Texturing Data

Texturing is a photographic process used to apply patterns to a mold surface. This process allows flexibility in creating the final appearance of your parts. Texturing is an integral piece in overall product development and should be considered during the design process to achieve the desired results. Our library contains an extensive selection of existing patterns. We also have the ability to produce custom patterns to meet your texturing needs. We are available to answer any texturing questions and provide effective solutions to your texturing problems.

MOLD PREPARATION:

Surface finish should be 240-320 emery finish for most texture applications.

400-600 emery is recommended for fine textures with less depth or finer shapes. Click here for more tips

Draft angles are very important in texturing. The basic rule is 1½° of draft for each .001" of texture depth. Each pattern or texture has a minimum draft angle depending on the texture's depth. In most cases, the depth of the pattern can be altered to accommodate less draft angle if necessary. If in doubt, contact us.

Sprues, inserts, fittings and other mold components, not necessary to the textured surfaces, should be removed prior to texturing. This will improve the flow of the texturing process and decrease lead time on tool completion. This will help reduce charges for tool prep.

TEXTURES:

Thousands of patterns have been developed for texturing. Industry standards and custom patterns are available to meet your texturing needs.

Pattern depth and figure size can be modified to customize or personalize your products appearance.

TEXTURE REPAIR: (ask about our easily repaired textures)

Specific steps need to be taken when a mold has been damaged or modified and the textured surface has been affected. Following the proper steps will greatly improve the chances for a successful repair to the textured surface. Contact us for help before beginning the repair.

Alternatives exist to repair tools without having to weld the textured surface. Also, it is not always necessary to remove all of the texture from a cavity that has been damaged.

When welding is required, following precise procedures will lead to superior results with texture repair.

Whenever possible, weld the damaged area with the same material as the cavity.

Never use stainless weld on a non stainless tool.

Stress relieving or annealing can help equalize the metal hardness (rockwell) between the parent material and the welded area.

When choosing a texture pattern, the ability to be repaired is an important consideration. We can recommend textures that meet your needs and are more effectively repairable.

EMERGENCY ON SITE MOLD REPAIR:

Contact us for details about our emergency on site texture repair capabilities. Our on site texture repair service is designed to greatly decrease mold downtime and the costs associated with shipping a mold after it has been damaged. We recommend that all repairs be done in one of our locations for the best possible results. Since this not always possible, contact us for details and timing for on site repairs