New 8985L CAA Tape Features Non-silicone Rubber Adhesive
Press Release Summary:
- Eliminates cure time of a liquid so that overall masking and de-masking can be accomplished up to five times fast
- Minimize the risk of silicone contamination impacting downstream processes such as bonding or paint adhesion
- Transparency makes it simple to position and can be applied in few steps as well as can be die-cut for fast masking and eliminating hand trimming
Original Press Release:
Revolutionary Advance in Chromic Acid Anodizing Masking
3M™ releases a tape designed specifically for masking during the harsh chromic acid anodizing process. Custom Fabricating & Supplies has the 3M™ 8985L Chromic Acid Anodizing Tape in stock and ready to sample
Chromic acid anodization (CAA) is the one of the oldest and most widely used processes in the aerospace and metal finishing industries. Type I Chromic Acid Anodizing is an electrochemical process that creates a thin aluminum oxide film by rapidly controlling the oxidation of an aluminum surface. The resulting aluminum oxide film is electrically non-conductive. CAA produces a thinner film than Type II and Type III Anodizing (hard coat) and produces enhanced drawing and forming characteristics and is often is used for flight-critical aluminum components that are subjected to high stresses.
It is common that some areas of the product need to be masked to prevent anodizing. Tape is the easiest type of masking to apply. However, pressure sensitive adhesive tapes previously were ineffective masking selections for CAA. Most of the tapes either fell off or showed very high acid leakage of the CAA material under the edges of the tape.
Liquid masking has been the most effective existing solution for masking a part in a CAA process. While liquid maskants show satisfactory performance, the application process is lengthy (requiring up to 24 hours curing time before anodization) and messy. The use of liquid maskants is relatively expensive and less desirable compared to the use of a masking tape. Wax can also be an effective masking agent; however, it too is difficult to apply, remove and can become contaminated by the chromic acid.
Enter 3M™ to the rescue. Their development and engineering team has created a tape specifically designed to withstand the harsh chemicals used during chromic acid anodizing replacing the complex, messy liquid masking and the unpleasant odors involved. It features a non-silicone rubber adhesive to minimize the risk of silicone contamination impacting downstream processes such as bonding or paint adhesion. Supplied on a liner, it can easily be die cut for faster masking – eliminating hand trimming.
The transparency of the tape makes it easy to position and can be applied in fewer steps. 8985L Anodizing Tape also eliminates the cure time of a liquid so that overall masking and de-masking can be accomplished up to five times faster*. Ease of application and clean, one-piece removal mean users could save up to 60%* on labor time and associated costs.
While it is possible for most companies to purchase and convert 3M™ products, only a few are selected by the 3M™ corporation as Preferred Converters. This designation recognizes elite converting companies that consistently exceeded others in quality, capabilities, experience and customer service. CFS is proud to be in this unique group.
CFS has the 3M™ 8985L Chromic Acid Anodizing Tape in stock and ready to sample. https://www.customfabricate.com/3m-8985-chromic-acid-anodizing-tape.html
Contact us today to see how a recognized 3M™ partner can help improve your final product performance, streamline your manufacturing process, reduce total costs and much more!
*Up to 5x faster and up to 60% reduction in labor time both based on 3M™ internal data.
About Custom Fabricating & Supplies:
CFS is an ISO 9001:2015 supplier of component die cuts, custom rubber molded parts, extrusions & masking supplies for industrial powder coating applications. A 3M Preferred Converter with over 40 years of experience in the industry, they are experts in surface protection applications such as tapes and plugs as well as seals, mounting & holding, gaskets, spacers, shielding and insulators. Capabilities include precision rotary die cutting, dieless die cutting, kiss cutting, custom molded parts, slitting and laminating. CFS is also an online distributor of masking products, such as pressure sensitive tapes, silicone plugs & caps, 3M products and high temperature tape die-cuts often used in powder coating and wet paint. CFS supplies many diverse industries including agriculture, aerospace, military, electronics, LED lighting, automotive and medical manufacturers.
For more information on CFS please call Christy Schulthess, Marketing Director, at (800) 556-7188 or email cfs@customfabricate.com. The company website can be found at: www.customfabricate.com.
