What is nanotechnology?
Nanotechnology is a science capable of operating at the atomic level on a dimensional scale smaller than a micrometer. It enables the design and production of new materials — nanomaterials — used in the development of ultra-high-performance products and equipment. The plastics industry uses nanomaterials to create polymers with superior performance in terms of durability, mechanical strength, and aesthetic properties.
What is NanoMoldCoating®?
NanoMoldCoating® is a mold coating formulated using nanotechnology to facilitate part release for up to 300,000 cycles per application. It creates a colorless, non-toxic, hardened polymer film with a thickness of only 100 nanometers; therefore, it does not affect the dimensions of the finished parts.
How does NanoMoldCoating® work?
NMC coatings are formulated from various chemical components that self-assemble when applied to a substrate. These components work together to form a microscopic nanometric mesh that prevents polymer molecules from coming into contact with the surface structures of the substrate. This network is vapor-permeable, allowing gases to escape from the substrate and enabling the coating to “breathe.”
Once applied, NanoMoldCoating completes its process in two phases. In the first phase, it anchors itself to the substrate by filling the microscopic peaks and valleys of the surface and bonding to the free molecules present on it. In the second phase, the coating cross-links during curing, forming the microscopic nano-mesh structure that provides hydrophobic and oleophobic properties.
This structure can withstand a wide range of temperatures without compromising the stability of the nano-mesh cross-linked structure or its adhesion to the substrate. NanoMoldCoating also has inherent flexibility, allowing it to expand and contract with the substrate within these temperature ranges without cracking or delaminating.
What makes NanoMoldCoating different from other mold release agents or mold coatings?
NMC is a semi-permanent hard coating. Unlike aerosol products, it does not migrate onto the surface of the molded part, eliminating the need for frequent reapplication. It does not affect the dimensional integrity of molded parts. In addition, it can be applied in-house, avoiding the need to send molds to external suppliers, resulting in significant time and cost savings.
How many types of NanoMoldCoating are available?
There are 2 families and 5 different types:
HC™ Heat Cure and HCF™ Heat Cure FDA are slow heat-curing coatings designed for molds that are outside the injection molding machine during application.
Features:
- Withstands temperatures up to 530°C
- Compatible with all types of plastics
- Curing time: 3–4 hours
- Cured using hot air
- Applied to mold surfaces at room temperature
- Optimal application on molds outside the press and on non-heated molds
- Solvent-based coating
- Non-toxic and colorless polymer film
- La formulazione HCF ha la certificazione FDA americana per utilizzo in ambiti medico e alimentare, è più morbida dell’HC, si usura più rapidamente.
2. QC™ Quick Cure, QC Rubber™, QC Silicon™ sono rivestimenti a polimerizzazione rapida e viene applicato sullo stampo in macchina.
General features:
- Withstands temperatures up to a maximum of 260°C
- Compatible with all types of plastics
- Curing time: 15–30 minutes
- Curing achieved by heating the mold (temperature control unit)
- Applied to hot mold surfaces
- Water-based
- Thermosetting polymer film, colorless, non-toxic.
- May require more frequent applications compared to HC or HCF.
- Touch-ups can be carried out easily and quickly while the mold is in the press and still hot.
- QCRU™ – Rapid-curing coating scientifically engineered to facilitate the release of all types of rubber parts and applied directly in the press.
- QCSI™ – Rapid-curing coating scientifically engineered to facilitate the release of all types of silicone parts and applied directly in the press.
What temperature range can NMC withstand?
HC and HCF withstand temperatures up to approximately 530 °C, while QC, QCRU, and QCSI withstand temperatures up to approximately 260 °C.
What are the application methods for NMC coatings?
- HC™ Heat Cure e HCF™ Heat Cure FDA:
HC and HCF coatings are applied to the mold at room temperature in the workshop. After thoroughly cleaning the surface to be treated, the application can begin. Depending on the mold configuration, the supplied microfiber cloth or pad, or a small brush, may be used.
The HC coating comes in a single bottle containing the product, so it only needs to be shaken before opening.
The HCF coating comes in two bottles (A and B) that must be mixed together. Pour the entire contents of component B (small bottle) into the bottle containing component A (larger bottle), close the cap, and shake thoroughly for at least one minute to obtain a homogeneous mixture.
