5 Maintenance Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Your Extrusion Mould

When you invest in a high-quality extrusion mould, you expect it to deliver stable performance, smooth production, and long service life. However, even the best moulds—like the ones used for PVC profiles, WPC boards, PE pipes, and ABS components—need proper care to stay in top condition. Many of the problems we discussed in our previous blog, such as uneven thickness or surface defects, actually trace back to poor maintenance habits.

To help you run your extrusion line with fewer interruptions and better long-term output, here are five simple and practical maintenance tips every manufacturer should follow.

1. Clean the Mould Regularly to Prevent Build-Up

During extrusion, raw materials like PVC and WPC can leave residue inside the die. Over time, this buildup affects flow balance and causes defects such as rough surfaces, color streaks, or even warping.

How to do it well:

• Clean the die surfaces after each production cycle

• Use proper cleaning tools to avoid scratching the steel

• Remove carbonized material before it hardens

A clean mould ensures smooth material flow and reduces the chances of the defects we explained in our previous article.

2. Control Temperature Precisely

Extrusion moulds rely on stable thermal conditions. If one section overheats or cools too quickly, the material flow becomes unstable, and the mould experiences extra stress.

Best practices:

• Check the heating zones regularly

• Ensure both sides of the mould reach consistent temperature

• Avoid sudden heating or cooling changes

For materials like PVC and WPC, accurate temperature control is essential to prevent color variation or surface burn marks.

3. Use High-Quality Raw Materials

Many users focus only on mould quality but overlook the material they feed into it. Impurities, moisture, or poor formulation can cause:

• Bubbles

• Voids

• Incomplete filling

• Faster mould wear

Using stable and properly dried raw materials—especially for PVC foam boards and WPC profiles—helps your mould last longer and perform better.

4. Lubricate & Protect the Mould Surfaces

Extrusion moulds operate under high pressure, and friction can cause micro-damage that accumulates over thousands of production hours. Proper lubrication helps reduce wear and prevents rust during downtime.

Tips:

• Apply professional anti-rust oil when the mould is not in use

• Add heat-resistant lubricants to critical surfaces

• Store unused moulds in a dry, temperature-controlled environment

A well-protected mould maintains its precision, which is key to producing perfect, consistent profiles.

5. Inspect Regularly and Fix Small Problems Early

Sometimes, operators wait until a defect becomes obvious. But by then, the mould may already be damaged. Regular inspections help you catch early signs such as:

• Tiny scratches

• Misalignment

• Blocked flow channels

• Uneven die lips

Fixing small issues early prevents production downtime and saves repair costs later. At Hubei Junhui Mould Co., Ltd., we often help customers analyze early warning signs to avoid big failures.

How This Connects to Our Previous Topic

In our earlier article, we discussed common extrusion moulding problems and how to fix them. Many of those problems—such as warping, rough surfaces, and thickness inconsistencies—can be prevented through proper maintenance.

This blog shifts from troubleshooting to proactive care. Instead of waiting for issues to appear, regular maintenance ensures smoother production and longer mould lifespan.

At Junhui Mould, with over 20 years of experience in designing and manufacturing extrusion moulds, we help customers combine good mould design with good maintenance habits—so your extrusion line keeps running at its best.

Conclusion: A Longer-Lasting Mould Starts with Simple Daily Habits

Maintaining an extrusion mould isn’t complicated, but it requires consistency. By cleaning regularly, controlling temperature, choosing quality materials, protecting surfaces, and conducting routine inspections, you can significantly extend mould lifespan and improve product results.

Whether you produce PVC profiles, WPC boards, PE pipes, or foam panels, proper mould care ensures stable quality and less downtime—two things every manufacturer values.