Mold release directly affects productivity and surface quality in composite manufacturing. Solvent-based systems can provide effective release, but they may generate flammable vapors, strong odor and a less favorable working environment. Water-based mold release uses water as the carrier instead of volatile hydrocarbons, and MoldWiz EM-1212SF2 from Axel Plastics (USA) is one option for this type of process change.
What is a water-based mold release?
A water-based release agent uses water as the carrier instead of volatile hydrocarbon solvent. Three practical differences for manufacturing are:
- Nonflammable — reduces fire risk compared with solvent-based products.
- Lower solvent vapor exposure — helps improve working conditions and reduce VOC-related concerns.
- Non-acidic — does not contribute to acid-related chemical attack on steel and aluminum molds.
The trade-off is that the mold surface must be completely dry before molding, which is important in the application procedure.
MoldWiz EM-1212SF2: selective release-film mechanism
EM-1212SF2 is a water-based external release agent with rust-inhibiting properties. The product is described as an aqueous emulsion of polyolefin and fluoropolymer combined with wetting agents and surfactants.
When dry at room temperature, it forms a monomolecular film that adsorbs onto the mold surface. The film has little affinity for resin or rubber, so during demolding it remains preferentially on the mold instead of transferring with the molded part. This selective adhesion supports multiple releases from one application without washing the mold between cycles.
Because the release film is designed to stay on the mold, molded parts can remain cleaner for downstream operations such as painting, bonding and decorating.
Technical advantages
- Water-based, nonflammable and nearly odorless.
- Multiple releases per application, reducing reapplication frequency.
- Non-acidic and suitable for steel and aluminum mold surfaces.
- Rust-inhibiting properties for metal molds.
- Low interference with downstream finishing such as painting, bonding and decorating.
- Fast room-temperature drying, approximately 5 minutes, with drying accelerated by warm air or heat lamps when needed.
Applications
EM-1212SF2 is suitable for several thermoset-resin and rubber systems:
- SMC and BMC based on polyester or vinyl ester, molded on heated steel or aluminum tools.
- Polyester and epoxy.
- Rubber, phenolic and melamine.
It is particularly relevant to closed-mold SMC/BMC compression molding on heated metal tooling, where reducing solvent use and protecting the mold surface can be valuable.
Typical technical data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Form | Liquid |
| Color | Off-white |
| Solids content | 11 – 13% |
| Specific gravity | 0.990 @ 25 °C |
| Viscosity | < 15 cps @ 25 °C |
| pH | 9.5 – 11.5 |
| Flash point | Nonflammable |
| Base | Water-based |
| Shelf life | Minimum 1 year |
For full product information and ordering, see MoldWiz EM-1212SF2.
Application guidance
- Clean the mold with CleanWiz mold cleaner.
- Apply a thin coat by fine spray or wipe with a clean cotton cloth in two directions. Allow the surface to dry completely; no residual moisture should remain on the mold.
- Warm air or heat lamps may be used to accelerate drying when required.
- For the first application or after tool cleaning, heat the mold at 150–200 °C for up to 2 hours to stabilize the film. Subsequent cycles do not always require heating, although heat can improve release performance.
- Apply an additional light coat as required during production.
Safety and storage
The product is nonflammable and is described as non-dangerous for transport under DOT, IMDG and IATA. During use, EM-1212SF2 may cause skin irritation and serious eye damage, so gloves and eye protection should be used and direct contact avoided. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place away from sunlight and freezing conditions, and keep the container closed after opening. The product information references international chemical inventories including TSCA, EINECS, KECI, IECSC and AICS, and indicates no REACH SVHC content. Refer to the current TDS and SDS for complete information.
Technical support and samples
GKFRP, part of Gia Khang Technology, distributes MoldWiz – Axel Plastics products in Vietnam and focuses on advanced materials and process-support solutions for composite manufacturing. For help selecting a release agent for your resin system and molding process, or to request a trial sample, see MoldWiz EM-1212SF2 or contact:
Gia Khang Technology Co., Ltd. · +84 36 262 1886 · gktech@gktech.vn