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Silicone vs. Non-Silicone Mold Release: How to Choose

Silicone-based mold releases have been a staple in the molding industry for over 60 years. Sticky parts were the status quo during the infancy of the molding industry, and even as technology has evolved and mold design and mold making materials have improved, mold releases still play a significant roll in improving cycle times and helping eject sticky parts.

As molds get deeper into their cycle life, they may develop minor issues that don’t impact part finish or quality, yet create issues with parts ejecting. And this slows cycle times. A mold release may help extend the life of the mold before it requires significant maintenance or repairs.

Silicone vs non-silicone releases

Following is quick check of the pros and cons of these two formulations to help you choose:

Pros and Cons of Silicone releases

Pros

1) It is the best lubricant. It is slippery and durable

2) Last longer without re-application

3) Provides the most cycles per spray

4) Can usually be used in food-related molding

Cons

1) Not paintable

2) Not recommended if the plastic part will have these secondary operations

- Pad printing

- Hot stamping

- Ultrasonic welding

3) Not compatible with electrical components

- Silicone is a resistor and impedes current

Pros and Cons of Non-Silicone releases

Pros

1) Paintable

2) Recommended when parts have secondary operations

3) Some formulations can be used for food-related molding

4) Can be used with electrical components

Cons

1) Not as good a lubricant as silicone

2) Not as durable as silicone

3) Needs re-application more often

It is always valuable to contact your local Slide distributor, or visit SlideProducts.com, when you have a question about a specific molding application. With over six decades of experience Slide can offer technical expertise and guidance in selecting the formulation that will give you the best solution.

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