Surface Finishing
At E-Mold, custom surface finishing service including:
2. Anodizing
3. Silk screen
4. Pad printing
5. Painting
7. Polishing
9. E-Coating
10. Nickel / Chrome plating on ABS plastic parts
Anodizing
Anodizing is a metal finishing process that uses oxidation to convert the surface of a metallic to a ceramic state, while mainly used when plating aluminum.
- Anodized finishing offers a wide range of important benefits including:
- Increased resistance against the destructive forces of corrosion
- Greater resistance to wear and tear from normal usage and handling
- Development of a stronger, harder, more durable surface on the metallic
- Creation of a more visually appealing finish
- Brighter, more enduring color of the finish
Pad printing
Pad printing transfers a 2-D design, like a graphic or illustration on paper, on to a 3-D object. We can pad print on round or curved surfaces.
Painting
A wide range of colors and texture may applied to plastic parts.
The preferred painting finish for a molded plastic part is that which is produced from a mold having at least SPI B3 finish. When a specific texture is required for reasons of appearance or functionality, please consult with E-mold to determine whether it is attainable.
Silk screen
Screen printing is a printing technique whereby a mesh is used to transfer ink onto a substrate, except in areas made impermeable to the ink by a blocking stencil.
Screen printing is also a stencil method of print making in which a design is imposed on a screen of polyester or other fine mesh, with blank areas coated with an impermeable substance.
Laser etching
Laser engraving, which is a subset of laser marking, is the practice of using lasers to engrave an object. Laser marking, on the other hand, is a broader category of methods to leave marks on an object, which also includes color change due to chemical/molecular alteration, charring, foaming, melting, ablation, and more. The technique does not involve the use of inks, nor does it involve tool bits which contact the engraving surface and wear out, giving it an advantage over alternative engraving or marking technologies where inks or bit heads have to be replaced regularly.
Polishing
Polishing is the process of creating a smooth and shiny surface by rubbing it or using a chemical action, leaving a surface with a significant specular reflection (still limited by the index of refraction of the material according to the Fresnel equations.)
Commonly used polishing methods are mechanical polishing, chemical polishing, electrolytic polishing, ultrasonic polishing, fluid polishing, magnetic grinding.
Sand blasting
Sand blasting is the process of cleaning and roughening the surface of the substrate by the impact of high-speed sand flow.
E-coating
The coating materials (resins, pigments, additives, etc.) are dispersed in water and held in a bath. The parts to be coated are immersed in the solution and an electrical current is passed through the bath using the parts as an electrode.
Electrical activity around the surface of the parts makes the resin directly in contact become insoluble in water. This causes a layer of resin – including any pigments and additives present – to adhere to the surface of the parts. The coated parts can then be removed from the bath and the coating is normally cured by baking in an oven to make it hard and durable.
Nickel/ Chrome plating on ABS plastic parts
Properties of ABS Plastic and Reasons for Plating
ABS plastic has characteristics that make it ideal for a number of industrial applications. Its qualities include superior dimensional stability, processing ability, toughness, durability, affordability and chemical resistance. However, inherent weaknesses show up with ABS when it comes to mechanical strength. It is also highly vulnerable to conditions in the environment. It’s easily fretted and non-conducting.
Many people choose plating on their ABS plastic parts because it enhances:
- Strength
- Structural integrity
- Thermal resistance
- Aesthetic appeal
- Corrosion resistance
- Durability and abrasion resistance
Plating results in metallic properties on any ABS material. This plastic is known as the best plastic option for plating, since professionals can deposit an adherent metal finishing through a chemical pretreatment process without mechanical abrasion. Various plating methods can be applied to ABS to create the final product.
Color Matching
Pantone Color Matching System and RAL Colours as largely standardized color
reproduction systems which are described by their allocated number (typically referred to as, for example, "PANTONE 318" or “RAL 1000”), you just need simply give us the color numbers or send us physical samples, then we can refer to these color systems to make sure colors match by X-Rite color tester.
- Pantone, used for printing and sometimes for paint, fabric, and plastics
- RAL (Reichsausschuß für Lieferbedingungen) "Classic", "Effect", and "Design," used for varnish, powder coating, and plastics.
Click here and get your required Pantone color numbers:
