Anodization baths are some of the toughest environments around and we make extreme masking tapes tough enough to stand up to them.
Because anodizing takes place in acid bath solutions, anything used to mask the surface must withstand the harsh chemical bath for as long as the part is immersed – and may also need to survive painting or other downstream processes. Whenever the mask is removed it should come off in one piece without leaving residue behind that requires extra removal steps. We invented masking tapes and our wealth of experience means we know how to create extreme masking tapes that meet these and other requirements.
Tight manufacturing tolerances help our tapes to go on consistently and provide peace of mind that they’ll perform the same way, time after time.
Whatever type of anodizing you’re doing, we have a tape made to provide excellent masking lines in those specific harsh conditions.
Our consistency helps prevent leakage and rework so you get more parts finished on time and on budget. Tapes also eliminate the curing time of liquid masking options.
Anodizing converts the surface of a metal to provide a durable, corrosion-resistant oxide finish; unlike paint that bonds to the surface but remains separate, anodization creates a distinct layer that’s part of the metal but also different from it. The finish is achieved by applying an electric current while dipping parts in an acid bath – so any section that shouldn’t be treated needs a tough masking tape for anodizing that can withstand this process.
Aluminum and its alloys are the most common, but other nonferrous metals such as magnesium and titanium can also be anodized.
Type I anodization involves a chromic acid bath while Type II and Type III anodization use sulfuric or other acids. Find more information about each type and appropriate 3M Extreme Masking Tape solutions using the tabs below.
Type I anodizing is the oldest anodization process; it involves a chromic acid bath and ramping up the applied voltage through specific steps throughout the process. It creates a very thin layer of 0.05 to 0.2 mils and provides excellent corrosion resistance. Type I anodization is common on precision machine components and metalworking components for the aerospace industry. The anodization layer can be dyed, though it is more difficult than with Type II; it can also be used as a pretreatment before painting.
Typical uses include:
3M Solutions
An extreme masking solution for chromic acid anodization.
Replace complex, messy liquid masking and the unpleasant odors that go with it: 3M™ Anodization Masking Tape 8985L is transparent for easy, accurate positioning and has no cure time so the overall masking and de-masking can be done up to five times faster1. The ease of application and clean, one-piece removal could save up to 60%1 on labor time and associated costs.
What goes into 3M™ Anodization Masking Tape 8985L and how do these features help you?
Click the red dots for more information.
Type II anodizing is most commonly done using a sulfuric acid solution, though other acids and combinations of acids can be used. This “regular” anodization takes place at room temperature and uses 10-20 volts to create a layer 0.1 to 0.8 mils thick. Type II anodizing creates a harder finish than Type I and is used for military-grade components, shells for computers and other electronics, hydraulic valve bodies and mechanical hardware.
Typical uses include:
3M Solutions
Type III anodizing is most commonly done using a sulfuric acid solution, though as with Type II other acids or combinations of acids can be used. This more-complicated process takes place in very cold conditions using up to 90 volts of electricity to produce a “hardcoat” finish up to 2 mils thick. The hard finish of Type III anodizing is extremely resistant to wear and corrosion and provides electrical and thermal insulation properties; it is typically used for internal engine parts, sliding parts, hinge mechanisms and blast shields.
Typical uses include:
3M Solutions
Ask a 3M Expert
Thank you for your interest in 3M Industrial Adhesive & Tape solutions. A 3M Representative will get back to you by phone or email.