After weld completion and mold cooling, what is the first cleaning step?

• A. Clean the inside of the mold with a soft bristle brush or soft cotton cloth.
• B. Dampen the mold with water to remove debris.
• C. Apply lubricant to the mold guide rails.
• D. Mark the mold with an identifier.

Answer: (A)

Cleaning the interior surfaces first is crucial because the mold will have welding slag, scale, and other debris after welding and cooling. Using a soft bristle brush or soft cotton cloth lets you remove these residues without scratching the mold, preserving surface quality and preventing particles from contaminating the next cycle. Moisture or water dampening is not the initial step because introducing moisture can cause rust and spread debris into crevices, making cleanup harder later. Lubrication of the guide rails should come after cleaning (and drying) so lubricants don’t trap grit. Marking the mold with an identifier is done after cleaning as a separate step.