Loading…
19
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?
3 comments
Log in to join the discussion
Log In3 Comments
shanewells6mo ago
Man, that loud crack sound is the worst, isn't it? I felt my stomach drop just reading your story. We had a guy do the exact same thing to a big aluminum plate years back. That sudden temperature change is just brutal on the metal. Letting it sit with fans is slow, but you're right, it's the safe play. That's a tough, expensive lesson to learn.
9
ryang656mo 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.
6
evan_dixon676mo ago
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.
1