Surface finish specifications are one of the most frequent topics of discussion when developing new injection molded components. In fact, an earlier blog titled Surface Finish, Texture & Draft Angles In Injection Molded Part Design, has generated much discussion with our clients and prospects, particularly around surface finishes. Today, we’ll dive deeper into the topic, covering the fundamentals, various finish types, and related design considerations.
Understanding Surface Finish Fundamentals
The manufacturing processes used in mold tool construction inherently create “witness marks” in the steel surface. These tool marks, along with potential material inclusions, transfer directly to molded components unless addressed through specific surface refinement or texturing processes. The criticality of surface finish requirements guides not only initial mold steel selection and refinement processes but also influences ongoing production considerations such as maintenance cycles, inspection protocols, and process parameter windows.
The Four Basic Surface Finish Categories
The Plastic Industry Association “SPI” https://www.plasticsindustry.org/ maintains standards and classifications that categorize Surface Finish of injection molded parts in to four basic categories: (A) glossy, (B) semi-glossy, (C) matte, (D) textured. Within each grade, there are three sub-categories. While grade to grade differentiators are more visually obvious when compared side-by-side, the sub-categories (1, 2 &3) within each grade have far more subtle attributes and are more difficult to identify by the naked eye. These attributes can be measured with a profilometer and are reported in degrees of “roughness” (such as Ra average roughness, roughness depth, average variation of roughness, etc.) to allow for comparison to the specified surface-finish standard being applied. For the purposes of today’s surface-finish discussion, we will focus on the “A” Glossy, “B” Semi-glossy and “C” matte surface finishes, which are “polished” related. The SPI “D” Surface Texture category is better discussed with “mold textures” as it relates to patterns being etched into the mold steel and other differentiators (processes, service providers, etc.) Let’s take a look at each of the categories.
Glossy (A-Grade) – A-grade finishes, with sub-categories A-1, A-2, and A-3, represent the highest level of surface refinement. A-1 specifications typically apply to optical components requiring minimal distortion, A-2 for highly polished transparent parts without optical requirements, and A-3 for non-optical applications requiring premium surface quality. These grades require mold steel hardness of no less than 52RHC and demand precise control of process parameters. Material selection becomes particularly critical – while amorphous materials like acrylic and polycarbonate excel, semi-crystalline materials often prove unsuitable regardless of processing conditions.
Semi-Glossy (B-Grade) – B-grade finishes (B-1, B-2, B-3) represent intermediate levels of surface refinement. While hardened steel is recommended, pre-hardened mold steels such as H13, P20, or 718H often suffice, depending on the polymer selection and production volume requirements. B-grade finishes balance machinability, surface finish capability, and mold longevity, making them ideal for many engineering applications where consistent appearance is necessary but optical clarity isn’t critical.
Matte (C-Grade) – C-grade finishes (C-1, C-2, C-3) utilize specific grit sanding processes to remove machining marks without creating reflective surfaces. These finishes excel at masking flow lines, knit lines, and minor surface imperfections. The reduced polishing requirements and broader material compatibility often result in improved production economics, while still maintaining consistent and measurable surface parameters.
Textured (D-Grade) – D-grade finishes (D-1, D-2, D-3) involve deliberate texturing of the mold surface, typically through chemical etching, electrical discharge machining (EDM), or laser processes. These finishes serve both aesthetic and functional purposes – from creating specific tactile properties to masking surface imperfections and improving part release characteristics. Texture depth and pattern significantly impact material flow characteristics and may require adjustments to processing parameters and draft angles.
Engineering Considerations
Surface finish specification should be driven by both functional and economic factors. Engineers should consider:
Material Behavior – the molecular structure and flow characteristics of different polymers create inherent limitations in achievable surface quality and texture reproduction.
Process Parameters – each surface finish grade requires specific processing windows, particularly in injection speed, pressure, and temperature control.
Tooling Implications – surface finish requirements directly impact mold steel selection, machining strategies, and maintenance protocols.
Implementation Strategy
When implementing surface finish requirements, consider the complete manufacturing cycle. Initial tool construction must account for appropriate steel selection and surface preparation methods. Production parameters require careful optimization to maintain surface quality, with different requirements for each SPI grade.
The Bottom Line
Early consideration of surface finish requirements in the design phase enables optimal material selection, tool design, and process parameter development. We recommend documenting specific surface finish requirements during the RFQ phase, including clear identification of which surfaces require which SPI grades and sub-categories. Our engineering team can provide detailed consultation on material selection and design optimization to achieve your surface finish requirements while maintaining production efficiency.
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