calling all plastic guys

[stanger1944]

I have some injection molds and an injector on the way (trimming hand pours is for the birds). My question is what do you think is the best way to cool freshly molded plastics. How long before removing from mold cavity? then air cool hanging up or lying down or in a water bath. Thanks in advance for the info

 

[toadfrog]

YOU RANG ! Air cool them on a flat metal surface or glass . Unless by laying them on something it deforms the bait in some way . Then dip in tap water first . De-molding depends on the mold and the size of the bait . Crappie size a minute . 4'' swim bait may take 5 minutes. On any injection mold Keep the pressure on to the count of five . Then top off the sprue hole with extra plastic . Because many will have a pit on the bait or suck down with shrinkage . Softer the plasti the less shrink Hard salt water plastic a lot of shrink . This can cause hollow spots.

 

[stanger1944]

Thanks toad, I am open to all advice here. I have seen youtube vids that show all of the cooling techniques including putting in some water for three to five minutes. I am going to take your advice here though.
What I have now is a crappie stinger style mold 8 cavity. What was initially a top pour 2 piece aluminum mold with the sprue modified to fit an injector. Four cavity inject one at a time, and a frog mold. Looking forward to getting everything in and getting started. Will post pics.

 

[Ron Don]

You can demold pretty quick depending on how hot your mold has gotten. I usually have 6+ molds clamped together. After shooting the last mold i wait a few seconds and then take the pressure off the clamps. This helps them cool a little faster. Some baits are better to hang and some better to lay flat. Be sure and keep those stinger tails straight while they cure.... If they cure with a bent tail they will stay bent! Cookie sheets work pretty good for stacking baits or you can lay them on paper towels. No need to dunk them in water. Only time i dunk in water is when im dipping the baits.

 

[stanger1944]

At this time I will be limited on molds, therefore I'll be giving it a little time befor demolding. May be a stupid question but dipping them in what?
Thanks Ron Don

 

[toadfrog]

He means clear plastic if you have eyes to put on . You can also put a piece of tin foil between the mold halves just below the sprue . Clamp the halves together and shoot . then take the molds apart take out the foil . This should have split the baits in half . Leave half of the body in the mold . Take out all the sprue leaving the half only . Close the mold and shoot again with a different color . Now you have made your first laminate without purchasing adapters and injectors.

 

[stanger1944]

Thanks again, learning so much here every time I look.