Global provider of adhesives, coatings, and UV/LED curing equipment for OEM and contract manufacturers, Panacol, has developed new UV curable masking materials for industrial processes. The new masking materials are part of its Vitralit MASK product line. According to the company, they can be easily applied, cured in seconds by exposure to UV light, and then removed by a simple peel, or for those masks with higher adhesion, hot water dip and peel.
UV masking
UV mask material is typically used in high value component fabrication that involves processes for surface enhancement. These processes may include acid cleaning, grit blasting, or shot peening. Component surfaces or internal cavities may need to be insulated from these processes for reasons of functionality. Masking materials are applied as temporary barriers, that are subsequently removed from the completed component after processing. Typical applications include the manufacture of turbine components, orthopedic devices or prosthesis, and other industrial component processes such as the coating of circuit boards and plastics. The UV masking material is derived from light curable adhesive technology.
The company said its family of UV light curable mask materials are solvent-free and can be easily applied and cured in seconds with a UV light source. The curing system may be broad spectrum UV or LED in in wavelengths of 365 or 405nm.The uncured liquid mask can be applied on components by syringe, dip, or spray. The masks are available in many viscosities to accommodate a wide variety of component configurations and applications. Both high and low viscosity masks can be easily dispensed through spray valves onto larger surfaces. All Vitralit MASK materials provide uniform and consistent protection from high impact particulates, hot acids, alkali solutions, plating, and paint. The UV masks are available in green color to provide higher contrast for better visual inspection.
Removal of the UV mask materials is accomplished by a simple peel, or a hot water dip and peel. A selection of the manufacturer’s UV masks, such as the new Vitralit MASK 20116, have extremely high surface adhesion for the most rigorous processing. These UV masks are best removed through incineration. The company adds that its UV masking materials do not leave surface residue after peeling or incineration.
