How to Texture Injection Molds

Injection molds receive a finish to eliminate the machining marks from the mold. High-speed machines typically do this polishing. In some cases, a textured finish is desired. A chemical etch procedure creates the texture based on a pattern. This process usually is manual.

Mold Texturing

1

Create a design of the desired texture as a photocopy or digital file.

2

Transfer the design to a negative. This can be easily done with a scanner. Most scanners have the capability to scan to a negative output file. Or, if the file is already digital, many photo editing software packages have the option to convert a file to a negative.

3

Transfer the negative to a flexible elastomeric material with the desired texture. This is not a do-it-yourself activity for the average person. In general, commercial equipment, often a laser engraver, is required to complete this step. A commercial provider of this type of service should be considered.

4

Placing the textured elastomeric material on the mold surface and add the chemicals to etch the mold. The exact chemical used depends on the specific metal of the mold. It is generally one of the stronger acids.

5

Completely wash the mold of all chemical residues.

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