Proceed by pouring a small amount of product onto the pad or cloth and apply it to the surface in one direction. If applied correctly, the surface should appear damp but not wet, similar to wiping the surface with an alcohol-soaked wipe. If the pad or cloth dries out, add more product.
After applying the coating in one direction, apply a second coat in a perpendicular direction over the same area. The purpose of the second coat and the change in direction is to ensure complete surface coverage. Make sure there are no streaks or excess product build-up, as these may create sticky residues once cured.
Next, using a standard heat gun, begin the curing process. Set the heat gun to 290–320 °C. Holding the gun approximately 10–15 cm from the surface, apply heat using a slow, broad up-and-down motion for at least 10 minutes over the entire coated area.
Both HC and HCF coatings contain a UV tracer dye that becomes visible under black light, allowing you to confirm that the entire area has been coated.
If desired, a second coat may be applied for increased durability.
Once the operation is complete, cover the mold with a clean cloth to prevent dust from settling on the coating. Allow it to rest for at least three hours to ensure complete curing.
- QC™ Quick Cure, QC Rubber™, QC Silicon™:
Quick Cure family coatings (Quick Cure, Quick Cure Rubber, and Quick Cure Silicone) are applied directly to the mold while it is in the press, controlling the surface temperature through the temperature control unit.
After thoroughly cleaning the mold, heat the surface to be coated to 50 °C.
Shake the coating bottle thoroughly before use and before any reapplication. Spray the product directly onto the mold surface or onto the microfiber cloth included in the kit. Lightly wipe the cloth in one direction, ensuring a thin and even layer is created. Immediately remove any excess build-up or streaks.
Once the entire area has been covered, reapply the coating, this time wiping in a perpendicular direction to ensure complete and uniform coverage.
After application, heat the mold to 115 °C and allow the coating to cure for 15–20 minutes before production.
If the mold surface cannot reach 115 °C, increase the curing time proportionally to the reduction in temperature.
Once cured, the mold is ready for use.
Does it create build-up or affect tolerances?
No. The coating thickness is approximately 100–200 nm, making it virtually immeasurable.
What is the product’s shelf life once opened and resealed?
- HC product: 12 months after opening.
- HCF product: approximately 6 months after opening.
- QC product: approximately 9 months after opening.
- QCRU product: approximately 12 months after opening.
- QCSI product: approximately 6 months after opening.
In che modo aiuta il riempimento e il compattamento dei pezzi?
Reduces friction along the material flow path, improving part filling and compaction.
Durability (How many cycles can I expect?)
The service life depends on various factors, including:
- Mold design
- Molding parameters
- Type of plastic material, fillers, and additives
In general:
- Olefin-based materials and unfilled resins: 100,000–500,000 cycles
- Filled materials: 10,000–100,000 cycles
In both cases, the return on investment is rapid thanks to reduced cycle times, fewer machine stoppages caused by parts sticking in the mold, and the reduction or elimination of traditional release agents.
What is the coefficient of friction?
The kinetic coefficient of friction ranges from 0.50 to 0.130 according to ASTM 1894 under laboratory conditions. What matters most, however, is the actual performance in the specific application. Customers switch to NMC for its superior release properties and flexibility of use.
Temperature comparison with PTFE coatings
PTFE coatings begin to degrade at 230–260 °C. HC and HCF products withstand temperatures up to 530 °C.
Can the coating crack or peel off?
No. HC is resistant up to 530 °C and forms a nano-network engineered to expand and contract with the thermal expansion of the steel. Wear occurs microscopically over time.
Does the coating penetrate into the substrate it is applied to?
The coating forms a covalent bond with the atoms on the substrate surface. On more porous materials such as aluminum, it can also penetrate the pores during the bonding process.
What does it mean that the coating facilitates mold cleaning?
The coating forms a microscopic nano-network film with hydrophobic and oleophobic properties that protects the mold and facilitates the cleaning of material build-up caused by resin gases. In addition, it acts as a corrosion inhibitor and prevents oxidation.
Can the molded parts be painted or chrome-plated afterwards?
Absolutely. The coating does not migrate onto the part surface and does not interfere with post-molding treatments.
Can it be used in clean rooms?
Yes. The cured coating does not release the typical properties associated with silicone and does not migrate onto the part surface.
Può essere utilizzato in ambienti di verniciatura?
Yes, for the same reasons: it does not release silicone and does not migrate onto the part surface.
Su quali materiali può essere applicato NanoMoldCoating®?
