Precision Masking for Flawless Surface Protection

Introduction

This advanced masking article and method offer a solution for industries that require precise and efficient surface masking, particularly in automotive, manufacturing, and industrial painting processes. The technology ensures that substrates are effectively masked, allowing for flawless application of coatings or finishes without contamination. For companies seeking to improve their painting and coating processes, this technology provides the reliability and precision needed to achieve professional results while enhancing productivity.

The Challenge: Inconsistent Masking and Surface Contamination

Masking is a critical step in many industrial processes, but traditional masking methods can often lead to inefficiencies. Incorrectly applied masking materials can result in overspray, uneven edges, or contamination of surfaces that require protection. This not only compromises the quality of the finished product but also leads to rework, wasted materials, and increased labor costs. With industries placing greater emphasis on high-quality finishes and streamlined operations, the demand for a more reliable and precise masking solution is clear.

Enhanced Masking Technology for Consistent Results

This masking technology provides a robust solution by offering superior adhesion and precise coverage, ensuring that surfaces remain protected throughout the painting or coating process. The article is designed to conform closely to the substrate, reducing the risk of overspray or misalignment. Its advanced adhesive properties allow for secure attachment while still being easy to remove, preventing damage to the underlying surface. This method significantly improves the accuracy of masking, leading to cleaner edges, reduced contamination, and a higher-quality final product.

Key Benefits for Industrial and Manufacturing Sectors

In the automotive industry, where high-precision painting and coating are essential, this masking technology ensures flawless surface protection, reducing the need for touch-ups and rework. Manufacturing companies benefit from enhanced efficiency, as the easy application and removal process streamline operations and cut down on time-consuming manual labor. For industrial painting and coating companies, this technology offers the durability and reliability needed to mask large areas or complex geometries, ensuring consistent results across a wide range of surfaces. Construction firms can also use this technology to protect substrates during painting or finishing tasks, preventing costly damage.

Invest in Precision and Productivity

Licensing this precision masking technology gives your organization a competitive edge in achieving superior surface protection with reduced waste and increased efficiency. By offering a masking solution that is easy to apply, conforms to various surfaces, and delivers clean results, your company can meet the demands of industries that prioritize high-quality finishes. This technology allows for greater control over the masking process, improving both the quality of the finished product and the speed of operations. It’s a smart investment for companies looking to elevate their surface protection methods and deliver flawless results in a variety of industrial applications.

The present disclosure relates to a profiled masking article and method of masking a substrate to be treated or painted that provides a feathered or soft edge between painted and unpainted areas. The masking article described herein may be used as a single strip, or as multiple strips, placed side by side, wherein a strip is removed between treatments of different types. This allows successive treatment layers to completely cover previous layers, thus avoiding defects resulting from exposed layers of material. In an embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a masking article comprising: at least one elongate body (12), said body (12) having a top surface, a bottom surface and at least two lateral surfaces, wherein at least a portion of said body comprises an adhesive material; and a generally planar top portion (14), connected to the body along at least one surface, said top portion (14) having a microstructured surface.
1. A masking article comprising:

at least one elongate body, said body having a generally planar top surface, a bottom surface and at least two lateral surfaces, wherein the bottom surface of said body comprises an adhesive material; and
a generally planar top portion overhanging the body and connected to the body along said top surface, said top portion having a microstructured surface.
2. The masking article of claim 1, wherein the body has cross-sectional shape having an arcuate surface.
3. The masking article of claim 2, wherein the body has a parabolic cross-section.
4. The masking article of claim 1, wherein said body is made entirely of an adhesive.
5. The masking article of claim 1, wherein said top portion is made of a material taken from the group consisting of a polyolefin, polyester, and a polyamide.
6. The masking article of claim 5, wherein said top portion is made from polypropylene.
7. The masking article of claim 1, wherein said body is made of a material taken from the group consisting of acrylate polymers, natural and synthetic rubbers, silicone polymers, polyurethanes, polyolefins, and poly (vinyl ethers).
8. The masking article of claim 7, wherein said body is made from an acrylate polymer.
9. The masking article of claim 1, wherein said body is cured.
10. The masking article of claim 1, wherein the adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive.
11. A masking article comprising:

an elongate body, said body having a generally planar top surface, a bottom surface and at least two lateral surfaces, wherein the bottom surface of said body comprises an adhesive material made by a casting process; and
a top portion overhanging the body and connected to the body along said top surface wherein said top portion further comprises a microstructured surface.
12. The masking article of claim 11, wherein the body has a parabolic cross-section.
13. The masking article of claim 11, wherein the microstructured surface comprises a cross-hatch pattern.
14. The masking article of claim 11, wherein said top portion is made of a material taken from the group consisting of a polyolefin, polyester, and a polyamide.
15. The masking article of claim 14, wherein said top portion is made from polypropylene.
16. The masking article of claim 11, wherein said body is made of a material taken from the group consisting of acrylate polymers, natural and synthetic rubbers, silicone polymers, polyurethanes, polyolefins, and poly (vinyl ethers).
17. The masking article of claim 16, wherein said body is made from an acrylate polymer.
18. The masking article of claim 11, wherein said body is cured.
19. The masking article of claim 11, wherein the adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive.
20. A method of masking a substrate having a surface to be masked and a surface to be treated comprising:

applying at least one masking article to the substrate, said article comprising an elongate body, said body having a generally planar top surface a bottom surface and at least two lateral surfaces, said body further comprising an adhesive, and a generally planar top portion overhanging the body and connected to the body along said top surface;
applying a first coating of material on the substrate;
removing said at least one masking article from the substrate; and
applying a second coating of material to the substrate.
21. The method of claim 20, further comprising: applying a second masking article to the substrate, adjacent the first masking article.
22. The method of claim 21, further comprising the steps of: (i) removing the second masking article after applying the second coating of material on the substrate; and (ii) applying a third coating of material to the substrate.
23. The method of claim 20, wherein said body is made entirely of an adhesive.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein said body is made of a material taken from the group consisting of acrylate polymers, natural and synthetic rubbers, silicone polymers, polyurethanes, polyolefins, and poly (vinyl ethers).
25. The method of claim 23, wherein said body is made of an acrylate polymer.

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Title

Masking article and method of masking of substrate

Inventor(s)

Kevin M. Eliason, Jeffrey R. Janssen, Larry R. Lappi, Larry A. Meixner, Michael J. Moszer

Assignee(s)

3M Innovative Properties Co

Patent #

8399058

Patent Date

March 19, 2013

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