Polymer Finishes

Question 1

Self - finishing

Answer 1

• require no addition finishing processes required
• eg. texture on laptops or bottles

Question 2

surface textures

Answer 2

• produced from moulds

Question 3

colored polymers

Answer 3

• pigments added
• improves aesthetics
• self coloring = self finishing

Question 4

adding color

Answer 4

• pigments = tiny particles
• added during manufacturing process
• e.g. injection moulding added to hoppers

Question 5

Smart pigments

Answer 5

• thermochromic
• phosphorescent
• e.g. glow in the dark

Question 6

Acrylic Spray paints

Answer 6

• fast drying
• water soluble
• reduces damage of UV light
• water resistant when dry
• provides aesthetics
  eg.

Question 7

mass customisation

Answer 7

• allows products to be tailored to the individual consumer’s preference
• e.g. coding bumpers, wing mirrors

Question 8

over mouldings

Answer 8

• moulding a second polymer
• TPE often used
• used to provide areas of grip or texture = highlights different colors and components
• e.g. toothbrush made from PP have a TPE over moulding for grip

Question 9

over moulding - injection moulding moulds

Answer 9

• e.g. toothbrush body is injection moulded
• placed into secondary mould and grip is injected on body

Question 10

over moulding - twin slot injection moulding

Answer 10

• injection moulding design to produce the product in one cycle
• two separate component cavities = rotated through 180degree
• e.g. toothbrush body in first mould cavity, mould closes again and secondary injection applies over mould.

Question 11

lay-up pigment process

Answer 11

-ready-coloured boat hulls can be produced = pigment in gel coat.
- polyester resin gel coat in ready-to-use pre-pigmented colours added to mould before GRP is added
- eliminated need to add individual pigments to resin.