Addivion RA FMS is a fluoropolymer film-forming mold sealer designed to condition and seal composite mold tool surfaces as part of a structured mold release preparation system. Applied to cleaned mold surfaces prior to semi-permanent release agent application, Addivion RA FMS deposits a thin, durable fluoropolymer film that seals surface microporosity, stabilizes the mold substrate, and establishes a chemically compatible base layer for the subsequent release agent coating. Addivion RA FMS is used in aerospace composite tooling preparation, fiberglass reinforced plastic mold conditioning, wind energy blade tool setup, automotive composite manufacturing, and marine composite tooling operations where consistent and efficient mold release system performance is required from the outset of production.
Addivion RA FMS Overview
Addivion RA FMS is a solvent-carried fluoropolymer mold sealer developed for use in multi-step mold release systems for high-performance composite manufacturing. Composite mold tools — whether fabricated from fiberglass laminate, aluminum, steel, or carbon fiber reinforced polymer — present surface textures at the micro-scale that can absorb release agents and reduce the efficiency of the fluoropolymer film. Addivion RA FMS addresses this by forming a continuous, adherent fluoropolymer film across the mold surface that seals micro-pores and micro-roughness, creating a smooth, chemically active interface that improves the performance of the primary semi-permanent release agent applied afterward. In systems where Addivion RA FMS is combined with Addivion RA series semi-permanent release agents, the total number of coats required to achieve production-ready release performance is reduced, and the durability of the release system over the tool lifetime is improved. Addivion RA FMS is compatible with a range of thermoset composite resin systems and is applicable to metallic, composite, and tooling board mold substrates.
Key Features
- Film-Forming Fluoropolymer Sealer: Addivion RA FMS deposits a continuous fluoropolymer film on the mold surface that fills and seals micro-pores, surface scratches, and micro-roughness in the tool substrate. This film-forming action creates a closed, stable surface that prevents the subsequent release agent from being absorbed into the tooling material, improving the efficiency of the overall mold release system. A properly sealed mold surface requires fewer total coats of semi-permanent release agent to achieve production-ready release performance, reducing material consumption and preparation time.
- System Compatibility with Semi-Permanent Release Agents: Addivion RA FMS is designed for use in combination with Addivion RA series semi-permanent fluoropolymer release agents or equivalent fluoropolymer release systems. The fluoropolymer chemistry of Addivion RA FMS is compatible with the release agent topcoat, ensuring a chemically coherent multi-layer release system. The sealed and primed surface created by Addivion RA FMS provides improved adhesion for the release agent film, resulting in more durable release performance over the production life of the tool.
- Reduced Mold Seasoning Requirements: On new or reconditioned molds, the application of Addivion RA FMS as the first step in the release preparation sequence reduces the total number of release agent coats required during the mold seasoning phase. This shortens tool commissioning time, enabling faster transition from mold fabrication or reconditioning to production readiness. The efficiency benefit is most significant on highly porous mold substrates such as fiberglass composite tooling, where unsupported release agents are readily absorbed.
- Non-Silicone, Non-Chromate Formulation: Addivion RA FMS contains no silicone compounds and no hexavalent chromium. The silicone-free formulation eliminates surface contamination risk on the mold surface and on part surfaces, supporting the integrity of secondary bonding, coating, and surface treatment operations performed on demolded composite parts. The non-chromate chemistry addresses occupational health requirements and regulatory restrictions applicable in aerospace, automotive, and general industrial composite manufacturing environments.
- Broad Substrate Compatibility: Addivion RA FMS is compatible with a range of mold tool substrates including fiberglass and carbon fiber composite laminate tools, aluminum and steel metallic tooling, nickel electroformed shell tools, epoxy tooling board, and foam-backed composite tools. This broad substrate compatibility allows Addivion RA FMS to be incorporated into the mold preparation workflow across diverse tooling inventories, simplifying the management of mold sealer products in multi-tool composite manufacturing environments.
