We currently use a caustic solution to clean our injection mold parts (preventative maint.). The solution is about 10-15% potassium hydroxide. We use a heated ultrasonic cleaning tank to clean the parts. The parts are immersed in the heated solution (180-190 deg. F) for around 40 min. to 3 hours depending on how dirty they are. The problem is that our mold parts are breaking prematurly. If we are lucky we find the parts before they break by inspecting for cracks. Is there any likelyhood that the cleaning process is the problem here? What can I do to prove or disprove this if it is a possible problem? Any help would be appreciated !!! Bryan

Dear Sir: There is a good chance that the caustic cleaning process is contributing to your cracking depending on the hardness of the material and if welds are involved. David Hendrix The Hendrix Group Inc.