Mold Surface Acceptance Planner
Turn “make it like this photo” into a signed, repeatable acceptance plan for EDM texture, SPI polish and molded-part appearance.
Build the checklistGenerate a practical acceptance checklist
Why one roughness number is not enough
Measurement
Record the agreed Ra or Rz parameter, instrument, cutoff, direction and sampling location. Do not present approximate VDI conversions as certificates.
Visual appearance
Agree lighting, viewing distance, gloss/texture direction and an approved physical sample. Surfaces with similar Ra can still look different.
Mold function
Confirm draft, draw direction, release behavior, sealing/contact areas and whether texturing must stop at shutoffs or edges.
Traceability
Record the A–F plate type, individual plate ID, customer approval, date and supplier copy so the decision survives staff changes.
A–F reference selection
- A: metal VDI plaque for steel/electrode EDM comparison.
- B: plastic VDI plaque for molded appearance.
- C: portable metal/plastic VDI scale for supplier and incoming checks.
- D: transparent-material VDI plaque.
- E: black/transparent plastic SPI scale.
- F: 12-piece steel SPI set for distributed inspection and archives.
Technical basis: GF Machining Solutions states that roughness average alone may be insufficient for optical appearance, while multi-cavity molds require repeatable surface quality. See its surface texturing booklet and mold-tool application guidance.