There are two times cleaning must to be performed to Porcerax II:

The first time is when the tool shop has prepared the insert or cavity. The material is 25% air by volume and the cutting fluids will displace the air, thus filling and clogging the pores. After the permeability has been restored, by either stoning or EDMing the venting surface, the steel should be placed in an oven at about 350°F. for approximately 2-3 hours. This will thin and remove most of the fluids in the pore structure. Once cooled to room temperature, place the insert in an ultrasonic cleaning unit (built for flammable solvents) filled with acetone. These units have spark-proof switches, water chillers and are temperature monitored. This is the only recommended type cleaner for cleaning Porcerax II.

The steel should be thoroughly blown dry through a drilled, tapped, and EDM-relieved hole in the side of the insert or cavity. This clean-out or back-flush hole should be designed to accept a shop air fitting. This will be very useful over the life of the insert in back-flushing fluid and future residue from the insert, and for checking restored permeability with filtered shop air. (See photo below.) If the cleaning operation is not completed, due to the trapped fluids, inside permeability will not exist.

Note: In addition to the other cleaning methods, it may be necessary to back-flush the Porcerax II inserts with acetone, using air pressure, in order to thoroughly clean the inserts. Care should be taken when using solvents under pressure. 

Note: These cleaning steps may need to be repeated

Note: Do not use any heating device that may be supplied by the ultrasonic cleaner.

The second time cleaning is needed is after the insert or cavity has been in operation and film, a thin layer of mold release agent, resin residue, shop oil or any other contaminate has partially or totally blocked the air flow. There are two primary ways to clean this surface:

1. Spray or brush a liberal amount of acetone, mold cleaner or solvent onto the contaminated surface of the steel, wait a few minutes, then back-flush the insert with filtered compressed air. This can be done through the drilled and tapped hole previously discussed. Or, if material is inserted, by tapping the exhaust line that exits the core block and attaching an air fitting there.
2. The second and preferred way to clean the porous material is to remove the insert or take the small cavity and place the insert in an ultrasonic cleaning unit (built for flammable solvents) filled with acetone. These units have spark-proof switches, water chillers, and are temperature mounted. This is the only recommended type cleaner for cleaning Porcerax II.

Note: In addition to the other cleaning methods, it may be necessary to back-flush the Porcerax II inserts with acetone, using air pressure, in order to thoroughly clean the inserts. Care should be taken when using solvents under pressure. 

Note: Either of these cleaning steps may need to be repeated

Note: When cleaning Porcerax II, if Dichtol sealed waterlines are present, the need to reseal these waterlines will be required.

Note: With some engineered resins it may be necessary to clean Porcerax II inserts with other chemicals such as a 6 to 8% Sodium Hydroxide solution. This can be used in an ultrasonic cleaner with temperatures up to 160 degrees F, for a period not to exceed 40 minutes. Immediate flushing with water as a neutralizer should take place in order to prevent corrosion within the Porcerax II insert. A 45-minute ultrasonic cleaning in water should follow this. Then remove the insert and dry with filtered compressed air. Consult your chemical supplier for the necessary safety instructions!

For further information and questions regarding Porcerax II cleaning please call IMS: 1-800-625-6653