It adheres to virtually any metallic substrate, including:
- All mold steels
- Stainless steels
- alluminium
For aluminum, a greater amount of product may be required compared to steel due to its higher porosity. Excellent results have also been achieved on epoxy resin molds.
Does it work on chrome-plated surfaces or other existing coatings?
Although originally designed for bare steel, it has also demonstrated good performance on chrome-plated surfaces as well as PTFE and nickel coatings.
Can it be applied to moving parts (slides, inserts, guide pillars)?
No. In these cases, Min-Lube is recommended — a nanotechnology-based grease specifically designed for harsh environments and for the food and pharmaceutical industries. It is mineral oil-based, thickened with a proprietary calcium sulfonate complex, and enhanced with additives for thermal, oxidative, and mechanical stability.
What effect does it have on photo-etched or textured surfaces?
The coating thickness is so minimal that it does not fill or alter surface textures.
What effect does it have on sandblasted or matte surfaces?
The coating seals the surface with a microscopic hard layer. A slight improvement in surface finish or a minimal change in gloss level may occur.
What effect does it have on mirror-finish surfaces?
If applied correctly, it does not alter the surface and may even improve its performance.
Which plastic resins is it compatible with?
It is effective on all thermoplastics and on flexible thermosetting materials (polyurethanes, silicones, etc.). Performance depends on the mold, material, resin, and process parameters.
Is it effective for rubber applications?
Yes, it has been successfully used on black rubber, silicone, TPE, TPU, and other compounds.
In which other processes can it be used?
- Injection molding.
- Blow molding
- Thermoforming
- Extrusion
- Fiberglass lamination
- Epoxy molding
Research is continuously evolving for additional processes as well.
Which applications are not suitable?
It is not suitable for sliding surfaces or threaded cores used with glass fiber-filled materials, which tend to abrade the coating. Threaded cores used with olefins and unfilled materials, however, are suitable.
What effect does it have on transparent parts?
No negative effects; it may even improve transparency.
Is NanoMoldCoating® FDA approved?
The HCF coating is an amorphous cross-linked material that has been tested by internationally accredited independent laboratories and determined to be non-toxic. The HCF version is FDA-certified.
Why is substrate cleaning before application so critical?
Cleaning is essential to prevent sealing contaminants into the surface. Oils, greases, protective agents, release agents, or residues trapped within the surface pores can interfere with the coating’s covalent bonding to the steel. It is therefore critical to thoroughly remove all residues from the surface to be coated.
Afterwards, moisten the white microfiber cloth included in the kit with a 100% pure solvent (ethanol, alcohol, acetone, or MEK solvent) to remove any remaining traces of cleaners or degreasers. The white cloth makes it easier to verify that the surface is completely clean.
Why is a 100% solvent required (instead of water-based or alkaline cleaners)?
The coating cross-links using atmospheric moisture as a catalyst. Moisture or oils introduced prematurely may compromise the curing process.
Can it be applied over an existing coating?
Yes, for HC, HCF, and QC coatings.
How critical is the curing time?
It is essential. The coating must fully cross-link in order to perform correctly.e.
Can brushes be cleaned and reused?
No, it is better to dispose of them to avoid contamination.
How are spray guns cleaned?
Remove the spray nozzle and pump the product onto a cloth until the tube is completely empty.
How can deep ribs and holes be reached?
Use brushes, cotton swabs, or micro-brushes..
Can I use compressed air to distribute the product?
No. Compressed air contains moisture: even a single drop of water can ruin the entire coating.
Can I clean the mold after coating?
Surfaces coated with NanoMoldCoating should be cleaned regularly using NanoMold Cleaner, specifically formulated to remove contaminants without affecting the coating. The use of other, more aggressive cleaners may gradually damage the coating and reduce mold performance.
How is the coating removed?
If it is necessary to remove the coating, simply spray the Remover onto the treated surface and allow it to soak in for a couple of minutes. The Remover is specifically formulated to break down the chemical bonds of the coating. Then scrub firmly to remove the coating.
Is it possible to weld over the coated surface?
Welding will damage the coating in the affected area. Reapplication will be necessary.
Is it possible to machine the surface after coating?
No. Any mechanical machining operation will damage the coating. A new application may be required.
Can release agents be used after application?
Not recommended. They can mask the properties of the coating, and some petroleum-based products may render it ineffective.