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Masking for vibratory finishing process

2003

Hi experts,

Is there anybody with experience on masking paints, lacquers, waxes or similar (easy to be deposited and completely peeled-off) suitable for masking a vibratory finishing process? We deal with little ceramic components (thin shaped shells of about 20x10 mm and 2 mm thick). They undergo a first vibratory finishing step. After that, most of them (several thousands parts a year)need to be reworked with the same process (just a little shorter) but only in specific locations (not fixed, but changeable on the surface according to the result of the first step). In order to avoid out of tolerances, we would like to mask all the surface except this little area (few mm2) which need further polishing action. Any suggestion or similar trouble?

Thanks in advance,

Gio Righini
- Mazzè, To, Italy

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At 3mm thick, you shouldn't have too much trouble with distortion. My concern is masking. Most masking systems don't hold up to energy forces and media in a wet system. About the only media that might work with masking is a dry process using an abrasive organic blended mix. If you need more info, get in touch.

AF Kenton
retired business owner - Hatboro, Pennsylvania
2003

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