Emerging Applications: Metal Parts Masking for Medical and Aerospace Manufacturing
What is Metal Parts Masking?
Metal parts masking is a critical process in medical and aerospace manufacturing that involves covering specific areas of a component to protect them from various treatments such as grit blasting, plasma coating, and polishing. This ensures that only designated surfaces receive treatment while preserving the integrity of masked sections.
Masking typically occurs at multiple stages throughout the manufacturing process, depending on the required finish and treatment. Situations where masking is utilized include grit blasting, plasma coating, and polishing. In these processes, masking is applied to protect areas from abrasive particles, block off non-target areas, and prevent over-polishing or undesired surface modifications.
Which Materials are Ideal for Masking?
Tapes, boots, and 3D printed fixtures are commonly used in masking applications, but liquid maskants reign supreme due to their ease and flexibility of application. Heat cure and UV light cure materials can be applied using various dispense and spray techniques to improve product quality, and process efficiency, while often reducing cost.
How Is Masking Removed?
Common removal methods include peeling, ultrasonic baths, or water jet. Some organic maskants can be burned off in a high temperature furnace. Consult with the mask supplier to determine the best method of removal.
Automated Masking for Metal Parts
The use of robots with 3 to 6 axes of motion are used for application of liquid maskants. This allows for precise and repeatable placement while providing flexibility to easily adapt for design changes.
Why Is Metal Parts Masking Important in Medical and Aerospace Manufacturing?
Medical and aerospace manufacturing rely on stringent industry standards for safety and performance. Protection of sensitive areas from unwanted surface alterations with precise and repeatable application helps maintain component and substrate integrity, regulatory compliance, and cost efficiency within the manufacturing process.
By understanding the intricacies of metal parts masking, manufacturers can optimize their processes, ensuring high-quality production for critical medical and aerospace components.