desmolde

Desmolde, often translated as demolding or unmolding, is the process of removing a finished part from its mold after the material has solidified or cured. The term is used across multiple manufacturing domains, including plastics and rubber molding, metal casting, composite fabrication, and concrete formwork. The quality of demolding influences dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and mold lifespan, and improper demolding can cause defects such as sticking, tearing, warping, or cracking.

Demolding methods vary by material and equipment. They can involve mechanical ejection systems with pins, plates, or sleeves driven by hydraulic or pneumatic actuators; manual detachment for small or delicate parts; and automated handling with robotic grippers or vacuum systems. Mold design features that facilitate demolding include appropriate draft angles, clear parting lines, uniform wall thickness, controlled shrinkage, proper venting, and robust ejector systems to withstand ejection forces.

Release agents and process timing play a key role in successful desmolde. Release agents (lubricants, waxes, silicones) reduce adhesion between part and mold but must be compatible with the material and surface finish. Temperature control and adequate cure time are critical; demolding too early can deform parts, while delays can slow production and increase cycle times.

Applications and variations exist across industries. In injection molding, demolding is typically rapid and highly automated, whereas in concrete formwork, demolding involves removing the form after curing, depending on concrete strength and form material. Desmolde remains a common bottleneck in some production lines, motivating design optimization, improved mold coatings, and automation.