Automatic spraying of release agents for hydraulic presses

One of the innovations displayed by Wickert Maschinenbau at K 2025 is the fully automated spraying system developed for rubber and plastics processing in hydraulic presses. This innovation eliminates the error-prone manual application of release and flow agents, which until now has carried risks for both product quality and workplace safety.

The automated spraying system uses movable distribution manifold bars equipped with adjustable nozzles. A spraying unit travels between the upper and lower mould halves, coating the mould halves homogeneously and reproducibly. The system can also be retrofitted to existing presses, allowing manufacturers to integrate precise application of release and flow agents into established production processes.

For a mould measuring 1,000 x 1,000 millimeters, each spraying manifold bar is fitted with ten nozzles. Both spray volume and spray pattern can be precisely adjusted to product requirements, with different parameters possible for the upper and lower mould halves as well as targeted application. This enables highly accurate and consistent dosing. The efficiency gains are substantial: while automated spraying of a 1,000 x 1,000 millimeter mould takes just 7 to 10 seconds, manual spraying requires about three times as long. For multi-level presses, the time savings multiply further thanks to parallel spraying.

The system also improves workplace safety. Spraying occurs with the safety grill closed, so operators and the surrounding environment are reliably protected from spray mist and vapors. Before opening, remaining spray mist is automatically extracted.

The system can be configured for different release agents. Control is handled centrally through the press’s PLC. All parameters – such as nozzle pressure, spray cycles, and spray speed – are adjustable via the HMI. They are continuously logged and stored as product-specific recipes, ensuring full traceability of every spray cycle. This enables comprehensive quality assurance, which is essential for many industries, such as aerospace.