If you are unfamiliar with thermal spraying, it's a process where metal or other materials are heated and then sprayed onto a surface. Thermal spray masking tape protects the underlying surface from being damaged by the high temperatures from the thermal spray process.
Discover two main ways thermal spray masking tape can help with your project.
Protects Underlying Parts from Corrosion and Damage
As mentioned earlier, thermal spraying is a process where a material is heated to a high temperature and then sprayed onto a surface. The resulting coating can protect against wear, corrosion, and abrasion. However, the high temperatures involved in the process can also cause damage to the underlying surfaces.
Masking tape is often used to protect these parts from heat damage. It provides a barrier between the hot metal and the surface below. This is especially important if you are working with sensitive parts or materials that cannot withstand high temperatures.
The tape is applied to the area that will be coated. Then, the thermal spray gun is directed over the top of the tape. The tape acts as a barrier, preventing the hot spray material from coming into direct contact with the underlying part. This strategy helps protect this section from heat damage and also prevents corrosion.
The tape is made from various materials, including vinyl, polyester, and paper. It's crucial that you select the right type of tape for each application. Each material has different properties that make it more or less effective at protecting against corrosion and damage.
In general, vinyl tapes are most resistant to high temperatures and offer good adhesion, while polyester tapes provide good abrasion resistance. Paper tapes are typically used for applications where a very smooth finish is desired.
When selecting thermal spray masking tape, consider the application's specific requirements to ensure that you choose the right type of tape.
Create Patterns on the Surface
In addition to protecting the underlying surface, thermal spray masking tape can also be used to create patterns on the coating. This is often done for aesthetic reasons, but it can also be used to create functional patterns.
For example, if you want to create a coating that will be exposed to high temperatures, you can use thermal spray masking tape to create a pattern that will help dissipate the heat. You can do this by creating a series of small holes in the tape.
Another common use for this technique is to create patterns that will help improve the grip of a surface. The process involves creating a series of raised bumps on the surface. You can create these bumps by using thicker tape or applying multiple layers of tape.
For more information, you can turn to a company such as Thermal Spray Masking Solutions.
