Does Custom Etch have patterns that I can use? Yes. Custom Etch has a Pattern Library of over a thousand textures that our customers can choose from. What is required to produce a brand new pattern? Custom patterns can be developed utilizing virtually any natural material, such as leather and wood. Additionally, any art renderings and/or computer designs can be reproduced into a pattern master. Which file formats are acceptable? Custom Etch can accept virtually all of the standard CAD and graphic file formats, including: TIFF Adobe Illustrator (AI) Postscript Encapsulated Postscript (EPS) Adobe Photoshop (PSD) MacPaint (MPT) CorelDraw (CDR) PCX JPEG AutoCAD (DXF) IGES My print specifies a texture pattern number from another texture house. Can Custom Etch match it? Yes. Utilizing the latest in technology, Custom Etch can cross reference any pattern number in the industry. What are the key texture issues when designing a mold? The draft angles are of the utmost importance in mold design. Draft angles will vary depending on whether it is an exterior or interior wall. Draft angles normally required for exterior walls fall within the range of 1 degree to 1.5 degrees for each .001" of pattern depth. For internal walls, there may need to be added draft, and this will depend on the complexity of the design or material. Greater draft angles are required for directional patterns that run perpendicular to the direction of draw. Which mold materials are acceptable for texturing or chemical engraving? Tool Steels (01, A1, A2, A6, S7, H13) Prehard Steel (P-20, NAK 55) Stainless Steels (410, 414, 420, 440) Forged Aluminum (6061, 7075, QC-7, Alumec89) Cast Aluminum (M1) Beryllium Copper Kirksite Cast Iron Cast Steel It is strongly recommended that molds producing mating parts are constructed from the same material for the best texture match.   If a mold is going to contain a combination of two or more mold materials (i.e. P-20, H13, Aluminum, BeCu), can I be assured that the texture will not be visibly different across said materials? Yes. Not every metal type produces the same etching results. Custom Etch does realize the importance of utilizing dissimilar materials for various mold components, and will assist you in your material selection. Custom Etch has had great success blending different metals together. We have developed techniques to assure a very acceptable texture finish across different mold materials. What procedure should be followed before welding a texture area? Always consult your material supplier for welding specifications particular to your material type. What should be done in the case of texture repairs? Be sure to contact Custom Etch to discuss any mold damage that involves a texture area. We will be glad to assist you in any way to make the best of your particular situation. How are texture costs estimated? Although mold size is a factor, there are other considerations that affect cost, such as complexity, pattern selection, material type, and your turnaround requirements, etc. As early as possible in your design process, fax or E-mail to Custom Etch part prints and/or mold prints so that we may help you effectively estimate your texturing costs. What is the average turnaround for your service? The normal turnaround for a texture job only is 3-4 days. This increases as services are added, such as engraving and/or polishing. The best way to estimate turnaround time for your project is to contact us.