Some surface treatments are made to improve the extraction of the sole from the mould by reducing friction and extending the life of the moulds.
The choice of mould treatment depends on the materials used, the specific production requirements and the desired characteristics of the soles. The correct application of these surface treatments can significantly extend the life of the moulds.
Here are some of the mould treatments
Nitriding
Nitriding is a thermochemical process in which the surface layer of moulds is enriched with nitrogen. This process increases the hardness of the surface and improves wear and corrosion resistance.
Chrome plating
Chrome plating is a surface treatment in which a layer of chrome is deposited on the surface of moulds. Chrome plating provides a hard, corrosion-resistant surface, reducing wear and extending the life of moulds.
Titanium Plating or Titanium Nitride
Titanium plating or coating with titanium nitride can improve the wear resistance and durability of moulds. These coatings also provide a smoother surface, reducing friction during the moulding process.
Carburisation
Carburisation is a thermal process that introduces carbon onto the surface of moulds, increasing their hardness.
Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating
The DLC coating consists of a thin layer of amorphous carbon, like the structure of diamond. This coating can provide an extremely hard surface, reducing wear and improving chemical resistance.
Polishing
Good polishing of the mould surface can improve the surface finish of the soles and reduce friction during the extrusion or injection process.
Non-stick coatings
As our associate Mr Claudio Arduini of MPC in Urbino explains, these coatings are applied to facilitate the release of the moulded material and reduce the accumulation of residues. As a mould treatment, non-stick coatings, e.g. Teflon or similar materials, can be applied.
There are various types:
- FEP: high non-stick, intended for easier extraction and to reduce the use of release agents; operating temperature + 205°C continuous.
- PTFE: high non-stickiness, excellent chemical inertness, intended for easier extraction and reduced use of release agents; operating temperature + 260°C continuous.
- Reinforced base + PTFE: reinforced for greater strength under high friction conditions, excellent chemical inertness, intended for easier extraction and reduced use of release agents; operating temperature + 260°C continuous.
- PFA: high non-stickiness, excellent chemical inertness, intended for easier extraction and reduced use of release agents; operating temperature + 260°C continuous.
- SOL-GEL: high non-stick properties, intended for easier extraction and reduced use of release agents; operating temperature + 350°C continuous.
These non-stick coatings are intended to:
- Simplifying production processes: Reduced effort in the moulding and demoulding process: no need to insert release sheets or use release agent in each cycle.
- Increasing production efficiency: Increased production speed through a shorter process and reduced cycle times.
- Adaptable surface/thicknesses : The standard indicative thickness of the coatings is 35 – 40 µ to adapt and not to change the mould structure and design, but at the same time it is adjustable and can be increased at the customer’s request.
- Cost savings: Less cleaning effort, less waste and fewer working hours.
- No more uneven surfaces: No slipping release film or wrong amount of release agent thanks to our coatings.
Learn more about the world of moulded soles.
