Scuffing breaks up oxide films, mold release, oxidized skins and cured gloss so the adhesive meets fresh material with more surface area. Technicians use nonwoven abrasive pads or about 180 to 320 grit paper, then wipe off the dust with solvent. The usual shop sequence is wipe, scuff, wipe, so contamination is removed before and after abrading rather than ground in.
Scuff both faces till the shine's gone, then IPA wipe, then glue. In that order.
Abrading a dirty part without wiping it first grinds the oil into the scratches, so wipe before and after.
Also heard as
- scuff sand
- abrade
- key
Related terms
IPA wipe
Cleaning a bonding surface with isopropyl alcohol on a lint-free wipe just before adhesive goes on.
Mechanical interlock
Adhesion gained by adhesive flowing into pores and roughness and locking in once it hardens.
Peel ply
A fabric layer cured onto a composite surface and torn off just before bonding to expose a clean, textured face.
Adhesive failure
A break at the interface between adhesive and part, leaving one surface clean or nearly clean.