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