Surface Finishes

Question 1

What does self finishing mean ?

Answer 1

The inside surface of a mould is already smooth so any form taken by polymer is also smooth

Example is a motorbike helmet
It’s smooth because the mould was smooth

Question 2

How can a rough acrylic be treated to become smooth ?

Answer 2

1. A profile is likely marked onto acrylic
2. A cut that is close to the line will be made with dawn of choice
3. File used to remove more acrylic do profile is closer to line
4. Abrasive paper then used to remove file marks from acrylic
5. Then a fine abrasive paper can be used to achieve a Matt finish
6. For gloss it requires an electric buffer can transform the Matt finish into a gloss one

Question 3

How do we add personalization to a polymer ?

Answer 3

1. Sublimation printer used to print onto coated, heat resistant paper
2. Paper then placed on top of polymer and heated to around 180*c
3. Once hot the polymer is removed
4. The paper can be removed from the polymer, transferring the image from the paper to polymer

Question 4

What are polymers thay sublimation patterns are added to ?

Answer 4

HIPS and acrylic