RapidDirect SPI Surface Finish Services

Enhance the quality and aesthetics of your plastic parts with our SPI surface finish services, providing a range of finishes to meet your specific requirements.
spi finish services
SPI Finish

What’s SPI Finish?

The SPI finish is an American surface finish standard system set by the (Society of the Plastics Industry) and used to classify the surface texture of plastic injection molds

The SPI finish standard covers 12 SPI grades of polish finishes ranging from a high-gloss, mirror-like finish (A1) to a rough, matte finish (D3). Using the SPI standards, manufacturers can meet the requirements for aesthetic and functional qualities of plastic products.

SPI Surface Finish Chart

SPI Finish StandardFinishing MethodFinishing LookTypical Surface Roughness Ra (μm))Steels Recommended
SPI A16000 Grit DiamondSuper High Glossy finish0.012 to 0.025S136 (54HRC) or 8407(52HRC)
SPI A23000 Grit DiamondHigh Glossy finish0.012 to 0.025S136 (54HRC) or 8407(52HRC)
SPI A31200 Grit DiamondNormal Glossy finish0.05 to 0.10S136 (300HB) or 718H
SPI B1600 Grit PaperFine Semi-glossy finish0.05 to 0.10718H
SPI B2400 Grit PaperMedium Semi-glossy finish0.10 to 0.15718H
SPI B3320 Grit PaperNormal Semi-glossy finish0.28 to 0.32718H
SPI C1600 Grit StoneFine Matte finish0.35 to 0.40718H
SPI C2400 Grit StoneMedium Matte finish0.45 to 0.55718H
SPI C3320 Grit StoneNormal Matte finish0.63 to 0.70718H
SPI D1Dry Blast Glass BeadSatin Textured finish0.80 to 1.00718H
SPI D2Dry BlastDull Textured finish1.00 to 2.80718H
SPI D3Dry BlastRough Textured finish3.20 to 18.0718H

Plastic Materials for the SPI Surface Finish

SPI surface finishes can be applied to various plastic materials, including ABS, PC, PP, and PS. The choice of plastic and SPI finish depends on the final product’s application, aesthetic requirements, and functional properties. Different plastics respond uniquely to the polishing process, so selecting the appropriate material and finish is essential for achieving the desired result.

Glossy Finish
MaterialsA-1A-2A-3
ABSAverageAverageGood
ABS-PCAverageAverageGood
PCAverageGoodExcellent
PMMAExcellentExcellentExcellent
PPNot RecommendedAverageAverage
HDPENot RecommendedAverageAverage
LDPENot RecommendedAverageAverage
HIPSAverageAverageGood
PBTAverageAverageGood
TPENot recommendedNot recommendedNot recommended
PA+GF30AverageAverageGood
Semi-Glossy Finish
MaterialsA-1A-2A-3
ABSGoodGoodExcellent
ABS-PCGoodGoodExcellent
PCGoodGoodAverage
PMMAGoodGoodGood
PPGoodGoodExcellent
HDPEGoodGoodExcellent
LDPEGoodGoodExcellent
HIPSExcellentExcellentExcellent
PBTGoodExcellentExcellent
TPENot recommendedAverageAverage
PA+GF30GoodExcellentExcellent
Matte Finish
MaterialsA-1A-2A-3
ABSExcellentExcellentExcellent
ABS-PCExcellentExcellentExcellent
PCAverageNot RecommendedNot recommended
PMMAGoodGoodGood
PPExcellentExcellentExcellent
HDPEExcellentExcellentExcellent
LDPEExcellentExcellentExcellent
HIPSExcellentExcellentExcellent
PBTExcellentExcellentExcellent
TPEGoodGoodGood
PA+GF30ExcellentExcellentExcellent
Textured Finish
MaterialsA-1A-2A-3
ABSExcellentExcellentGood
ABS-PCExcellentExcellentGood
PCExcellentNot RecommendedNot recommended
PMMAAverageAverageAverage
PPExcellentExcellentExcellent
HDPEExcellentExcellentExcellent
LDPEExcellentExcellentExcellent
HIPSExcellentExcellentGood
PBTExcellentExcellentGood
TPEExcellentExcellentGood
PA+GF30ExcellentExcellentGood

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FAQs

The VDI 3400 Standard is a German guideline that specifies a series of surface textures for plastic mold tools. It provides a classification system for surface finishes, similar to the SPI (Society of the Plastics Industry) finish standards commonly used in the United States.
The VDI 3400 Standard categorizes surface textures based on numerical codes and descriptions, allowing for consistent communication and specification of desired surface finishes in plastic molding applications. By adhering to this standard, manufacturers can achieve the desired aesthetic and functional properties in molded plastic parts, ensuring consistency and quality across production processes.

To judge the surface quality of a mold, use optical interference technology to assess if the surface has accurate geometry and the absence of long wavy undulating patterns, which can indicate surface imperfections. After mirror treatment, visually inspect the surface for scratches, holes, or other defects that could affect the appearance and quality of the final part. Ensure the surface is smooth and uniform, without blemishes or irregularities, to produce high-quality molded parts.

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