Where Is Adhesive Tape Used in Powder Coating?
Adhesive tape is used to mask many items during the powder coating process. Several kinds and sizes of tape are used in the preparation and powder coating process.
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Masking for Abrasive or Sand Blasting
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During preparation, items are abrasive blasted to remove oils, dirt, rust and mill scale. Threaded portions of parts are masked to prevent damage. Because of the extreme pressure applied during blasting, duct tape is used to mask for this step. Duct tape is sticky and thick enough to stand up to the heat caused by the friction of blasting parts.
Masking for Curing Oven
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Parts can then be masked to prepare for baking in the curing oven using a high-temperature tape. Temperature-resistant tape comes in many sizes and formulations. These tapes are made from polyester or fiberglass with special silicone-based adhesives able to withstand extended periods at high temperatures. Some tapes can only withstand 325-degrees Fahrenheit; others can tolerate 500-degrees Fahrenheit.
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Masking Parts
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Powder thickness is measured in thousandths of an inch, which is called "mils" in powder coating. Each coat of powder is approximately 3 to 5 mils, or 3/1000 to 5/1000ths of an inch thick. When applying primer and powder, this thickness can make a significant difference in the fit of machined parts. Machined surfaces that must fit together with low tolerances are masked. Threaded parts and parts inserted into other parts are masked to prevent powder buildup on threads. These parts can be masked before coating or after primer, depending on the tightness of the fit. Large areas can be masked using a perimeter of tape with a masking filler such as aluminum foil in the middle.
Masking Designs
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When coating items that are multi-colored, tape is used after the primer and first color are applied. Simple or elaborate designs can be masked using tape. On the easy end, taping a stripe or masking a brass basket on a picket use a simple straight line. More difficult jobs include masking flames or other designs in motorcycle or car parts.
Masking Cut Designs
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When masking designs, tape may be cut in the shop using scissors or a razor. Another alternative is to order the tape in "die cut" format. Most tape supply companies have the ability to cut designs in sheets of tape using a computer program and mechanical or laser cutters. Customers can choose from available cutouts, supply a picture or a design can be hand-drawn to design a die-cut template. Templates can be used one time or for multiple applications, depending on the material.
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