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How to Maintain and Extend the Lifespan of Injection Molds?

2025-09-19

When companies invest in injection molds—whether PP Plastic Mold, PS Plastic Mold, IML Mold, or Disposable Rice Husk Mold—they expect long-term performance. But molds are precision tools, and without proper care, their lifespan can shorten dramatically. Below, we answer the most common questions clients have about mold maintenance and durability.


1. Why is mold maintenance so important?

Injection molds run under high pressure, heat, and repetitive cycles. Without regular maintenance, problems like wear, corrosion, or deformation appear. Proper care not only extends lifespan but also ensures consistent product quality. After all, nobody wants production stopped due to a preventable issue.


2. How often should molds be cleaned?

It depends on usage. For high-volume molds like thin-wall PP or PS molds, cleaning should happen after each production cycle. For lower-volume molds, regular scheduled cleaning (weekly or monthly) is fine. Cleaning removes:

  • Residue from plastics

  • Dust or debris

  • Moisture that could cause corrosion

Think of it like maintaining a car—you can’t skip oil changes.


3. What’s the best way to prevent rust or corrosion?

Molds, especially IML molds with precise cavities, are sensitive to rust. To prevent corrosion:

  • Always dry molds after use

  • Apply a thin protective oil layer

  • Store molds in a controlled environment

Many suppliers, like Baolin Mould, already treat mold surfaces with anti-rust coatings, but users still need to maintain them.


4. How can mold lifespan be extended?

Some practical tips include:

  • Use the right injection molding parameters (temperature, pressure, cooling time)

  • Avoid overloading the mold

  • Replace worn components (e.g., ejector pins, slides) on time

  • Partner with suppliers that use high-quality steel and precision machining

A well-maintained mold can produce millions of parts over its lifetime.


5. Do different mold types need different care?

Yes. For example:

  • PP Plastic Mold & PS Plastic Mold → prone to high cycle stress, so cooling systems must be checked regularly.

  • IML Mold → extra care for label placement and cavity accuracy.

  • Disposable Rice Husk Mold → watch for abrasive wear since natural fibers can be harder on the mold surface.


6. Can a damaged mold be repaired?

In many cases, yes. Cracks, wear, or alignment issues can often be repaired by skilled technicians. However, frequent repairs increase downtime. It’s better to prevent damage with consistent care. Or else, you will waste a lot of money later.


7. What role does supplier support play?

A reliable mold supplier provides not just the mold itself but also:

  • Maintenance guidelines

  • Training for staff

  • Spare parts supply

  • After-sales consultation

That’s why choosing the right partner matters as much as how you maintain the mold.

Whether it’s a PP Plastic Mold, PS Plastic Mold, IML Mold, or Disposable Rice Husk Mold, proper maintenance is key to maximizing return on investment. By combining quality molds from a trusted Chinese manufacturer with consistent maintenance, businesses can achieve long-term efficiency and stable production output.

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