Typical Applications
Addivion RA FMS is used as the initial step in mold release system preparation across a range of composite manufacturing disciplines. In aerospace composite tooling, where precision surface finish on mold tools is critical to part quality and where new tools represent a significant capital investment, the use of Addivion RA FMS during initial tool commissioning establishes a durable base release layer that supports the long-term performance of the production release system. Carbon fiber reinforced polymer mold tools, aluminum hard tools, and Invar precision tooling used in autoclave processing are prepared with fluoropolymer sealers to ensure that the release agent system develops correctly from the first production cycle. In fiberglass reinforced plastic manufacturing, where mold tools are typically built from fiberglass laminate and present higher surface porosity than metallic tools, Addivion RA FMS is particularly effective in reducing the absorption of release agent into the tool surface and accelerating the mold seasoning process.
Addivion RA FMS is also used in wind energy blade tooling preparation, where large-format fiberglass and epoxy mold tools are commissioned for blade skin, spar cap, and root end production. The product is applicable in automotive composite tooling operations for both new tool commissioning and post-strip reconditioning of compression molds, RTM tools, and vacuum infusion tooling used for structural and exterior composite components. In marine composite manufacturing, hull and deck mold tools constructed in fiberglass or carbon fiber benefit from the sealing action of Addivion RA FMS during initial setup and after deep cleaning. The product supports any composite manufacturing workflow where tool preparation efficiency, release system durability, and part surface quality are important operational priorities. Addivion RA FMS is not used as a standalone mold release agent but as an integral part of a structured release preparation system used in conjunction with Addivion RA series semi-permanent release agents.
Technical Specifications
- Chemical Type: Fluoropolymer film-forming sealer in organic solvent carrier
- Appearance: Clear to slightly hazy liquid — To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Solvent Carrier: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Flash Point: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Active Fluoropolymer Content: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Density at 20°C: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Viscosity at 20°C: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- VOC Content: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Silicone Content: None
- Chromate Content: None
Application Method
- Apply Addivion RA FMS to a clean, dry mold surface using a lint-free applicator cloth or by spray application.
- Allow the solvent carrier to evaporate fully between coats. Apply the recommended number of sealer coats as specified in the product technical data sheet — typically To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- After Addivion RA FMS application is complete, proceed with the designated Addivion RA series semi-permanent release agent to complete the release preparation system.
- Addivion RA FMS is not a standalone release agent and must be used in combination with a compatible semi-permanent release agent topcoat before the mold is put into production.
Storage Recommendations
- Recommended maximum storage temperature: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat sources, ignition sources, and direct sunlight.
- Keep containers tightly sealed when not in use to prevent solvent evaporation and contamination.
- The product contains a flammable organic solvent. Comply with applicable flammable liquid storage regulations. Eliminate all ignition sources from the storage area.
- Shelf life: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
Packaging & Transport
- Standard Packaging: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Net Weight: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- UN Number: To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
- Transport Class: Flammable liquid — To be confirmed based on the final specification sheet.
Addivion RA FMS: Safety & Handling
Addivion RA FMS should be handled in accordance with applicable safety procedures for solvent-based chemical products. The product contains a flammable organic solvent carrier; all ignition sources including open flames, sparks, hot surfaces, and static discharge must be eliminated in application, storage, and transfer areas. Ventilation must be adequate to prevent solvent vapor accumulation above occupational exposure limits. Users should wear appropriate personal protective equipment including solvent-resistant gloves, eye protection, and respiratory protection as specified in the Safety Data Sheet. The product should not be applied in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas without mechanical ventilation. Containers must be grounded and bonded during transfer to prevent static buildup.
Spills should be absorbed using non-combustible absorbent material and disposed of in accordance with applicable regulations for flammable solvent waste. In case of skin or eye contact, rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical attention if irritation persists. Safety Data Sheet and destination-compliant labeling documentation are available upon request. For semi-permanent release agents used in combination with Addivion RA FMS to complete the mold release system, see also Addivion RA 770 and Addivion RAP MC.