The Ultimate Guide to Polyurethane Release Agents

Polyurethane release agents are essential components in the manufacturing process of polyurethane products. They are designed to provide a barrier between the mold and the polyurethane material, ensuring easy demolding and maintaining the integrity of the final product. In this guide, we will delve into the intricacies of polyurethane release agents, exploring their types, applications, and benefits.

Working Principle of Polyurethane Mold Release Agent

The adhesion between polyurethane and mold surface is generally considered to be due to two reasons.First, the surface of the mold is usually covered by a very thin or even single-molecule layer of water film, which reacts with the isocyanate to produce strong adhesion.Secondly, the bonding is caused by the chemical bonding between the polar groups of the surface layer inside the mold and the polar groups of polyurethane and poly pulse.In order to make the product release well, there must be a dense and smooth film on the surface of the mold. It is required that the film does not react with the raw material but also has a certain adhesion to the mold, and at the same time has a certain flexibility.The effective release material (generally inert material) through the medium (water) evenly sprayed on the mold, after the medium (water) evaporation will form a smooth film, so as to play a release effect.

Types of Polyurethane Release Agents:

Our PU mold release agents are chemically engineered to develop a non-carbonizing and heat-stable film which wets the mold surface evenly to ensure long manufacturing rounds without compromising the urethane skin. Meiyahg offers both water and solvent polyurethane resin release agent with 100% non-flammable, low VOC, and low odor.  The non-silicone mold release agent for polyurethane will not transfer when paint and adhesives are applied during post-molding operations. Our chemical release agent do not contain solvents, is non-flammable, odorless, and produces multiple releases.
  1. Water-Based Release Agents: These are environmentally friendly options that have low VOC emissions and are non-flammable. They are ideal for applications where safety and environmental concerns are paramount.
  2. Solvent-Based Release Agents: These agents provide excellent release properties but may have higher VOC emissions. They are suitable for applications where the release properties are more critical than environmental concerns.
  3. Silicone-Based Release Agents: These agents offer superior release properties and are widely used in the industry. They are versatile and can be used in a variety of applications.

Applications Of Polyurethane Release Agent 

At Meiyahg, we offer different types of SAKURAI Polyurethane Release Agents that you can use according to your needs. Our product can be used for :
  • Rigid Foam: Used in the production of insulation materials, automotive parts, and construction materials. The release agent ensures that the foam does not stick to the mold and maintains its shape and integrity.
  • Flexible Foam: Commonly used in the manufacturing of furniture, mattresses, and automotive seats. The release agent helps to produce a smooth and consistent foam surface.
  • Elastomers: Used in the production of shoe soles, gaskets, and seals. The release agent ensures that the elastomer does not stick to the mold and maintains its elasticity and shape.

Options for Polyurethane Molders

  • Water or solvent-based options
  • Concentrated or ready-to-use
  • Semi-permanent or sacrificial coatings
  • Non-flammable options
  • VOC-free options
  • Aerosol

Our Polyurethane Release Agent Feature

The major concern most molders have is material contamination by the mould lubricant, but our Polyurethane release agent are chemically inert and bond to the mold or tooling surface for superior, contamination-free release characteristics without transfer. Our exclusive formulas resist transfer and not ever buildup on parts and tooling as they are non-oily, non-dusting, and dry clean on the substrate.Meiyahg specialized Polyurethane release agents are exclusively designed in a way that they can  provide our customer with the following benefits:
  1. Superior part release: Meiyahg specializes in Polyurethane release agent product formula that provides multiple releases per application and optimized part quality.  So, you will get reduced downtime with fewer defects irrespective of the polyurethane molding process.
  2. Minimal Transfer: Meiyahg customized polyurethane release agents are formulated to form a durable, even and a robust film on the mold surface that ensures minimal transfer to the part. This feature ensures that any secondary operations, such as gluing or painting, do not get affected which also reduces the need for time-wasting clean-up.
  3. Lower defect rates: Our formulations are flawlessly balanced, ensure durability, provide optimum surface slip, and minimal build-up.  Therefore, the molded parts manufactured more consistently and with a high level of efficiency.
  4. Higher quality parts: Meiyahg ’s specialized PU mold release formulations exceed all standard urethane molding requirements. Therefore, the result is a product line with lower build-up on tooling and almost non-sticky, greasy residues ensuring greater quality parts and inferior rejection rates.
  5. Less downtime / Higher efficiency: Our polyurethane release agent are specially formulated to maximize releases per applications while minimizing mold fouling. This feature ultimately leads to less time required to apply mould release agents and less time to clean up the remains that lesser quality release agents leave behind.
  6. Water-based, no/low VOC emissions, cleaner safer working environments: The states which have strict VOC regulation and air quality authorization protocol or the companies who prefer products that are safe and have no odor, Meiyahg has created a collection of polyurethane release agents that are water-based, VOC free or low VOC. Furthermore, our products not only provide a solution to lower VOC output but these excellent products also ensure optimal performance just like the solvent-based products you have used.
  7. Optimized surface finish:  Sakurai Polyurethane release agents are designed to offer a variety of surface finishes.  Its high gloss, matte, or 100% dry finish you require, we have specialized formulation in each category to meet your needs. Our solutions will meet your surface finish requirements without leaving any greasy and oily residues behind like the other mould release agents do.
  8. Less waste and Cleaner final products: Our Mould Release Spray are designed to give your products a cleaner separation, so as a result, there will be fewer damaged raw materials throughout your operations. When you use PU molding, your end product will have less residue and proper cleanliness, which will result in good appearance and functionality.
  9. Prevents pin-holing: A major concern for plastics and polyurethane molders is Pin-holing. Our release agents are perfected to adequately wet the desired surface to form a durable and even coating that will prevent pin-holing, cracks, knit lines, voids, and surface indiscretions in the polyurethane.
  10. Longer mold life: PU injection molding helps molds to last longer without required replacements. As when you are using our polyurethane release agent, your molds do not constantly undergo cleaning, and the separation process is not as rough on them since undesired bonding does not occur.
In addition to the above benefits, polyurethane release agents also play a crucial role in ensuring that the final product meets the required specifications and quality standards. They help to prevent defects such as pinholes, bubbles, and surface imperfections, which can compromise the performance and aesthetic appeal of the product.When selecting a polyurethane release agent, it is important to consider the specific requirements of the application. Factors such as the type of polyurethane material, the mold material, and the desired surface finish should be taken into account. It is also important to consider the environmental and safety regulations in the area where the product will be manufactured.Over the past 43 years, the company has adhered to excellent quality and attentive service, which has won the truth of our customers and favor. So, switch to Meiyahg-original release agent manufacturer,  and experience higher productivity and profitability through increased acceptance rates, reduced downtime, and enhanced part quality, whether you are a large or small manufacturer.Meiyahg uses the strongest release coating designed for processes that demand a release coating to withstand the most aggressive elastomer chemistry. Therefore, our mold release agent for polyurethane is preferred by industries all around the world to make sure cost-effective, efficient, and high-quality release of their molded parts. Release properties of our polyurethane release agent work with all cast elastomers, rigid foam, flexible foam, visco-elastic foam, and integral skin foam while the coatings provide a perfect fit for all mold surfaces such as steel, aluminum, epoxy, urethane, and fiberglass. They are designed to provide reliable release characteristics without building up on the mold surface. The Reduced buildup will cut down on cleaning time and frequency as well as reduce rejection rates due to poor surface finish or failed release. We offer release agents for Glossy, Matte, and Satin surface finishes.