Mold Texturing Trevor Thorwart Andrew Meier Josh Hoover
Introduction Mold Texturing –Flexibility –Pleasing Look –Aesthetic feel
Types of Mold Texturing Mechanical –Computer Numerical Control (CNC) –Abrasive Blasting Electrical –Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) Chemical Engraving
CNC Engraved Areas of use –Logos and Patterns
CNC Engraved Basic Milling Operation Work-piece clamped down Tool path computer generated Drill follows and cuts path
Abrasive Blasting Method Abrasive particles etch tool –Commonly sand –High Velocity Matte, decorative, and textured finish
Abrasive Blasting Advantages –Cheap –Quick Disadvantages –Good for matte surface textures –Inconsistent surface finish
Abrasive Blasting
Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) Created using electrodes –Shaped tool or wire graphite Plasma Etched in CNC pattern
EDM Procedure Placed in dielectric fluid Discharge created Plasma erodes surface –Follows CNC path Dielectric fluid washes debris away
EDM Advantages –Complex and simple surfaces –Dimensional Accuracy (+/ in) –High Range of Materials Soft and Hard Mold Steels –Can be fully automated
EDM Disadvantages –Low production volume 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 Stencil Mold Masked Acid Bath Tooling Dissolves Chemically Textured Surface Details Masked
Chemical Engraving Advantages –Dimensional –Cost –Tooling Disadvantages –Surface Types –Secondary cleaning operation –Masking
Mold Texturing Areas of Use Injection Molding Blow Molding Compression Molding Thermoforming Rotational Molding
Other Issues Guidelines –Mold Preparation Costs –Surface –Tooling –Mold material Mold Repair
Conclusion