Novel Automated Masking System

To address the Air Force need for improved masking technology for use in aircraft manufacturing and maintenance facilities, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to continue development of a new High Speed Automated Arbitrary Masking (HiSAAM) system. This device is based on the automated deposition of masking composition to aircraft in a droplet form that allows for the precise targeting of nanoscale droplets on the protected surface. The innovation in HiSAAM technology will enable the system to apply masks of any complexity quickly, accurately, and with high resolution, and can easily be integrated with automated coating applicators to provide masking and coating in one step. In addition, the novel masking material deposited with this system is easily removed once coatings have been applied, leaving no residue. In Phase I POC experimentally proved the HiSAAM concept by fabricating a working prototype and demonstrating its performance. In Phase II POC plans to build two versions of the full-scale masking head, optimize the masking material, and demonstrate system accuracy, resolution, and speed. The development of automated masking system will directly address the Air Force need to reduce aircraft coating times and will save tax payers’ dollars.