Enhance Your Molded Parts with Surface Finishing
Explore our comprehensive surface options for custom-molded parts. At Erye, we specialize in delivering high-quality finishes directly from the mold, including polished, textured, and matte surfaces tailored to meet your design and functional needs.
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Our Molding Surface Finishing Standard
At Erye, we ensure every custom molded part achieves the perfect surface finish to meet your aesthetic and functional needs. Our adherence to SPI (Society of the Plastics Industry) and VDI (Verein Deutscher Ingenieure) standards provides unmatched precision in surface textures directly from the mold.
SPI Finishes Standard
The SPI surface finishing standards, established by the Society of the Plastics Industry, categorize finishes into twelve grades ranging from A1 to D3, with surface roughness values from RA 0.012 μm to RA 18.00 μm, covering a spectrum from shiny to dull and from polished to textured finishes. Each grade specifies different finishing methods and recommended materials, ensuring consistency and quality in molded plastic parts.
SPI Surface Finish Grades Overview
| SPI Finish Standard | Surface Roughness Ra (μm) | Finishing Method | Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | 0.012 to 0.025 | 6000 Grit Diamond | Super High Glossy |
| A2 | 0.025 to 0.050 | 3000 Grit Diamond | High Glossy |
| A3 | 0.050 to 0.100 | 1200 Grit Diamond | Normal Glossy |
| B1 | 0.050 to 0.100 | 600 Grit Paper | Fine Semi-glossy |
| B2 | 0.100 to 0.150 | 400 Grit Paper | Medium Semi-glossy |
| B3 | 0.280 to 0.320 | 320 Grit Paper | Normal Semi-glossy |
| C1 | 0.350 to 0.400 | 600 Grit Stone | Fine Matte |
| C2 | 0.450 to 0.550 | 400 Grit Stone | Medium Matte |
| C3 | 0.630 to 0.700 | 320 Grit Stone | Normal Matte |
| D1 | 0.800 to 1.000 | Dry Blast Glass Bead | Satin Textured |
| D2 | 1.000 to 2.800 | Dry Blast | Dull Textured |
| D3 | 3.200 to 18.000 | Dry Blast | Rough Textured |
VDI Standard
The VDI surface finishing standard, specifically VDI 3400, categorizes surface roughness for injection mold tooling into a scale ranging from VDI 0 (the smoothest) to VDI 45 (the roughest), where lower numbers indicate smoother finishes suitable for high-gloss applications, and higher numbers represent rougher finishes often used for industrial parts.
VDI Surface Finish Grades Overview
| Grade | Surface Roughness Ra (μm) | Appearance | Description | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VDI 0 - 15 | < 0.1 to 0.5 μm | Very Smooth Finishes | Typically used for optical components or high-gloss surfaces. |
|
| VDI 16 - 30 | 0.5 to 3.2 μm | Medium Roughness Finishes | Suitable for most consumer products, providing a balance between aesthetics and functionality. |
|
| VDI 31 - 45 | > 3.2 μm | Rough Finishes | Often used for industrial parts where appearance is less critical; these finishes may provide better grip or texture. |
|
Examples of Common Surface Finishing
Glossy Surface
Achieved through high polishing techniques, resulting in a mirror-like surface
- Price range: $$$
- Applications: High-end consumer products, optical components.
Semi-Gloss Finish
Provides a moderate level of gloss, balancing shine and aesthetic appeal.
- Price range: $
- Applications: Automotive interiors, electronic housings.
Matte Finish
Non-reflective surface that minimizes glare; often achieved through specific texturing techniques.
- Price range: $$
- Applications: Subdued appearance, consumer goods
Textured Finish
Description: Rougher surface textures created through methods like sandblasting or texturing.
- Price range: $$$
- Application: High-end consumer products, optical components.
Why Choose Us for Custom Manufacturing Service
Erye is your dependable partner for custom manufacturer parts and achieving flawless surface finishes directly from molds, tailored to your project's needs. Our expertise, advanced processes, and commitment to excellence ensure your molded parts stand out with precision and quality.
Related FAQs of Surface Finishing Service
Can I request a custom surface texture for my parts?
Yes, we can create custom textures based on your design and functional needs.
What is the difference between SPI and VDI surface standards?
SPI focuses on U.S.-based finishing grades, ranging from glossy to matte, while VDI is a German standard emphasizing detailed texturing options.
Do surface finishes affect part performance?
Yes, finishes can impact aesthetics, functionality, friction, and wear resistance, depending on the application.
Can I combine multiple surface finishes on a single part?
Yes, we can incorporate different finishes on a single part for specific design and performance requirements.
Do surface finishes affect the cost of molding?
Yes, intricate or highly polished finishes may increase tooling costs, but we optimize designs to keep costs competitive.
How do you handle maintenance for molds with intricate finishes?
We offer mold maintenance services to preserve intricate textures and ensure long-term performance.
Can you modify an existing mold to add a new surface texture?
Yes, we can often rework molds to incorporate new textures, depending on their condition and material.
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