Mold Texture Technology

To assure clean ejection of your part, we suggest using a simple rule for determining draft:

1.5 – 2 degrees of draft per .001” in texture depth

Texture depth can be reduced in specific areas and/or the texture pattern can be ‘softened’ on surfaces where there are ejection concerns.

Part design, part size, molding materials, texture construction, and other molding factors have a significant impact on ejection issues.  Mold-Tech has the largest staff of technical advisors in the industry. We are available for early involvement in your project to assure that your decorating ideas are realized on your product.

To assure that your molds are successfully textured, Mold-Tech has formulated the largest selection of mold etchants in the industry.   Standard tool materials such as P-20, H-13, S-7, 01, A1, A2, A6, 420 stainless, beryllium copper, kirksite, forged, wrought and cast aluminums have all been textured successfully.

Since your tooling material choices can significantly affect the texture appearance, Mold-Tech’s Technical Advisors are always available to discuss and test your specific material preferences.

To assure that your texture pattern shows clean and without any surface flaws, we recommend the following surface finishes:

• 400 paper (SPI B-2) for textures less than .001” deep.
• 400 stone (SPI C-2) for textures between .001” and .003” deep.
• 320 stone (SPI C-3) for textures over .003” deep.

Gloss on a part is typically measured with a 60-degree gloss meter. The gloss number represents the percentage of light that is reflected off of the part. The gloss on a part is the result of many factors coming together: molding material, tool temperature, material temperature, venting, cycle time, wall stock thickness, texture patterns, mold coatings, etc.

Mold-Tech uses a variety of blast media to help set the final gloss on the mold surface.  Each part has its own factors to consider – contact us to discuss specific needs, factors and expectations.

With many gloss targets being pushed lower, Mold-Tech has developed a laser-generated micro overlay texture called MicroMatte – lowering gloss and giving a rich and realistic appearance to textures.

If you are considering welding on a surface that is to be textured, proper welding procedures will greatly increase the final outcome of the texture appearance.

• The mold should be pre-heated prior to welding, welded while the mold is hot, and annealed after welding. Contact the steel supplier for proper welding procedures and weld rod material.
• Any difference in hardness, composition or texture structure in the welded area when compared to the parent metal tends to produce an irregularity in the texture appearance after etching. When proper welding procedures are followed, differences can be minimized and welds become easier to blend-in and repair to a very acceptable level.
• If you are unsure of the direction to proceed with welding, Mold-Tech can help – with decades of experience to draw from as well as relationships with the steel manufacturers and welders, we can help give you the latest information you need to achieve the best results.

1.Completely dis-assemble mold – only send components to be textured.

2.Make sure that all seal-off (shut-off) areas are properly scribed.

3.Remove all EDM scale from areas to be textured.

4.To avoid shipping damage, please take care in packaging your shipment.