Improve demoulding
An adapted topography can reduce the effective contact area between plastic and steel.
At a glance
Less contact. Easier demoulding.
Influence deposits
The micro- and nanostructure are adapted to the combination of material and process.
Without an added coating
The chemical composition of the mould surface remains unchanged.
Suitable for high-gloss surfaces
Variants for parts with sensitive optical requirements are also possible.
Especially relevant for
- High demoulding forces
- Recurring deposit formation
- Coatings are a concern
- Preparation for a functional layer
Principle & application
The technology behind it.
01Contact area and adhesionThe effective contact area can be reduced in a targeted way.
With very smooth or highly uniform surfaces, the actual contact area between plastic and steel can be particularly large. Adhesive forces increase, making demoulding more difficult.
An adapted topography at the micro- and nanoscale reduces the effective contact area and can therefore influence demoulding, deposit formation and process stability without changing the part geometry.
02Mechanical modification without coatingThe surface chemistry remains unchanged.
Nanostructuring mechanically changes the finest surface structure. No additional coating is applied; the chemical composition of the mould surface remains unchanged.
This is particularly relevant where coatings are a concern or regulatory requirements play a role. The structure is adjusted to the plastic, viscosity, geometry and optical requirements; variants suitable for high-gloss surfaces are possible.
- Micro- and nanoscale
- No additional layer
- Individual adjustment
- Can be used to prepare for functional coatings
03Three structural levelsShape, finish and nanostructure perform different roles.
The primary structure describes shape, contour and part geometry at the macroscale. The secondary structure comprises roughness, machining marks and finish at the micrometre scale.
Nanostructuring specifically targets the tertiary structure. It influences adhesion, demoulding and deposit formation without changing the primary structure and with minimal influence on the secondary structure.
04Measurable influence on demouldingNanostructure 10L and high-gloss polishing compared with PP.
The measurement comparison between a high-gloss polished surface and nanostructure 10L shows a significantly lower demoulding force for the PP material tested, with a reduction of up to 50%.
Microscopic and three-dimensional views make the resulting surface topography visible.
05Technical assessment for your applicationWhen is this process worth considering?
The finest structure influences contact.
Plastic and the mould form a direct interface. Its topography, surface energy and polarity influence how strongly the material adheres and how easily it can be demoulded.
- Without an added coating
The chemical composition of the mould surface remains unchanged.
- Adapted to the plastic
The structure is selected with the plastic, viscosity, part geometry and optical requirements in mind.
- On its own or in combination
Nanostructuring can be used on its own or to prepare for a thin functional coating.
Where adhesion, demoulding or deposit formation are affected by the interaction between plastic and the mould surface. Variants suitable for high-gloss surfaces are possible where visual part quality needs to be maintained.
Selection depends on the plastic, tool material, geometry, temperature, mechanical loading, cleaning conditions and desired function.
Your application
What does your surface need to do?
The mould component, plastic and challenge are the starting point for our joint assessment.