Dry ice blasting successfully:

• removes release agents;
• removes product residues;
• reduces downtime by allowing CIP on hot molds;
• reduces mold damage;
• reduces or eliminates grit blasting;
• reduces or eliminates hand-scrubbing;
• improves worker safety by eliminating solvents.

Reduces Downtime

CO2 blasting easily removes release agents and product residues from various types of rubber molds. The process is suitable for Clean In Place (CIP) activities because the dry ice particles sublimate upon impact with the targeted surface. CIP eliminates many of the steps necessary in traditional blast cleaning processes. These include cool down, disassembly, transport to and from a dedicated cleaning area, inspection for grit entrapment, reinstallation and reheating. This can lead to substantial reductions in downtime and labor.

Reduces Mold Damage

Old-fashioned cleaning methods cause mold damage in two ways. First, the mold surface is abraded whether blasting with grit media or scrubbing with wire brushes. Dry ice is non-abrasive, thus preserving critical tolerances. Second, CIP eliminates damage common during removal and transport of molds to and from a dedicated cleaning area.