Plaque ID only
- No draft revision
- No ejection face called out
Surface finish
Injection Molding Textures: MoldTech, VDI and Selection
Texture catalogs look interchangeable until draft, ejection, and gloss targets disagree. This page ties standards together.
Surface finish
Pick a texture system the mold shop can build once
MoldTech numbers and VDI grades describe depth and pattern, not brand loyalty.
Buyers often receive MoldTech plaques from marketing while engineering references VDI on drawings. Align both to the same physical depth before T1.
Heavy textures need more draft and can trap air at ribs. Lighter textures hide fewer sink features but polish faster.
Standards
MoldTech plaque versus VDI callout
Both can work when the mold texture supplier gets a single master reference.
Plaque plus engineering drawing
- VDI or SPI backup on critical faces
- Draft checked for texture depth
Reference
When buyers use each catalog
Use one primary catalog on the RFQ to avoid double texturing.
| Catalog | Best for | Watch out |
|---|---|---|
| MoldTech MT codes | Consumer visible graining | Match plaque age and supplier |
| VDI 3400 | European drawings | Map depth to draft |
| SPI C and D | Matte without custom grain | SPI surface finish chart |
Quote checklist
What to send with CAD
Finish specs stall quotes when they live only in email threads.
Physical plaque or digital MoldTech reference number
Primary texture face marked on CAD or PDF
Minimum draft after texture simulation if available
Keep exploring
Related finish guides
Open siblings on the same hub path before you lock mold texture on the quote.
Surface finish hub
Category overview and RFQ checklist.
Surface finish hubColor options
Appearance and resin color control.
Color optionsSPI finish chart
A1 through D3 on one page.
SPI finish chartTexture selection
Pick a spec before steel is cut.
Texture selectionFinish cost
Compare scope drivers.
Finish costFAQ
Common questions
Is MoldTech the same as VDI?
No. They use different numbering. Pick one lead standard and translate the rest in the mold spec.
Can texture hide sink marks?
Light texture softens minor sink. Major pack issues still need design or process changes.
Next step
Ready to attach a finish target to your upload?
NetProto quotes one hardened steel tool with piece price. Finish level still drives DFM and mold texture scope.