Degreasing

PLACLEAN Series Wiping Cleaners

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  Degreasing, Mold Release Agent cleaner

Plastic Automotive Parts

Some automotive parts are manufactured from molded plastics.

Bumpers are one example. Although bumpers were traditionally made of steel, highly flexible plastic materials are now used to help absorb impact to the vehicle and people.

※For more information about plastic molding methods, please refer to Injection Molding (Wikipedia).

These plastic parts are painted in much the same way as vehicle bodies. If oily contaminants or mold release agents (substances used during plastic molding to help release molded parts from the mold) remain on the surface, they can cause cratering and other coating defects after painting. The surface must therefore be wipe-cleaned before painting to remove oils, grease, and mold release agents.

This is not limited to automotive components. Plastic parts in general are also degreased before painting or shipment to remove oils and other surface contamination.

Antistatic Effect

During wipe cleaning, static electricity is removed in addition to oily contamination.
If static electricity remains on the surface of a plastic part, it can attract dust and other particles during the manufacturing process. If the part is then painted without removing these contaminants, they can cause visible particle defects in the finished coating.
IPA (isopropyl alcohol) was previously used for wiping plastic parts despite limitations in its cleaning and antistatic performance. However, an increasing number of users are considering alternative cleaners with consideration for environmental impact and worker safety.

Some cleaners contain surfactants to provide an antistatic effect. However, surfactant residue remaining on the surface of plastic parts may contribute to coating defects such as blistering.