Plastic Mold Steels
Porcerax II
There are two times cleaning must to be performed to Porcerax II:
The first time is when the tool shop has prepared the insert or cavity. The
material is 25% air by volume and the cutting fluids will displace the air, thus
filling and clogging the pores. After the permeability has been restored, by
either stoning or EDMing the venting surface, the steel should be placed in an
oven at about 350°F. for approximately 2-3 hours. This will thin and remove most
of the fluids in the pore structure. Once cooled to room temperature, place the
insert in an ultrasonic cleaning unit (built for flammable solvents) filled with
acetone. These units have spark-proof switches, water chillers and are
temperature monitored. This is the only recommended type cleaner for cleaning
Porcerax II.
The steel should be thoroughly blown dry through a drilled, tapped, and EDM-relieved
hole in the side of the insert or cavity. This clean-out or back-flush hole
should be designed to accept a shop air fitting. This will be very useful over
the life of the insert in back-flushing fluid and future residue from the
insert, and for checking restored permeability with filtered shop air. (See
photo below.) If the cleaning operation is not completed, due to the trapped
fluids, inside permeability will not exist.
Note: In addition to the other cleaning methods, it may be necessary to
back-flush the Porcerax II inserts with acetone, using air pressure, in order
to thoroughly clean the inserts. Care should be taken when using solvents
under pressure.
Note: These cleaning steps may need to be repeated
Note: Do not use any heating device that may be supplied by the
ultrasonic cleaner.
The second time cleaning is needed is after the insert or cavity has been in
operation and film, a thin layer of mold release agent, resin residue, shop oil
or any other contaminate has partially or totally blocked the air flow. There
are two primary ways to clean this surface:
- Spray or brush a liberal amount of acetone, mold cleaner or solvent onto
the contaminated surface of the steel, wait a few minutes, then back-flush the
insert with filtered compressed air. This can be done through the drilled and
tapped hole previously discussed. Or, if material is inserted, by tapping the
exhaust line that exits the core block and attaching an air fitting there.
- The second and preferred way to clean the porous material is to
remove the insert or take the small cavity and place the insert in an
ultrasonic cleaning unit (built for flammable solvents) filled with acetone.
These units have spark-proof switches, water chillers, and are temperature
mounted. This is the only recommended type cleaner for cleaning Porcerax
II.
Note: In addition to the other cleaning methods, it may be necessary to
back-flush the Porcerax II inserts with acetone, using air pressure, in order
to thoroughly clean the inserts. Care should be taken when using solvents
under pressure.
Note: Either of these cleaning steps may need to be repeated
Note: When cleaning Porcerax II, if Dichtol sealed waterlines are
present, the need to
reseal these waterlines will be required.
Note: With some engineered resins it may be necessary to clean Porcerax
II inserts with other chemicals such as a 6 to 8% Sodium Hydroxide solution.
This can be used in an ultrasonic cleaner with temperatures up to 160 degrees
F, for a period not to exceed 40 minutes. Immediate flushing with water as a
neutralizer should take place in order to prevent corrosion within the
Porcerax II insert. A 45-minute ultrasonic cleaning in water should follow
this. Then remove the insert and dry with filtered compressed air. Consult
your chemical supplier for the necessary safety instructions!
For further information and questions regarding Porcerax II cleaning please
call:
IMS 1-800-625-6653
It is imperative that anyone coming into contact with Porcerax II during the
mold building or molding operations understand the characteristics and
sensitivity of this material. Any questions should be directed to International
Mold Steel at 1-800-625-6653.
 NOTE:
All technical and engineering data and suggested procedures, specifications and
applications contained in this publication are for general information only.
Sintokogio, Ltd., International Mold Steel and/or their distributors disclaim
any and all express or implied warranties of merchantability, suitability for
any particular purpose or use, or freedom from infringement of any patent,
trademark or copyright. Porcerax II® is a registered trademark of International
Mold Steel, Inc. and Sintokogio, Ltd..
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