UV-curable resins for component masking processes

The resins have been shown to reduce costs in the case of aircraft components by some 40 per cent with a 60-70 per cent time saving.

In addition to aircraft components such as turbine blades, the Speedmask range of UV-curable resin maskants is suitable for processes such as acid stripping, laser ablating and surface plating on medical implants, including replacement hip and knee components, and for other high-precision items that have accumulated a large input value prior to finishing.

UV-curable aerobic acrylics take seconds to cure instead of hours, so curing bottlenecks are eliminated, resulting in productivity gains.

They are claimed to be worker and environmentally friendly and do not contain solvents, eliminating special handling requirements and costly ventilation systems.

Minimal capital investment is required, so investment in an average UV curing system is typically recovered in the first year of operation or sooner.

UV systems can be easily integrated into automated production with many options for adhesive dispensing, including bead placement, dip, spray, pad print or screen print.

This compares with traditional masking methods including tapes, waxes, boots and caps and lacquers, all of which have downsides in terms of speed/accuracy of application or in terms of ventilation, for example.

The application of Dymax Speedmask UV maskants is straightforward and curing is achieved with a suitable UV lamp.

Removal is achieved by burn-off, peel or water-soluble action dependent upon the demands of the surface process involved.