Abrasive Blasting: Essential Surface Preparation for Optimal Thermal Spray Coating

Abrasive Blasting, commonly referred to as grit blasting, is a critical surface treatment technique used to clean and prepare part surfaces, ensuring an optimal mechanical bond for thermal spray coatings. This process involves propelling abrasive particles at high speed through a nozzle using compressed air. The abrasive materials can vary in coarseness, from fine to very coarse, and may include aluminum oxide, metallic particles, or glass beads. Grit blasting is a necessary step before applying any thermal spray coating.

Click here to download our Abrasive Blasting brochure.

Recommended Products for Abrasive Blasting

– 6605-07D: A basic single-sided glass cloth tape, ideal for non-critical abrasive blasting masking. It’s a reliable option for single-layer secondary masking.

– 6615-07: A double-sided fiberglass tape, 7 mil thick, featuring silicone adhesive on both sides and a crepe paper liner. This tape offers excellent conformability and strong adhesion to metal, making it perfect for face-to-back masking.

– 6615-12: A thicker, 12 mil double-sided fiberglass tape, ideal for single-layer plasma spray masking.

– 6625-11: An aluminum foil flame spray masking tape, 11 mil thick with a 4 mil foil layer, providing robust protection.

– 6525-08: An all-purpose abrasive blasting masking tape, suitable for both grit blasting and air plasma applications. This tape is constructed with silicone rubber-coated fiberglass and features a silicone adhesive.

– 6525-16: A double-layered masking tape that allows for single-layer application, reducing masking time by 50% in situations where two layers of standard tape would be required.

– 7422W: A heavy silicone-coated fiberglass fabric designed for demanding jobs that require protection of large surfaces. This fabric is more abrasive-resistant and is well-suited for both primary and secondary masking tasks.

Masking Compounds

– TacMold (A2023-A / A2023-B): A two-part silicone putty designed to withstand all forms of thermal spray, including GF-HVOF and LF-HVOF. TacMold is ideal for masking holes or intricate profiles and is reusable in some cases.

– TacBloc: A soft, conformable, putty-like material designed for masking holes, grooves, key slots, or other unique configurations. Unlike TacMold, TacBloc adheres directly to metal, making it ideal for areas where anchorage is difficult. TacBloc is suitable for all types of thermal spray.

For detailed guidance on maximizing the benefits of our TacMold & TacBloc Masking Compounds, please log in or register to download our comprehensive How-to Guide.