Since 1961, Akron Metal Etching has etched textures into molds, rolls and dies for manufacturers in the rubber, plastics and die-casting industries. The Akron company’s library contains more than 2,000 patterns, while its patented Prototex process brings production-style textures, logos and smoother surfaces to stereolithographic prototypes and other models. Its experience also extends to large blow-molding tools and embossing rolls, including rolls up to 36 inches in diameter and 127 inches across the face.
Custom Etch IncCustom Etch Inc. brings five-axis laser technology to the texturing, engraving and repair of molds and embossing rolls, handling everything from routine tools to large, complex 3D geometries. The New Castle, Pennsylvania, company was the first in North America to offer five-axis Laser 1000 equipment and later introduced large-format Laser 4000 and Laser 2500 systems, giving it capacity for molds weighing up to 25 tons. Its pattern library includes industry-standard textures as well as custom designs developed from materials such as leather, wood and stone.NEW CASTLE, PA
Standex EngravingStandex Engraving develops custom surface textures, engraves molds and supplies soft-trim tooling, taking projects from design through production support. Its distinctive fit-to-form texturing and proprietary digital and laser technologies preserve pattern detail across complex shapes, while global operations provide local support for tooling repair and production start-up. Standex also produces electroformed nickel shell molds in Portugal, the United States and China.OH, OH
Desenco, IncSince 1976, Akron-based Desenco has designed and built precision rubber molds and tooling for complex projects across the rubber industry. Its 25,000-square-foot climate-controlled facility combines mold engineering with deep rubber-production experience, allowing the company to advise on processing as well as tool construction. Desenco also takes on turnkey projects and makes precision mold inserts, cores and pins, with inspection equipment traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology.AKRON, OH
Lorain Modern Pattern, IncFor more than three decades, Lorain Modern Pattern, Inc. has built custom patterns, prototypes, models and production masters in Elyria, blending traditional journeyman patternmaking with CNC machining and modern CAD/CAM tools. Its work ranges from foundry and molding tooling to low-volume parts and reverse-engineered replacements, including simulation models made for NASA’s John Glenn Space Research Center. The company says its craftsmanship and customer relationships have earned it a strong reputation across two generations.ELYRIA, OH