What Is a Surface Finish?
A surface finish is essential to how a plastic part looks and feels. It can elevate a product from basic to premium, enhance functionality, and improve user experience. The right finish can also mask molding imperfections like flow lines or weld marks. At NetProto, we’ll help you choose the ideal finish to enhance your product’s performance and appeal.
Why It Matters
A well-designed product still needs to feel right in hand. Surface finishes influence grip, visual appeal, and even how well paint or coatings adhere. From aesthetics to usability, the finish can be the deciding factor between your product and a competitor’s.
Types of Plastic Surface Finishes
Surface textures can be achieved two ways:
- In-mold texturing: The texture is built into the mold, ensuring consistency and reducing post-processing costs.
- Post-processing: Techniques like sanding, bead blasting, or etching apply finishes after molding, useful for targeted areas or additional customization.
Often, both methods are combined to meet specific design needs.
Custom Finishes
NetProto uses high-quality steel molds for maximum customization. Steel allows for a wider range of textures than aluminum, including high-gloss polishes, matte finishes, leather grains, and geometric patterns. Whether you’re going for sleek or rugged, we’ve got you covered.
Texture vs. Finish
- Texture refers to the tactile pattern on the part.
- Finish refers to the overall appearance—dull, matte, semi-gloss, or gloss.
Surface Finish Classifications
NetProto uses the Yick Sang Standard, similar to VDI or Mold-Tech, to classify surface finishes. These range from highly reflective to textured and dull.