masking material

[aspearin1]

Looking for suggestion for masking material to protect edges that I wish not to coat with epoxy. I want a material that is somewhat porous and will keep the epoxy from pooling at the edges. Also, can anyone suggest a good automated masking technology? Thanks in advance.

 

[kenvlach]

There are many kinds of tape that you can use; here are a couple of suppliers:

http://www.tapecase.com/tc/Log-Roll.asp

http://www.shercon.com/store/subcategory?subcategory_id=4

I'm not sure why you can't use regular (cheap) masking tape, but don't know your part size and shape or if you will cure by baking. Sometimes, both for mass production and absorbent backing (you mentioned 'porous'), small flat parts are placed in rows on double sided tape on big sheets of paper for painting. After dry to touch, turned to paint the reverse side.

Not sure what kind of automated system you are looking for; people use conventional roll type applicators for tape. Where large coils are plated or coated at high speed, they use rollers to block liquids.
Check Metal Finishing or Products Finishing for ideas:

http://www.metalfinishing.com/metfinish/show/

http://www.pfonline.com/

 

[htfprich]

You may simply need a "custom" designed mask. There are companies that exist who do this for a living. It is very important to use a company that supplies mainly "custom designed" masking. There are some manufacturers that mainly supply "standard" masking who also dabble in custom "beware".

You can find these companies via internet by searching under key words such as: custom masking, custom powder masking, powdercoat masking, custom caps and plugs, etc.