If you run an injection mold program, you need to pay close attention to the molds. Problems with the injection molds can undermine all of your projects. Your clients can't afford to deal with substandard products. Unfortunately, that's what can happen when injection molds aren't cared for properly. One of the most important things you can do is keep your molds clean. Molds should be cleaned on a regular basis. Routine cleaning can help to extend the life of your molds. In addition to routine cleaning, here are four steps you need to take to protect your injection molds.

Repair Texture Damage

When you produce molded products, you need to ensure proper mold texture. If there are problems with texturing, your finished products may not have the gripping power they need. They may also come out of the mold with streaks. Worse, they might not come out of the molds at all. Sticking is a common problem when the texture is damaged inside the molds. To avoid those problems, get mold texture repair as soon as you notice a problem. 

Watch for Calcification 

If you run a busy injection mold program, you want to watch for calcification. If there are leaks in the cooling system, calcium deposits can build up on the injection mold equipment. Unfortunately, calcification can undermine the injection process and ruin your molds. For maximum protection, inspect your cooling system for leaks at least once a week. If you see signs of a leak or notice calcium deposits, take care of the repairs right away. It's also important that you remove calcium deposits from the injection molds as soon as possible. 

Ensure Proper Lubrication

When it comes to protecting your injection molds, you need to ensure proper lubrication. Lubrication helps to prevent overheating. It also helps to protect your injection molds. After each cleaning and inspection, your injection molds should be properly lubricated. This should include the cam slides and bushings. Begin by drying the entire mold. You want to make sure that the molds don't contain any moisture. Lubricating moist injection molds will lock the moisture in, which can damage the molds. Once you've dried the molds, apply a fresh layer of industrial lubricant. 

Follow Safe Storage Measures

Finally, if you want to ensure the protection of your injection molds, you need to follow safe storage procedures. Before you place your injection molds into storage, they should be disassembled and cleaned. Once the mold has been cleaned and inspected, reassemble it for storage.