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Home » Blogs » Blogs » VDI vs. Surface Treatments in Injection Molding: Key Differences Explained

VDI vs. Surface Treatments in Injection Molding: Key Differences Explained

Views: 0     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2025-05-27      Origin: Site

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1. Core Differences: VDI vs. Surface Treatments

AspectVDI 3400 StandardSurface Treatments (PVD, Plating, Nitriding)
PurposeDefines surface texture & finishEnhances hardness, wear, and corrosion resistance
MeasurementRa/Rz roughness (e.g., VDI 12 ≈ 0.05µm)Coating thickness (µm), hardness (HRC/HV)
ImplementationAchieved via EDM, laser texturing, or chemical etchingApplied via deposition, heat treatment, or electroplating
Primary UseAesthetic/textured parts (e.g., car interiors, electronics)Functional improvement (e.g., glass-filled plastics, high-temp molds)

2. How VDI and Surface Treatments Work Together

Case Study: Automotive Dashboard Mold

  • Step 1: Polish to VDI 10 (mirror finish)

  • Step 2: Apply ion nitriding (HRC 60 hardness)

  • Step 3: Laser-engrave VDI 28 (leather grain texture)

  • Result:

    • Meets Mercedes-Benz MS-900 texture standards

    • Withstands 100,000+ cycles without wear

Case Study: Medical Device Mold

  • Step 1: Polish to VDI 6 (ultra-smooth)

  • Step 2: Coat with DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon)

  • Result:

    • 70% lower ejection force (prevents part sticking)

    • Complies with FDA surface finish requirements


3. Choosing the Right Combination

Aesthetic-Driven Applications

  • Example: Consumer electronics, luxury car interiors

  • Recommended Process:

    • VDI 15-25 (smooth matte finish)

    • PVD-TiN coating (prevents scratches)

Performance-Driven Applications

  • Example: Glass-fiber reinforced plastics, high-temperature resins

  • Recommended Process:

    • VDI 10-12 (smooth base)

    • TiAlN coating (heat resistance up to 800°C)


4. Cost Considerations

Process CombinationCost FactorBest For
VDI 15 + Gas Nitriding1.0XGeneral industrial parts
VDI 6 + PVD-TiAlN3.5XOptical-grade components
VDI 25 + Electroless Ni-PTFE2.2XMedical devices (self-lubricating)

5. Future Trends

  • AI-Assisted Quality Control: Automated systems check VDI texture + coating thickness in real time.

  • Eco-Friendly Texturing: Laser-based VDI patterning (no chemical etching).

  • Smart Coatings: Self-healing layers that adapt to wear.


Key Takeaway

  • VDI 3400 = Controls how the surface looks/feels

  • Surface treatments = Determine how long the mold lasts

For optimal results, combine both—first select the right VDI grade, then apply the best surface treatment for durability.


Yixun is the China first generation mold maker, specialize in mold and moulding, provide one-stop plastic manufacturing service, feature in building medical and healthcare device tooling.
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