Manufacturer of transmission belts relies on new water-based release agent.

Case Study Rubber: Improving the way.

WHAT WE ACHIEVED. 

Chem-Trend’s research and development team designed a new water-based release agent for a major transmission belt manufacturer. Compared with traditional water-based release agents, the new product is capable of prolonging the time necessary between mould cleanings, shortening the mould release time, and significantly improving the appearance of the produced belt.

By reducing mould cleanings to once per shift, we were able to increase time between cleanings by 50% or more, greatly improving efficiency and productivity across their multiple mould production lines throughout their three-shift operation. In addition, we decreased the release duration to less than 15 seconds, further increasing output and overall speed of manufacturing.

HOW WE GOT THERE. 

Prior to the development of our new product, customers commented that the other mould release products available in the market cause the mould to experience rapid buildup, and the release performance is not ideal. This customer began having release-ease issues when they changed their production process. The competitor product they attempted to remedy the issues with created new problems — moulds became dirty quickly, and release time increased. 

In addition, the surface of the released part was relatively greasy, with a compromised texture. That always led to failure in achieving the ideal production efficiency and yield rate.

The Chem-Trend team worked to craft a product that helped resolve not one, but all of these issues.

OUR SOLUTION.

Working closely with the company, we developed a thorough understanding of the customer’s needs and processes. Chem-Trend’s technical experts worked iteratively to create a solution that met or exceeded our collective goals for release ease, mould buildup, and release agent transfer from mould to part.

We were able to achieve greater speed, better reliability, increased productivity and improved belt surface quality. Through the development of a single new formula, we were able to systematically improve all facets of the process.

1-2 Times to 1 time per shift

Reduction in mould cleaning

20-30 Sec to < 15 sec

Reduction in mould release time