Material Selection and Molding
The core of mahjong tiles lies in the choice of material, commonly ABS resin and acrylic. ABS resin is the mainstream choice due to its wear resistance and impact resistance, while acrylic is favored for its light transmission and aesthetics. The raw materials are melted at high temperatures and injected into precision molds, where they cool to form tile blanks with patterns and text. The precision of the mold directly affects the dimensional consistency of the mahjong tiles, making mold making a crucial step.
Patterns and Colors
The patterns and text on mahjong tiles are created through printing or engraving. Modern processes often use UV printing technology, resulting in vibrant colors that are resistant to fading. After printing, special treatment is required to ensure the durability of the pattern. Some high-end products use laser engraving to make the patterns more three-dimensional and clear. Color matching is also an art, as different regions have their own color standards for mahjong tiles.
Grinding and Quality Inspection
After molding, the mahjong tiles need to undergo fine grinding to remove burrs and ensure a smooth surface. The grinding process is divided into two stages: coarse grinding and fine grinding, using grinding wheels of different grits to gradually refine the finish. Finally, rigorous quality checks are conducted, including dimensional measurement, weight measurement, and pattern inspection, to ensure that each set of mahjong tiles is of consistent quality. Qualified mahjong tiles also undergo anti-static treatment to ensure they are suitable for use in fully automatic mahjong machines.
