VDI 18 Surface Finish: Comprehensive Guide by Plastopia
Welcome to Plastopia’s comprehensive guide on VDI 18 Surface Finish. Discover its unique characteristics, applications, and how it compares to other surface finishes.
What is VDI 18 Surface Finish?
VDI 18 surface finish is also known as VDI 3400 18 / VDI 18 texture/ VDI 3400 ref 18/ VDI 3400 class 18. It is a one of the VDI value/degree for VDI Surface Finish standard. The VDI stands for Verein Deutscher Ingenieure – Association of German Engineers.
The VDI surface finish standard was orginally set and used in Germany, but later on become worldwide popular due to simple of use.
How Rough is the VDI 18 Surface Finish?
VDI 18 surface finish is in the lighter texture range for the VDI 3400 surface finish standard. It is widely used for automotive parts, consumer electronics, and other products where a specific texture is desired for aesthetic or functional reasons. The VDI 18 provides enough roughness for hand gripping and beautiful finish look.
You may get an idea on the roughness comparison between VDI 24 surface finish and VDI 33 surface finish from picture below.
Plastopia VDI Surface Finish Card
A great way to examine the VDI 18 surface finish is to use a convenient tool like the Plastopia VDI Surface Finish Card. This practical tool offers real examples of various VDI surface finishes, including VDI 18, enabling you to directly feel and compare the textures.
Unlike traditional metal plaques, this plastic card offers a tangible experience, allowing you to feel and visualize the final texture of your molded plastic parts.
The Plastopia VDI Surface Finish Card is available in over 16 different plastic materials, ranging from common plastics like ABS and PP, to specialized engineering plastics like HIPS and PA+GF30. Here are some options:
- ABS (Black/ Grey/ Red/ Blue/ White)
- ABS-PC (Black/ White)
- PC (Black/ White/ Clear)
- PMMA /Acrylic (Clear)
- PP (Black)
- HDPE (Black)
- LDPE (Black)
- HIPS (Black)
- PBT (Grey)
- TPE (Black)
- PA+GF30 (Black)
- Customization (If required)
Designed to the size of a smartphone, with dimensions of 160×65×2 mm, the Plastopia VDI Surface Finish Card is portable enough to bring to any production site or customer meeting. The card features two sides, each displaying six of the most common VDI 3400 plaques, ranging from VDI 12 to VDI 45. Contact us to get your card.
Here’s a picture of Side A, from left to right: VDI 12, VDI 15, VDI 18, VDI 21, VDI 24, VDI 27. (Each plaque measures 40×20 mm.)
And here’s a picture of Side B, from left to right: VDI 30, VDI 33, VDI 36, VDI 39, VDI 42, VDI 45. (Each plaque measures 40×20 mm.)
Plastopia’s VDI 3400 Surface Finish Cards are trusted and widely used by leading brands such as Apple, Samsung, Canon, Huawei, Foxconn, and many more.
Parameters of VDI 18 Surface Finish
Here are some basic parameters you need to know about the VDI 18 surface finish:
- Machining Depth: 0.80 µm ( or 32 µinch)
- RA Value: 0.80
- RZ Value: 3.30
- Draft Angle: 0.5~1.0 degrees
Please note that the draft angles depend on your specific part geometry and plastic material. For example, materials reinforced with glass require more drafting.
How is VDI 18 Surface Finish Achieved?
The VDI 18 surface finish is achieved through a specific manufacturing process. This involves using specialized tools and machinery to create the desired texture on the surface of the material. It could be done both via EDM or chemical engraving texturing.
Applications of VDI 18 Surface Finish
VDI 18 surface finish is widely used in various industries. It’s commonly applied to automotive parts, consumer electronics, and other products where a specific texture is desired for aesthetic or functional reasons.
VDI 18 Surface Finish Conversions to Other Textures
Here are some rough conversion from VDI 18 surface finish to other texture standards:
- SPI Surface Finish: SPI D1
- Yick Sang Texture: YS 20039
- Mold Tech Texture: K 9000G
Please note that this conversion is for reference only. The most effective way to examine the VDI 18 surface finish is to purchase our VDI Surface Finish Card.
Hear from Some of Our +3,000 Satisfied Customers
I’ve been using the VDI Surface Finish Card for several months now, and I’m impressed with the quality and detail of the textures. It’s a must-have for any designer looking to elevate their work.
I highly recommend the VDI Surface Finish Card from Plastopia. The quality, variety of materials, and fast delivery make it a great investment for any designer or engineer.
The VDI Surface Finish Card from Plastopia has been a game-changer for our design team. The variety of materials and the ability to customize colors has given us the flexibility we needed. Plus, the fast delivery is a bonus!
The Card includes 12 VDI plaques:
- Side A: VDI 12, VDI 15, VDI 18, VDI 21, VDI 24, and VDI 27.
- Side B : VDI 30, VDI 33, VDI 36, VDI 39, VDI 42, and VDI 45.
Shipping Lead Time:
- FedEx Priority: 2-5 Days.
- DHL Economic: 10-15 Days.
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