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Why chemically etch molds instead of sand blasting?

November 26, 2009

why we should do chemical etching for moulds?

what is the difference between chemical etching and sand blasting?

will chemical etching will reduce gloss level of PP+PE material ?

Gopinath K
precision - Chennai

Hello Gopinath,
When attempting to produce a certain pattern or design on the moulded parts (simulated leather or wood, geometric patterns, etc.) it is necessary to etch over an acid resistant decall or "print" that is layed on the mould internal surfaces. The acid only eats the exposed areas leaving the negative relief image of the pattern. On the other hand, if you only need to produce a certain opacity, blasting is the preferred and universally adopted method.

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
December 2, 2009

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