Galvanized mold surface

Fine contours of the model surface are accurately transferred to the galvanized mold inserts through electroplating, such as genuine leather grains, skin texture, fine diamond cuts as used in micro-reflectors, high-gloss polish, etc. 

The requirements on the surface characteristics of the galvanized molds are very different. In dolls parts and toy animals, satin matte surfaces are desirable. To this end, the most strongly undercut galvanized molds are sand blasted with corundum or other abrasives. For textured or smooth surfaces a surface treatment by etching or special blasting with different material mix is necessary. 

There are more process steps involved in laser subtractive structuring (LSS) than in the additive or semiadditive processes (Fig. 3.2). Injection molding is followed by short surface activation to permit electroless copper or nickel plating. This chemical premetallization is followed by a galvanic process to build up the plating to target thickness. The next step is structuring as such, by application of an activatable etch resist. 

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