Peelable masking for conformal coating 1

[chopper75]

We do conformal coating and have some pretty complicated masking to do prior to coating. This is currently all done manually. I am interested in looking into using a peelable mask. has anyone ever implemented an automated peelable mask system for this purpose before?

 

[nornrich]

chopper75,

I'm guessing you are using some type of masking tape(hence the name) that is manually cut with an exacto knife and hand applied by a technician. If this is the case and the labor component is high, you might want to check out a company that does adhesive labels, that has die cut capabilities. The tooling is relatively inexpensive. I'm not sure what kind of volumes you are doing, but you can get labels printed and die cut, relatively inexpensively. I guess it depends on how much it's costing you to do it manually, figuring both straight labor cost, lost productivity and what other activities your technicians could be doing.

Rich.....

Richard Nornhold, PE

http://www.personna.com

 

[fegenbush]

By what method is the conformal coating applied. This would determine if a less labor intensive solution is viable.

 

[berkshire]

I do not know what your coating system is but sprayable latex film is used as a peelable mask in some industries ( Spraylat ), this is sprayed on, allowed to dry, then patterns are cut with a frisket knife. the coating is then peeled away where you want the paint. In the printed circuit board industry Rislone film is used for the same job, this is a light sensitive film used with a photo etching system.
I hope this will give you some ideas.
B.E.