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Problems masking titanium for type II anodizing

I have very inconsistent results with a UV curable adhesive for masking titanium for type II and III anodizing. The type II appears to leak altering the type III under the mask. We have tried numerous things to correct the problem, which include, curing the part longer, changing the bulbs in the curator, tried a new curator, altering current for type II process, and even having someone from the company that makes the masking agent come in to see what they could do, but nothing has helped. We check the acid levels of our solutions every week, so I don't think that could be the problem. If anyone has any suggestions at all, I would really appreciate it.

Jon Laessig
anodizing - Marquette, Michigan, U.S.A.
2007

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2007

Guess one is that the coating is not shrinking during the cure and might even be expanding somewhat. It also might not be able to "grip" the type III anodizing.
You might be able to tape a half an inch at the edge and get the material to "bond" to the tape.
You might try Pyramid Plastics super XP2000 low heat cured plastic maskant. On smooth parts it will come off by soaking in hot water and peeling like a banana. On sand cast surfaces, it is nearly impossible to get off. Might be worth a try. Once upon a time they would give small samples.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida

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