Cases, Face-plates, and other textured plastics.

[Ed.D]

Hi All,

Just wondering how they make the texture in the Amiga cases and peripherals? Seems to be minute concave pits in the surface, but how would the mould be formed to create that?

Regards,
Ed.

 

[salaxi54]

Are you asking how this is made in industrial level, or in private level?
In both cases it actually has to do with automation (see well-known PPC boards supposedly designed for the job but selling as dedicated h/w as a means of pickpocketing ) Usually it's something designed with a CAD program, and sent to a CNC which would make the original mould/s used for mass-production. But nowadays, it might soon be easy for individuals to start experimenting with 3D printers at home. You would be drawing what you want on your puter, and have a few goes until you reach the result you like..

 

[Ed.D]

Are you asking how this is made in industrial level, or in private level?
In both cases it actually has to do with automation (see well-known PPC boards supposedly designed for the job but selling as dedicated h/w as a means of pickpocketing ) Usually it's something designed with a CAD program, and sent to a CNC which would make the original mould/s used for mass-production. But nowadays, it might soon be easy for individuals to start experimenting with 3D printers at home. You would be drawing what you want on your puter, and have a few goes until you reach the result you like..

I was thinking about how the original moulds would have been made for the A1200 case and A4000 front panel etc. I can't imagine a cnc machine tool would be used for texturing though would it? I thought it might have been done by shot blasting the mould, but it would give a negative impression; the plastic would have bubbles instead of pits.

Those 3D printers are great aren't they, a bit like the Star Trek replicator but a bit slower. (we need some trekky smilies).

 

[StrontiumDog]

Chemical etching ...

 

[rkauer]

Chemical attack, indeed. An acid is used in the places where you want a smooth texture, let it attack the surface for a while, wash and neutralize it, wash the mold again and job done.