Trevor Thorwart Andrew Meier Josh Hoover Mold Texturing Trevor Thorwart Andrew Meier Josh Hoover

Introduction What is Mold Texturing? What Mold Texturing Can Do Process of applying textures to a mold What Mold Texturing Can Do More flexibility in final part appearance Provide a pleasing look to the final part Easier to keep clean More aesthetic feel

Mold Texturing

Types of Mold Texturing Mechanical Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Abrasive Blasting Electrical Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) Chemical Engraving

CNC Engraved Areas of use Writing, Logos, Shapes, and Patterns

CNC Engraved Basic Milling Operation Work-piece clamped down Tool path pattern downloaded from computer Drill follows and cuts path

Abrasive Blasting Method High velocity abrasive particles etch tool Commonly sand Creates a matte, decorative, and textured finish

Abrasive Blasting Advantages Disadvantages Cheap Quick Only good for matte surface textures Inconsistent surface finish

Abrasive Blasting

Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) Patterning process created using electrodes Shaped tool or wire graphite Plasma Etched in CNC pattern

EDM Procedure Masked work-piece placed in dielectric fluid Discharge created between work-piece and electrodes Creates plasma that erodes the surface Follows CNC path Dielectric fluid washes debris away

EDM Advantages Good with complex and simple surfaces Dimensional Accuracy (+/- .0005 in) High Range of Materials Soft and Hard Mold Steels Can be fully automated

EDM Disadvantages Low production volume EDM scale Blind holes Slow cutting EDM scale Must be post-polished Blind holes Difficult Debris Removal

EDM

Chemical Engraving Patterning Process using a acid bath

Chemical Engraving Procedure Acid resistant stencil printed Mold is masked with stencil Leaving only area to be engraved Mold is submerged in acid bath Acid dissolves tooling

Chemical Engraving Advantages High Dimensional Accuracy Burr Free Textured Surface Low cost tooling Retention of tooling properties Easily Repeated High Range of Materials

Chemical Engraving Disadvantages Mostly useful with flat surfaces Secondary cleaning operation Acid residue Entire insert/mold needs masking

Chemical Application Chemically Textured Surface Details Masked

Mold Texturing Areas of Use Injection Molding Blow Molding Compression Molding / Thermoforming Rotational Molding

Guidelines Draft Angles Clean Mold Direction of Pull 1 - 1½ ˚ draft for every .001” Clean Mold Free of water connectors, sprue inserts Helps seal Direction of Pull

Texture Costs Area to be textured Size of the tool Tool components Complexity of surfaces Accessibility of textured area Mold material

Mold Repair Welding Avoid aluminum Patching Polish out Retexture

Conclusion