Injection Molding

AXEL MoldWiz® benefits...

· increase MFI / reduce resin viscosity

· quicker cycles

· easy mold release

· improved dispersion of color and filler

· easy cavity fill

· eliminate stress and flow marks

· improved cosmetic surfaces

· reduce coefficient of friction

· clean parts, ready for finishing

AXEL MoldWiz® internal lubricants are available as easy to use 100% active pellets and in powder and liquid form.

Internal Lubricants & Injection Molding

What is an internal lubricant? Why are they used?

Internal lubricants are materials which are mixed directly into resin to improve release properties and also improve molding or processing characteristics.

How do they work?

They are activated by the heat of the molding process and work by reducing the cohesive forces between adjacent polymer molecules. Most commodity-type lubricants, like metallic stearates, are single purpose additives that may have negative as well as positive effects. Proprietary lubricants like Axel's MoldWiz are formulated to function synergistically with polymers - promoting maximum processing efficiency without delaying fusion time or compromising physical properties of the molded polymer.

Do internal lubricants need to be compounded into resin?

Internal lubricants can be compounded directly into resin to make masterbatches. Or, injection molders can simply dry tumble or gravitationally mix the lubricant with the resin. MoldWiz internal lubricants can also be fed directly at the throat with additive feeders and may be incorporated with color and other additives. Resin compounders will appreciate the improvement in dispersion that MoldWiz lubricants offer.

How much is used?

MoldWiz internal lubricants are 100% active ingredients. No fillers or binders means no resin contamination and high efficiency at low additive loading levels. In most cases, injection molders see good results with as little as 0.3% of lubricant based on resin weight (136g lubricant/100 lbs of resin).

Will using an internal lubricants effect the clarity or color of resin or change the physical properties of molded parts?

When used in the recommended additive range, internal lubricants can actually improve physical properties. Because these materials tend to reduce resin viscosity, resin flows better, reducing flow marks and knit lines on parts. When fillers and color are added to resin, internal lubricants are a definite asset in wetting and dispersing these additives. Because MoldWiz internal lubricants are highly effective at very low additive levels and are formulated for a specific resin or resin group, they generally have no effect on resin color or clarity.

If an internal lubricant is used, will parts need to be cleaned before they can be painted or bonded?

Absolutely not. The small amount of MoldWiz internal lubricant that is needed to improve molding is generally consumed within the molding process, so parts are clean and ready for finishing.

Are MoldWiz lubricants expensive?

The economics of additives is especially relevant in injection molding , where profit margins are frequently quite narrow. What must be understood however, is that an expensive additive can offer savings by reducing cycle times, processing temperatures, and scrap rates.

What our customers say:

...MoldWiz INT-33PA allows us to mold PP caps and lids 8% faster and tubs and containers 16% faster.

...Before we used MoldWiz internal lubricants we needed to use a spray release every 8-10 cycles... not only have we been able to eliminate spraying, but our parts look better and we have fewer rejects.

...bent and broken ejector pins plagued this line, but your MoldWiz has changed that.

...you're right, my customer had no trouble hot stamping parts molded with your additive!

...We were able to reduce melt temperature 30 degrees allowing us to cycle the polycarbonate faster...cavity fill was much better and clarity was uneffected. Thanks.

MoldWiz is a registered trademark of Axel Plastic Research Laboratories, Inc.