part. Examples include:

Polyurethane (PU): For automotive seats, motorcycle seats, furniture cushions, and shoe soles.

Rubber: For shoe soles.

EVA: For shoe soles.

Types of release agents

Available products are primarily categorized by their base medium into two types:

Solvent-based: These can be diluted with solvent at ratios exceeding 1:20. They offer superior performance for parts with complex patterns, emphasizing surface finish to ensure the final product is aesthetically pleasing and meets customer specifications.

Water-based: These can be diluted with water at ratios exceeding 1:30. They are suitable for parts requiring a very smooth surface finish without complex patterns. They are user-friendly, environmentally friendly, and easy to use.

Evaluating release agent performance

An effective release agent must facilitate easy demolding without damaging the part—avoiding issues such as staining, discoloration, or tearing. Eliminating demolding problems leads to several additional benefits:

Reduced processing time

Lower production costs

Increased productivity

Selecting a release agent

The choice of release agent depends primarily on the following factors:

Type of molded partIt also depends on the nature of the raw material—such as PU (used for automotive seats, furniture upholstery, or PU shoe soles), rubber, or EVA.

Molding temperature: The suitability of the release agent for specific temperature ranges directly impacts performance efficiency.

Complexity or patterning of the workpiece: Workpieces with intricate designs or complex patterns require higher-performance release agents compared to simpler ones.

Surface gloss: Different release agents contain varying formulations, which inevitably result in different surface finishes on the final product.

Release agents for footwear

Release agents are just as crucial for footwear as they are for other types of products. Footwear often showcases beautiful, modern surface patterns that evolve with fashion trends to attract consumer interest. Consequently, the molded product must be of high quality, free from damage to the structure or surface. This ensures that subsequent processes—such as painting or assembly—proceed flawlessly, thereby reducing production time and costs.

Release agents for automotive seats

Release agents are vital for automotive seats. Although the surface finish may not always be prominently displayed, the strict standards governing automotive components necessitate that release agents also meet rigorous quality benchmarks. Furthermore, as automotive seats are large components requiring surface uniformity, high-quality release agents are essential to ensure efficient demolding without damaging the product—an important consideration given the tactile experience expected by the end-user. Since the product comes into direct contact with the workpiece, selecting the right release agent for automotive seats is of critical importance.

Thinakorn Company is a distributor of release agents from the Italian brand Marbo—an innovator in the production of a wide range of release agents that are manufactured and sold globally. With over 30 years of experience, Thinakorn is ready to provide valuable knowledge, consultation, and advice to customers. Please feel free to contact us for inquiries at no cost.

Marbo Italia: http://www.marboitalia.it/