Mould Surface Treatment Techniques Selection and Comparison
The surface finish of the tooling surface plays an important role in the complete manufacturing process of the injection molding. It is the part of tooling surface treatment technique which gives it a smooth finish. The surface finish of the plastic injection molding is affected by the surface finish of the tooling surface. The proper selection of the tooling surface treatment technique is very important in order to get the optimal surface finish on the molding surface.
Surface treatment techniques are used in order to alter the physical and chemical properties of the surface either by removing or aggregating material or by introducing new material. There are several technologies available in the market which are used for molding surface treatment technique. The most commonly used technologies are viz. plasma spraying, sandblasting, plasma etching, and electroplating etc. Each of these technologies have their advantages and disadvantages.
Plasma spraying technique is based on the principle of using a powerful electric arc to spray plasma particles onto the substrate surface. It is used for precision wear-resistant coatings, thermal spraying and also for applying thin coatings of powder, air drying, vacuum drying, or curing with ultraviolet light. This technology is widely used in the tooling industry to achieve a smooth finish on tooling surfaces. This technology is a relatively inexpensive option, can be used to provide a good result, and allows for improved surface finish when compared to traditional sandblasting technology.
Sandblasting is a surface finishing method in which pressurized air is used to blast a fine, abrasive material against a surface. Sandblasting is generally used to surface finish machined metal parts, but is also commonly used to remove rust and heavy build-up from metal surfaces. Sandblasting is an inexpensive and reliable method of obtaining a high-quality surface finish and produces an even finish with no visible marks.
Plasma etching technology is a non-thermal process in which the metal surface is exposed to high-speed ions in a vacuum. This induces a thin layer of metal atoms to the surface, producing a smooth and uniform surface finish. The metal surface is then etched in a controlled environment to enhance the surface finish. This method is very popular in the tooling industry because of its affordability and the ability to obtain a high degree of surface finish.
Electroplating is a metal-based finishing technology in which a thin layer of metal is deposited onto a substrate surface by electrolysis. The layer is applied to improve the properties of the substrate, allowing for improved wear resistance and corrosion protection. The process is often used in the tooling industry to enhance the surface finish of tooling parts. Electroplating often provides a better surface finish than other treatments, but it is more expensive than the other treatments.
In order to select the best tooling surface treatment technique, the various advantages and disadvantages of each technology should be evaluated and compared to the requirements of the application. In general, the selection criteria should include cost, process time, quality, surface finish, and environmental impact. It is important to understand the various features and capabilities of each technology and to compare them in order to determine the best technology to meet the specific application requirements.
In summary, the selection of the appropriate tooling surface treatment technique should be based on a comparison of the various technologies and the needs of the application. Plasma spraying, sandblasting, plasma etching, and electroplating are all excellent technologies used in the tooling industry for obtaining the desired surface finish. Each of these technologies have their advantages and disadvantages which should be considered when making a selection. The best selection should be based on evaluating the performance requirements, cost, and environmental impact.
