Page 54 - Plastics News November 2025
P. 54
TECHNOLOGY NEWS
LASER TEXTURING FOR MOLDS: FROM
AESTHETICS TO FUNCTION
Functional Benefits That Reshape Production
Laser workstation applying texture to a mold in-
sert. The process creates controlled micro- and
nano-scale geometries on the cavity wall, trans-
forming surface finish from a cosmetic detail into SEM image of stainless steel mold surface
a functional interface that governs polymer flow, showing micro-pillars with superimposed LIPSS
release, and durability. Courtesy of LightMotif. nano-ripples. The multi-scale asperities disrupt
aser texturing transforms molds from dec- contact with polymers, diminish adhesion, and
orative tools into functional interfaces that reduce ejection forces during molding. Courtesy
Limprove polymer flow, release, durability, of LightMotif.
and sustainability.
Laser-induced textures influence melt behavior
Mold surface finish in plastics processing once under dynamic filling conditions. When channels
served primarily as a cosmetic detail, where
gloss, matte effects, and etched logos delivered or dimples align with the principal flow direction,
they reduce hesitation in thin sections, stabilize
visual differentiation. The evolution of laser tex-
turing transforms that view by introducing mi- pressure profiles across the cavity, and promote
uniform cooling. The associated decrease in
cro- and nano-scale geometries that influence
polymer flow, regulate part release, extend mold shear heating limits residual stresses and mini-
mizes localized warpage, thereby strengthening
durability, and transmit functional properties into
molded products. The cavity wall now acts as part reliability across multiple production cycles.
an engineered interface, where surface science Release from the cavity also benefits from engi-
meets polymer physics to deliver measurable neered surface design. Elastomers, highly filled
performance gains. thermoplastics, and geometrically complex com-
ponents often adhere strongly to mold walls,
54 PLASTICS NEWS November 2025
