The following are recommended maintenance for IBM tooling after each production run. In the case of long production runs, we recommend a scheduled shut down of 1 hour throughout the run to check & clean the mold. 90% of all repairs to IBM tooling is a result of accumulated dirt in the mold.
• Clean & inspect the parting lines on both the injection & blow sides
• Blow cavity air vents on the parting line are on the top half – wipe clean
• Check & clean threaded area for any foreign material (parison & blow cavities)
• Check & clean retractable base system
• Examine molding surfaced on injection cores, thread area, injection gates & cavities as well a blow cavities. If any damage is noted, repair is required
• Ensure heaters and controllers are working properly for the hot runner system
• Check temperature controller for proper operation
• Examine leader pins & bushings on both die sets & apply food grade grease as needed
• Check core rod retainer plates for tightness
• Check for any water/oil leaks between cavities or hoses & fittings.
Stretch Blow Mold Maintenance Procedures
The following are recommended maintenance for ISBM tooling after each production run. In case of long productions runs, we recommend a scheduled shut down of 1 hour throughout the run to check & clean the mold. 90% of all repairs to ISBM tooling is a result of accumulated dirt in the mold.
• Clean & inspect the taper areas on the injections cores, thread splits & injection cavities for abnormal wear or hobbing. Repair as needed. Apply a thin coat of food grade grease.
• Examine molding surfaces on the injection cores, thread splits & cavities for any damage. Repair as needed.
• Check temperature controllers for proper operation of the hot runner system.
• Clean & inspect the taper area on the conditioning cores. If using electric cores, ensure the heaters & controllers are functioning properly.
• Clean the heat pots of any strings or other foreign materials
• Check temperature controllers for proper operation of the heaters and thermocouples controlling the heat pots
• Check the blow molds for any foreign material or strings & clean if necessary
• Make sure the sliding surfaces of the blow mold wear pads are properly lubricated with light oil
• Examine the leader pins in the blow mold side rails for abnormal wear & apply food grade grease as needed
• Inspect blow mold hold down gibbs for abnormal wear & apply food grade grease as needed
• Clean & inspect taper area of blow cores for any abnormal wear. Apply a thin coat of food grade grease.
• Examine the stretch rod tips for tightness (if applicable)
• Inspect ejector rods & tips for tightness
• Ensure the thread split plates are opening & closing properly.