Method and apparatus for applying a surfactant to mold surfaces

An apparatus for applying a surfactant to at least one surface of a mold part of a two-part mold having said first mold part engageable with a cooperative second mold part for the molding of polymer articles, wherein said surfactant assists in the release between said first and second mold parts and enables removal of excess polymer molding material adherent to said at least one surface of said first mold part;

• said apparatus comprising:
• a) support means mounting at least one said first mold part being movable to a predetermined location in said apparatus;
• b) applicator means including at least one surfactant applicator being arranged in spaced relationship above said support means, said at least one surfactant applicator being positionable in vertical alignment with said at least one first mold part;
• c) means mounting an upwardly opening reservoir containing a surfactant being interposable between said applicator means and said support means for said at least one first mold part at least one pad member arranged in said reservoir for absorbing surfactant from said reservoir;
• d) actuating means for imparting a vertical downward displacement to said applicator means to cause said at least one surfactant applicator to contact said at least one pad member and assume a quantity of said surfactant therefrom, said actuating means thereafter imparting a vertical upward displacement to said applicator means;
• e) means for displacing said reservoir mounting means from the interposition thereof in said apparatus between said applicator means and said at least one first mold part, said actuating means for said applicator means displacing said applicator means downwardly to an extent such that the surfactant-wetted surface portions of said at least one surfactant applicator contact said at least one surface of said first mold part so as to impart a coating of said surfactant thereto and
• f) a cover member fixedly positioned on said reservoir having at least one aperture formed in said cover member in alignment with said at least one pad member to enable said at least one surfactant applicator to contact said at least one pad member.