Flash Masking & Hold Down Tape Solutions

Metal is increasingly replaced by composites in manufacturing large industrial parts, particularly for the aerospace or wind energy sector. Composite moulding enables strong performance with reduced part weight, streamlined manufacturing in one piece, resulting in fewer seams or holes. Flash masking or flash breaker tapes can be applied to the outside of the composite build-up on the mould to prevent excess resin contamination, leaving a clean masking line without residue. Alongside hold-down tapes that assist in attaching composite layers to the mould release tape, flash masking tapes enhance the efficiency of the production process, especially by preventing silicone traces and thereby eliminating orange peel effects in the subsequent painting process.

Where superior functionality and temperature resistance are required, such as in demanding aerospace applications, polyimide tapes are the ideal choice. Combined with temperature-resistant silicone or rubber adhesives, they ensure reliable functionality during the autoclave curing process.

Polyester tapes are the more economical option and perform well for most composite moulding processes. These tapes protect the tool from resin and are typically 2.5 cm or 5 cm wide. If resin leaks out during the process, remove the tape and it removes the overage without leaving silicone traces which is critical for further painting processes.

Polyimide Tapes
Polyester Tapes

Adhesive	.025 mm	.050 mm	Short Term Temp. Rating (1–5 hours) °C	Product Features
Silicone	K201	K202	310°C	High temperature flash & hold down tape

Adhesive	.025 mm	.050 mm	.127 mm	Short Term Temp. Rating (1–5 hours) °C	Product Features
Rubber	M851 green	M852 green	M855 green	200°C	Non-silicone flash & hold down tape
Rubber	–	M783 pink	–		High adhesion, non-silicone flash & hold down tape
Silicone	M824 blue	M832 blue	M895 blue		Economy flash tape & hold down tape
Silicone	–	M887 emerald	–		Economy flash tape & hold down tape — alternative color