Textured surface for Rapid Prototyping

[PEU]

Hi, I would like to know how to apply a textured surface, like an orange peel:

This is a prototype reflector I want to test by making a rapid prototype of it (like the part that supports it).

I searched the forum, but found nothing, maybe Im not using the proper search terms

Thanks in advance

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

This has been asked a couple of times in the last few months but I cannot find anything via the search function.

To answer your question, no not easily. The only way I can think of is to create a surface manually (good luck) or to obtain a 3D scan of a surface with the texture, and import it into SW. The surface could then be used to cut the solid which would leave the texture. This could create a huge file though.

You might do better to create the surface on the RP part by other means.

 

[Theophilus]

Even if you had a surface like that, I doubt most RP methods would properly duplicate it--particularly after the part is cleaned up.

If you consider the SLS process (with a glass-fill nylon), you'll probably get fairly close to that sort of surface as a default--not exactly the same, but it won't be very smooth, either.

The surface deviations you need are so fine you could get them by injection molding, but not standard RP processes.

An alternative would be to make a single "master" part. Use paint to get the orange peel texture you need (I use a spray gun to do this). Create an RTV (silicone) mold around your master part and cast your parts in urethane from that mold. Those cast parts can pick up incredible detail--textures included.



Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

Reason trumps all. And awe transcends reason.

 

[Rocko]

Actually you can get this surface finish via using crushed walnut shells as the media and hitting the surface in a sand blasting cabinet.