Cross Border Tooling Ownership Verification during Foreign Moulding Plant Insolvency
Foreign tooling ownership relies on engraved asset tags, distinct bailment agreements, and prompt insolvency receiver filings to prevent asset liquidation.
Cavity Surface Pitting
Meaning
Small indentations or craters on the polished surface of a steel mold signify localized material loss. This cavity surface pitting often results from corrosive gases released by overheated polymers such as polyvinyl chloride or flame retardant additives. It ruins the aesthetic finish of a molded part and can increase the force needed for ejection.
Chemical Attack
Corrosive degradation happens when moisture or chemical byproducts react with the mold steel to form oxides. While stainless steels offer better resistance, standard tool steels are susceptible to cavity surface pitting if the melt temperature exceeds the stable range of the resin. The presence of regrind material can introduce contaminants that accelerate this etching process.
If the venting is blocked, these gases remain trapped in the cavity, intensifying the damage to the polished finish.
Process Disturbance
Molders notice the defect as a repeating texture or matte spot on what should be a mirror finish. This cavity surface pitting increases the surface area of the tool, causing the polymer to grip the metal more tightly. Such friction leads to drag marks or part deformation during the ejection stroke.
Surface Restoration
Restoration requires stripping the chrome or nickel plating and grinding the steel back to a flat plane. Once the cavity surface pitting is removed, the tool must be polished to the original specification before being returned to the press. Protective coatings and consistent venting help prevent the return of these craters.