SW DECEMBER 2020 WEB | Page 28

MASKING – TAPES , CAPS & PLUGS

Get a grip on masking

Installing and removing masking quickly is one of the keys to an efficient coating line . Whilst masking has to stay in position throughout the coating process , it is important that it doesn ’ t take too long to install or remove .
There is no doubt that installing and removing masking can add time onto the production process . It is another stage in the production cycle . So it is important that installing and removing masking can be done as quickly as possible . The basic tapered plug is a tried and tested masking product that can be used to plug holes . Tapered plugs have been around for years and can be installed and removed relatively quickly . The humble tapered plug , however , can be improved with the addition of a handle . A taper plug with a handle can make the plug easier to see on a coated part ; it can reduce the risk of damage to the coated surface as the plug is being removed and , because it is easier to grip , it can speed up the removal of the plug .
Some form of a handle is possible on most moulded rubber masking products and it is on custom moulded masking items where handles come into their own . Handles can be added to act as an alignment device or to ensure that masking is installed consistently . Well designed and positioned handles can help increase the life span of a mask by ensuring they are removed correctly and consistently . A well-designed handle can reduce the chances of a mask being torn if it is removed incorrectly . Handles can be used in conjunction with work instructions to help identify the correct installation and removal procedure of a mask . Handles can even be added to aid the automation of mask installation and removal .
Handles need to be considered at the initial concept stage of a custom moulded mask design . The design of the handle can be as important as the design of the mask itself . Some things to consider when designing the handles are as follows : Will the person applying or removing the mask be wearing gloves ? If so , it may be better to design a longer handle or increase the diameter at the end of the handle to make it easier to grip . Is the mask heavy ? Multiple handles may be required for heavy masks and they will need to be spaced in such a manner that the mask can be carried or balanced easily . Can the handle be hollow ? Hollowing out masks and handles can have a dramatic impact on cost . Does the handle need to be tapered so that liquid will flow off it and will not pool on the mask because of the handle ?
If you need to get a handle on your masking , a good masking supplier such as Caplugs or any of their distribution partners will have a wealth of experience to help you .
They can advise which of their standard products have handles and how handles can be added to custom products
John D . Gill
John D . Gill is an Engineer with experience in masking and product protection throughout the UK , Europe and USA . He can be reached at www . johndgill . com and via Twitter @ masking101
26 DECEMBER 2020 twitter : @ surfaceworldmag