Paint Removal on Assembly Line - What is efficient and safe?

[dbooker630]

My company paints large axle housings with a VOC-compliant air-drying coating to a dry film thickness of 2-3 mils. Areas not requiring paint are typically masked prior to entering the paint booth.

I now have an issue with one of our customers, who has requested that no paint be evident on a particular surface that historically has never been masked for any of our customers. This particular area is difficult to mask and still operate an assembly line efficiently.

The leadership at my company does not want to use any grinding or flapper wheels to remove the paint due to the dust generation. Also I do not want to introduce any aggressive (e.g. chlorinated) solvents either due to permitting concerns. Also this is a manual spray operation.

I don't know if I'm asking for the miracle paint remover, but I am interested in what is available out there that generates minimal dust and does not produce hazardous vapors. Any insight on this would be most appreciated!

 

[swall]

Ask your paint supplier what solvents might be used and then determine which, if any, are environmentally friendly for the plant. On masking, if it comes to that, is the area conducive to using some sort of re-usable silicone rubber mask?

 

[CoryPad]

There are systems that use liquid nitrogen or dry ice to remove coatings.

Regards,

Cory

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[swall]

Another option might be a brushed on plasticol type coating which could be easily peeled off after painting.

 

[magic612]

Our company designs custom masks for difficult-to-mask areas - we'd be happy to take a look at the part and see if we can help you, or even refer you to a specialized firm if necessary. If we couldn't help you out, they certainly could.

 

[dbooker630]

magic612,

Yes I would be interested. Keeping in mind what is not allowed in postings, I'm not sure how we can proceed. Perhaps one of the members can advise us.

Everyone,

Thanks for all of your input. In addition to masking we are also considering the cryo option.

 

[kenvlach]

Hi dbooker630,
Wouldn't you need to mask anyway, if stripping, to protect the adjoining paint?? Masking to prevent the unwanted paint is the usual practice.
Here are some masking suppliers (dbooker630, it's OK to give company info as a response for solving a poster's problem. If I missed your co., just post the link):

Shercon

http://www.shercon.com/home/masking/

Viadon LLC

http://www.viadon.com/

Argon Masking Corp.

http://www.maskingsupplies.com/products.htm

Tolber Chemical Division

http://www.tolber.com/

 

[magic612]

dbooker630 - I'm a Viadon (Dave), but any of the other companies can help you too. Tolber only carries liquid maskants, the rest of us design molded and die cut masking.