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

2. 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

3. Mold Texturing

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

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

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

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

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

9. Abrasive Blasting

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

11. 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

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

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

14. EDM

15. Chemical Engraving
Patterning Process using a acid bath

16. 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

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

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

19. Chemical Application
Chemically Textured Surface
Details Masked

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

21. 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

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

23. Mold Repair
Welding
Avoid aluminum
Patching
Polish out
Retexture

24. Conclusion