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Changed my mind about using water to cool a hot mold

Was at the shop in Toledo last month. Had a steel mold that was way too hot to handle, maybe 400 degrees. My old habit was to hit it with a hose spray. Did that, heard a loud crack. The mold split right down the middle. Boss said I cost us a $1200 part. Now I only use the forced air fans and let it sit. Takes longer, but no more cracks. Anyone got a better way to speed up cooling without the shock?
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2 Comments
ryang65
ryang6516d ago
That thermal shock is brutal, seen it happen with concrete too. Ever try wrapping it in wet burlap first? Slows the temp change way down.
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evan_dixon67
Water on hot steel is asking for trouble every time. The wet burlap idea is a solid middle ground for slower cooling. Forced air is safe but painfully slow. Maybe try a controlled oil bath if the part can handle it. Just never go from super hot to cold liquid again.
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