Thermal spray cured masking

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In a previous post entitled thermal spray masking tapes, ( you can refer to it from the drop down menu of all posts in the side bar ), we dealt with all the characteristics needed for the proper performance of thermal spray masking tapes. In this post, we will address thermal spray cured masking. As we mentioned in the aforementioned post, thermal spray cured masking can be technically broken down to disposable cured masking and re-useable thermal spray cured masking. Just like thermal spray masking tapes, cured masking needs to be able to withstand both grit blasting and spray coating aggressiveness, needs to be able to be easily applied and easily removed. Obviously, the word easily is figuratively used here. In the disposable cured masking category, the most common is to spray on a liquid masking compound and let it air dry or oven cure at a relatively low temperature. Then the actual masking lines are scribed. This is critical to note because upon curing, if the compound is not conveniently scribbable, ( hey I invented a new word ), then it is of no use. Scribing and trimming sprayed and cured compounds is used frequently in critical masking applications and usually done with a back angle trim to enable smooth feathering and proper cut off requirements. Such masking obviously is disposable because it is removed in the demasking and deburring operations. The other type of cured masking involves making masking shapes by pouring and curing to specific contours outside the part. Such cured masking is quite often re-useable to some extent. Poly tetra fluoro ethylene compounds are frequently used in such cases as well as certain ultra high molecular weight polymers. Buttons, plugs, o-rings and such often fall under cured masking even though technically some of these may simply be purchased complete from outside sources. Of course, masking can be quite extensive from an engineering innovation stand-point and so you need to keep as much proprietary information close to your heart as possible especially from customers to whom specific technical plans and operation sheets have to be submitted for approvals.