Texture

Texture affects how light interacts with any surface. This allows a surface to become highly reflective or, inversely, to appear to absorb light which appear as a dull area on a surface. Texture can also be used to create rough areas which can mimic everything from fabric to wood grain. Texture depth can be from a fraction of a millimeter, however the subtle change in surface can create dramatic changes to a surface.

These plastic tumblers have a various textures applied
creates an interesting design, it also affects color and is a value added feature.

The value added to a product can be substantial; a simple design such as the tumblers shown above can look more expensive with a texture design added. In mold textures are an extremely low cost alternative to a secondary process such as printing, water/heat transfers or by using in-mold films.

Common textures can be specified by using In-Mold texture specification books such as Mold Tech (in the US), Yick Sang (China) which is one of the easier to specify if working with a vendor in Asia, and Great Wall, (China) however you may find you need a longer lead-time when specifying from Geat Wall textures.

Examples of in-mold textures available from Mold Tech

Custom textures can be specified, however you will need to work closely with a texture company, such as Mold Tech, to achieve your desired affect.

A texture is applied to a mold which will give the surface a subtle orange peel appearance

The process of applying in mold textures is fairly straight forward and is done after the tool (part mold) is cut (created). The following steps are typical to the process:

1. Laser Etching/Cutting
2. Accugrave
3. Electroless Nickel Teflon Mold Coating (aids in release and mold life)
4. Micro-laser Etching

On the technical side, textures can improve the part by hiding parting lines, disguising sink marks and creating a greater surface area on the part. Work closely with your tooling professional to find out if a texture is needed to enhance the part or make the design more robust.

Finally, remember to use texture as you would any other surface treatment. Use a light hand when applying textures to your part - think of the overall design design of the part and make sure the texture is part of a cohesive whole.