Issue link: https://nbm.uberflip.com/i/1451379
8 2 G R A P H I C S P R O A U G U S T 2 0 2 2 G R A P H I C S - P R O. C O M A W A R D S & C U S T O M I Z A T I O N T ypically, decorative sandcarvers apply masking tape beyond the edges of the photoresist mask to protect their substrate dur- ing etching. e application and removal of that masking tape is time-consuming and especially onerous during high-volume production runs. So, savvy operators use tapeless sandblast ports to eliminate tedious taping. I'll share two creative approaches: cut rubber and molded sili- cone. Both materials can be reused indefinitely since they are resistant to the grit and pressures used in decorative sandblast- ing. While both approaches work with many types of substrates, I'll refer to glassware in this article. OPTION 1: RUBBER MEMBRANE e rubber option is versatile since the same rubber membrane can be used to mask multiple substrates. e flexible rubber is also the optimum port for light glassware. To use the rubber membrane tapeless port option, follow these simple steps: 1. Cut hole: Place the surface to be etched on the rubber mem- brane. Trace the edges of the glassware onto the membrane to ensure the right size window for your glassware. Cut the shape out of the rubber with a sharp razor blade. 2. Mounting: Stretch the rubber membrane over the pegs of the retention frame. Secure the corners of the membrane to the frame with wing nuts. Finally, mount the retention frame itself to the tapeless sandblast port frame. 3. Sandcarving: Reach around the back of the retention frame and press the glassware into the rubber membrane so that only the imaged photoresist mask is showing. e flexed rub- ber will provide a seal that protects the unmasked portions of the glassware. Voila, no masking tape required! TWO CREATIVE APPROACHES TO UTILIZING TAPELESS SANDBLAST PORTS B Y B R I A N M I R S C H Tapeless Sandblast Ports (All images courtesy IKONICS Imaging) 1a 1b 2 3 Cut Rubber: Steps 1-3