Since release agents find use in very many casting processes - whether in production of sand cores, sand moulds or in injection moulding of plastic - it is useful to group them according to their main fields of application. This product line includes liquid and pelletized, water miscible and water-free materials.

Products that are miscible with water are generally supplied in the form of a concentrate that already contains a certain fraction of water. These products are mixed with water in automatic mixing pumps that transport the mixed emulsion to the place of use either directly or by way of circulation lines.

Although these water miscible release agents can be applied using manual spray guns, this is more commonly done using spraying systems or spray robots, with which the appropriate metering and fine nebulization required for reliable formation of a release agent film on the moulds can also be achieved.

Thus, water miscible release agents are used for the die casting, squeeze casting, thixo casting and centrifugal casting processes. Such products generally consist of modified polysiloxanes, waxes, and additives designed to enhance the resistance to bacterial attack and corrosion.

The above processes are used to cast aluminum alloys for automotive parts, as well as to produce castings for the furniture and household goods industries. In these areas, the castings are commonly given a surface treatment consisting of chrome plating, painting or powder coating. Thus, the mould release agents may not interfere with surface finishing operations.

Magnesium alloys are shaped both by die casting, and by thixo or squeeze casting. The demands on release agents used with such alloys include freedom from silicone and mineral oils, to permit subsequent chrome plating and coating processes.

Zinc alloys similarly require specific release agents that can be used in automatic production lines and afford high process reliability, while allowing subsequent gold or chrome plating with a mirror finish.

Liquid release agents are used at mould temperatures of less than 100°C, prohibiting the use of a water containing release agent due to the excessively low mould temperatures. Such materials are used in casting metals such as tin, lead and zinc alloys, as well as to produce thin-walled die castings of magnesium. As a rule, these products contain synthetic or mineral oils, but are always free of silicones.

Pasty release agents are only suitable and usable in cases where the product is not applied automatically. This is generally the case when new or renovated moulds are broken in, when moulds are impregnated, or in situations where supplementary lubrication is occasionally required.

Anti-soldering release agents are free of graphite and other solids, are applied by brushing, and permit use of the lubricated casting if excessive lubrication is avoided.

Liquid piston lubes are mixtures of high-quality mineral oils and additives that are used to enhance the release performance when contact is made with the casting metal. They are applied to the pistons and shot sleeves of injection moulding machines by spraying, dripping or brushing, and are suitable for all combinations of materials (for example beryllium-copper/steel and gray cast iron/steel).

HA Trennpellet KTp 35 represents a more modern alternative. This product consists of a mixture of waxes supplied in the form of 1.5 - 2.5 mm pellets. Due to its marked capillary effect, HA Trennpellet KTp 35 affords an unbroken "parting agent shield" in the shot chamber. A DW Pellet Meter, that is already in its second generation of development and ensures maintenance-free application of HA Trennpellet KTp 35, is used to charge the release agent to the shot chamber.

High-temperature pastes were developed to protect iron materials against aluminum melts; they exhibit long-term activity and when applied properly, completely eliminate wear of the pertinent scoops, ladles and casting runners.

High-temperature lubricating pastes for the moving parts of moulds reduce the friction between contacting segments that are exposed to high thermal stresses. Thus, they decrease wear and accordingly enhance the endurance and service life of the mechanical elements.

High-temperature lubricating pastes for the moving parts of moulds reduce the friction between contacting segments that are exposed to high thermal stresses. Thus, they decrease wear and accordingly enhance the endurance and service life of the mechanical elements.

Permanent mould coatings similarly represent release agents, but their range of properties satisfies an extended set of requirements. Standard requirements are that they facilitate release and lubricate the interface between the solidified casting and the permanent mould.

Thermal insulation and defined surface roughness control the balance of heat in permanent moulds, and facilitate gas-free charging in casting. The ability to dissipate heat is also a typical function of permanent mould coatings, and serves to establish a thermal equilibrium by reducing peak temperatures at overheated points of casting moulds.

In contrast to conventional release agents, permanent mould coatings offer long service lives and permit recoating intervals of up to eight days.

Please contact your HA Representative to select the right product for your needs.