mold texturing trevor thorwart andrew meier josh hoover
TRANSCRIPT
Mold TexturingTrevor 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 (+/- .0005 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