Mold polishing method/tools

[mcliffwatts]

oh i forgot ,,Saddle soap if you want a really high mirror finish on the tool face , it works as a fantastic release agent as well saves having to spray every forth shot , you guys should be able to get it ,comes in block form white in color(spelt your way) some acrylic fab shops use it for polishing the edges with a buffer wheel ,its as rare as rocking hores pooh over here

[cerberes]

If you looking for an additional method. I came across some polishing media called Cratex. I bought a kit from mcmaster-carr. You use the bits etc with a dremel and using the 4 different grits can get a beautiful polish. I followed up with the standard polishing compound and fluffy wheel.

Ron

[barthmv]

Guesswin has a large selection of polishing supplies. I usually start with 320 grit then move to 400, 600, 1200 and then finish with semi-chrome polish. Molds have a mirror finish. I also high speed mill at 50,000 rpm with a .00002 scallop. Finish right out of the machine is almost perfect.

[Wiseco]

Are you serious with the 0.00002 Step-over High speed mil??? If so, it must be a very small mold!

[barthmv]

I had meant to say a .00002 scallop height not step over. I edited my message to state this but guess you didn't see the edit. We use a scallop height like this quite often. It elliminates much of the hand polishing and lets us retain critical dimensions.

barthmv

[Zaki]

HI Guys
there are several ways to polish the mold, including the mirror finish machining. But mostly hand polish is require after mirror finish machining. The best ever process I found in my 22 years experiance of mold making is to use abrasive powder or paste with soft wood stick, liquid perrafin and/or coconut oil is extremely suitable as lubricant in this process. u can use it with hand or with reciprocating polisher/ lapper. stone polishing is also good, but some times stones distroy the precision profiles if its using carelessly. Normally we start with 150~350 grit, depends upon the roughness of mold and finish it with 1200~2000 grit depends upon the required finish. We also use diamond paste for some very high quality finish molds, normally with the high hardened molds. its saves time but price gone high.

[psfairport]

I make auluminum molds for rubber compression molding and don't have to worry much about polishing. When I needed one polished I went to a jeweler buddy and gave me a quick lesson. Pretty much the same as what was mentioned earlier.

[cadcam]

Originally Posted by steedspeed How about .001 stepover on the cutter and leave it running for a month! Just kidding!

Actully .001 to .003 in mold making is a normal less polishing at the end.As I have done this for going on 20 years this way. the machines runs Lights out and some times for a few days. then less bench work.

Mold maker back round . Wax investemt, Palstic Injection and Die cast beside others.