A Complete Guide To Cleaning Refrigerator Foam Molds

Improving foaming quality and extending mold life starts with cleaning

In the refrigerator production process, PU foaming is the key link to ensure the thermal insulation effect and product structural strength. As the core component of the entire molding system, the cleanliness of the foaming mold will directly affect the foaming uniformity of the PU material, the bonding quality of the thermal insulation layer and the demoulding efficiency.

As the number of uses increases, polyurethane residual glue will gradually accumulate on the mold surface. If it is not cleaned in time, it will not only cause foaming defects and mold cavity adhesion, but may even damage the mold surface texture, affecting the consistency and appearance of the finished refrigerator liner.

The following are several effective cleaning methods summarized for common working conditions of refrigerator foaming molds:

1. Use professional cleaning agents: quickly remove foam residues

In daily maintenance, it is recommended to use special PU mold cleaning agents , such as isocyanate cleaning fluid or foaming agent residual glue dissolving agent. These products have high-efficiency penetration and dissolving properties, and can quickly remove PU residues without damaging the mold coating or surface treatment layer. It is especially suitable for high-precision parts such as liner molds and door molds.

2. Organic solvent-assisted cleaning: suitable for slight adhesion

If the residue is not large, you can use acetone, alcohol, gasoline and other conventional organic solvents for preliminary cleaning. These solvents can soften the PU foam and make it easier to peel. Be careful to avoid long-term contact of solvents with rubber or plastic parts such as mold sealing strips and guide columns during operation, and be sure to operate in a well-ventilated workshop.

3. Use the impact force of water: suitable for foam glue that is not fully cured

If the foaming operation has just ended and some of the foaming agent has overflowed from the mold cavity but has not yet completely solidified, you can use a high-pressure water gun to immediately wash it. The impact of water can quickly take away most of the foaming glue, and then use a cleaning agent to scrub it, which can achieve twice the result with half the effort. This method is particularly suitable for the treatment of mild flying glue generated by the automatic pouring system.

4. Scrape + Cleaner Combination: Remove stubborn cured adhesive residues

For PU rubber blocks that have been completely cured , it is recommended to use a special plastic scraper to gently scrape off the surface consolidation layer to avoid metal tools directly scratching the inner wall of the mold or the heating area. After scraping, apply an appropriate amount of cleaning agent to soften the residual glue, and use a soft brush to assist in cleaning, which will be more effective. Especially in the door seal mold or complex rib structure area, it is necessary to handle it more carefully.

Additional suggestions: Precautions other than cleaning

• After each foaming, timely cleaning of mold residue can greatly reduce the possibility of glue accumulation.
• It is recommended to arrange deep cleaning and maintenance once a week, and regularly check whether the exhaust holes and heat conducting sheets are blocked.
• the release agent after cleaning to form a protective film on the mold surface to prevent secondary adhesion
• If the mold is wet after cleaning with water or solvent, use compressed gas or a cold air blower to dry the mold gap to prevent corrosion and poor foaming.

Conclusion

Cleaning refrigerator molds is not only a process maintenance link, but also an important guarantee for improving product yield and reducing operating costs. A clean mold not only makes foaming smoother and demoulding easier, but also gives refrigerator manufacturing higher quality stability.

If you have more requirements for mold cleaning, maintenance or matching cleaning agent selection, please contact our technical team to provide professional support for your production line!