Injection Mold Maintenance Checklist (Free)

0%

0 of 39 items complete

13 critical items still open - these are the highest-risk gaps.

Download checklist:

At the press (every setup and each shift)

Confirm mold ID and cavity count match the job and the set-up sheetCRITICALCheck that clamps, straps or hooks are secure and bolts are the correct lengthCRITICALVerify water lines are connected to the correct circuits and there are no leaksCRITICALCheck for flash, short shots or burn marks on the first off-tool partsConfirm hot runner temperatures reach setpoint and zones are balancedInspect parting line and ejector pins for damage before closing at low pressureCRITICALVerify low-pressure mold protection is on and the setting is correctCRITICALRecord shot count and any abnormal event on the mold logCheck that the mold is clean and free of oil, grease and rust preventative before run

Storage and removal from service

Purge the cavity of resin and blow out water lines before pulling the moldCRITICALSpray cavity and core surfaces with rust preventative and close the moldFit protective covers and close-up clamps or bolts on the parting lineCap water fittings and hot runner connectionsTag the mold with its status, last shot count and any known issuesCRITICALStore off the floor on a rack rated for the mold weight in a dry areaRecord location in the tooling system or ERP asset record

Mark each item as done. A mold with any critical item open should not return to production until it is cleared.

Trigger mold PM from shot counts in your ERP

Optional: discuss how to link shot counters to maintenance work orders.

Optional. The tool and every export work without this. No spam.

How to use the checklist

Print it or complete it on screen and export to PDF or Excel. The first group belongs to the setter at the press, the second to the toolroom at a shot-count interval, the third to a full overhaul and the fourth to storage. Critical items are those that, if missed, risk tool damage, safety incidents or scrap. Add tool-specific items, such as a particular slide or lifter inspection, and save a copy per mold so the history is on record.

Setting the intervals

There is no single correct number of shots between PM events. A simple commodity mold in soft resin may go many hundred thousand shots, while a glass-filled or abrasive resin mold needs attention far more often. Many shops start with a shot count tied to the tool class and shorten it based on what the inspection finds: wear on vents, pins and shut-offs, flash trends and cooling performance. Review every finding and reset the interval, rather than treating the first guess as permanent.

What to record

A PM that is not recorded cannot be improved. Keep the shot count, date, work done, parts replaced, measurements and the person who signed it off. Cooling pressure drop, vent depth and pin wear trends predict failures before they happen. In many ERPs and CMMS tools, a mold can be an asset with a counter, so a PM work order can trigger from shot count rather than the calendar. The same record supports customer audits on tool control.

Common mistakes

Cleaning molds with metal tools or abrasive pads damages polish and shut-offs. Using the wrong grease can contaminate parts, especially for medical or food contact. Storing a mold without rust preventative, or with water left in the circuits, causes corrosion that shows up at the next startup. Skipping vent cleaning is the leading cause of burn marks and short shots after a long run. Finally, failing to update shot counts makes any interval based PM guesswork.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should an injection mold be serviced?

It depends on the resin, tool complexity and run volume. Many shops use shot-count triggers set by tool class and then adjust from inspection findings. Abrasive or glass-filled resins and complex tools need shorter intervals.

What is the most common cause of mold wear?

Abrasive fillers such as glass fiber, flash that hammers shut-off surfaces, poor cleaning practice and lack of lubrication on slides and pins are leading causes of wear.

How should I clean a mold safely?

Use brass or plastic tools and approved mold cleaners, never steel scrapers or abrasive pads on polished surfaces. Dry thoroughly and apply the right rust preventative before storage.

Should mold maintenance be tracked in the ERP?

If your ERP or CMMS supports asset counters, yes. Track shot counts, PM history and location so maintenance triggers on usage rather than the calendar.

If you want mold shot counts to trigger maintenance work orders in your ERP or CMMS, we can help set that up. Ask for a short review.

Talk to an Expert Explore More Free Tools

Related Tools

Quality & Inspection

More Maintenance & Reliability tools

See all

Injection Mold Maintenance Checklist