3 Rotor Blade Protection Kit 8999K11 June 2010 Product Description The components in this kit may be used to protect the leading edge of rotor blades on heavy lift helicopters. This application uses 8-inch wide tape cut into lengths of 36 inches to cover the leading edge of the outer 3/4 of the blade. A second layer of 2-inch wide tape is applied in 36-inch long strips over the top of the 8-inch wide tape to act as a sacrificial layer on the leading edge. NSN 1615-01-529-8073 3M Polyurethane Protective Tape 8663MB Figure 1 IMPORTANT NOTICE: This kit is intended for helicopter applications that have service literature issued by airframe manufacturers or military orders authorizing use. This product is not recommended for use by general aviation on rotating blades unless specifically authorized by and used in accordance with the airframe manufacturers specification and service literature or military technical orders. The cognizant engineer for each platform is the final authority on the procedure to be used for installation of these products. Components Item 3M Polyurethane Protective Tape 8663 Matte Black (2" x 36") 3M Polyurethane Protective Tape 8663 Matte Black (8" x 36") 3M Protective Tape Solution 3M Protective Tape Cleaning Wipes (30/pouch) 3M Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesive DP190 Gray 3M Scotch-Weld EPX Mixing Nozzles 3M Scotch-Weld EPX Applicator 3M Scotch-Weld EPX Plunger (1:1) 3M Adhesion Promoter 86A Wipes (5/packet) 3M Air Release Tool 3M Imperial Wetordry 320 Sandpaper 3M Vinyl Tape 471 1 inch width (for masking) Scotch-Brite General Purpose Pad 7447 Yellow Squeegees Shop Towels Nitrile Rubber Gloves Size Large Scissors Training CD Qty. 72 each 72 each 6 quarts 6 pouches 24 tubes 48 each 6 packets 3 each 10 each 6 rolls 10 each 4 each 48 each 6 pairs! Caution Before handling any chemical products, always read the manufacturer s container labels and the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for important health, safety and environmental information. Local air quality regulations may regulate or prohibit the use of surface preparation and cleaning materials based on (VOC) content.
Preparation: Make any necessary repairs according to the appropriate technical bulletin instructions. Paint must be in good condition, smooth and well adhered. Blades must be free of contamination. Clean the surface using an approved synthetic detergent and lukewarm water. Working in a dust free environment is desirable to maintain clean surfaces through the entire process. Locate the blade in a work area that is at least 60 F. Shades areas are better than hot sun areas. Clean hands thoroughly before applying 3M Polyurethane Protective Tape 8663MB. Steps: Apply the wide leading edge tape. 1.) On the upper side of the blade, measure back from a point on the leading edge 5 and 1/4 inches at the root and the tip. Mark these locations. Apply 3M Vinyl Tape 471 from one location to the other, in a straight line, and adhere to the blade. This will create a guide to aide in sanding the surface and applying the 3M 8663MB Tape. 2.) On the lower side of the blade, measuring back 3 and 1/4 inches from the leading edge point. Apply a piece of 3M 471 Tape to form the sanding boundary on the bottom side of the blade. Figure 2 3.) Sand the area between these two pieces of 3M 471 Tape using 320 grit sandpaper. Sand only enough to get the surfaces as smooth as you can with the 320-grit sandpaper. Figure 3 4.) Wipe the area clean with 3M Protective Tape Cleaning Wipes. - 2 -
5.) Apply 3M Adhesion Promoter 86A to the painted areas only. (Try not to get any on metal leading edge strips.). Allow the 3M 86A Promoter to dry for about 10 minutes. When it is dry it will not appear glossy. Figure 4 6.) Apply the pre-cut 8 inch by 36 inch pieces of 3M Polyurethane Protective Tape 8663MB. Start at the outboard location of the blade. Offset the 3M 8663MB Tape 1/4 inch from the 3M Vinyl Tape 471 and tape them into position using tabs of 3M 471 Tape. Leave a gap of 1/8 inch between each of the 36-inch long pieces. This gap is necessary for sealing in a later step. Run a continuous length of masking tape along the top edges of these pieces to tack one edge of the 3M 8663MB Tape to the blade and act as a hinge for future steps. Figure 5 Figure 6 7.) Flip the 36-inch long sections of 3M 8663MB Tape back and remove the clear poly liner from the adhesive side of the tape. - 3 -
8.) Spray the surface of the adhesive liberally with the 3M Protective Tape Solution. Flip the 3M Polyurethane Protective Tape 8663MB down and into position. Pull the tape taut with one hand and squeegee the wetting solution out working forward, toward the blade leading edge. Carefully work around the blade leading edge, making sure that no air/fluid bubbles are trapped on the leading edge radius. Continue the application by pulling the material around the leading edge radius toward the trailing edge of the blade, and continue to squeegee the solution out the back edge of the tape. If you trap air/fluid bubbles, pull the tape back far enough to release the air/fluid and re-spray and reapply using the squeegee. Important Notice: The objective is to end up with an installation, which is smooth and wrinkle free with no trapped bubbles. This is particularly important to performance of the material. Figure 7 9.) continue the application until all the pieces of 8-inch wide 3M 8663MB Tape 10.) Remove the 3M Vinyl Tape 471 hinge and squeegee any remaining fluid toward the rear of the blade until all fluid and bubbles are gone. Apply the narrow leading edge tear. This is a sacrificial layer applied over the wide tape for added durability. 11.) Prepare to install the 2-inch wide leading edge tape by striking a line with 3M 471 Tape one inch back from the leading edge center. Clean the area below this line with 3M Protective Tape Cleaning Wipes for a width of at least 2 inches. Apply 3M Adhesion Promoter 86A over this same area. Allow the 3M 86A Promoter to dry for about 10 minutes. When it is dry, it will not appear glossy. Figure 8 2 inch wide pieces of 3M 8663MB Tape. Each 1 inch above and below the leading edge. - 4 -
12.) Plan the layout of the 2-inch wide pieces of tape, according to the diagram on page 4, so that the joints between the pieces do not coincide with the joints in the 8-inch wide tape. Trim the outboard piece short if necessary. Apply the precut 2-inch by 36-inch pieces of 3M Polyurethane Protective Tape 8663MB. Align one edge of the 3M 8663MB Tape pieces with the 3M Vinyl Tape 471 and tape them into position using tabs of 3M 471 Tape. Leave a gap of 1/8 inch between each of the 36-inch long pieces. This gap is necessary for sealing in a later step. Run a continuous length of 3M 471 Tape along the top edges of these pieces to act as a hinge for future steps. Figure 9 13.) Flip the 2-inch wide 3M 8663MB Tape back and remove the clear poly liner from the adhesive side of the tape. (Note: The 2-inch wide tape is supplied with liner that can be removed in 1-inch wide strips. This is convenient to prevent the lower portion of the strip of tape from sticking prematurely and causing trapped bubbles of air.) 14.) Flip the tape down and pull taut with one hand while using the squeegee to exclude the air from behind the polyurethane tape. Continue the application by pulling the material around the leading edge radius toward the trailing edge of the blade, and continue to squeegee the solution out the back edge of the tape. Continue the application until all the pieces of 2-inch wide 3M 8663MB Tape are applied. Figure 10-5 -
15.) Remove the 3M Vinyl Tape 471 hinge and squeegee toward the rear of the blade until all bubbles are gone. Seal all edges of the 3M Polyurethane Protective Tape 8663MB. 16.) In preparation for the edge sealing process, mask off all exposed edges of the 8-inch and 2-inch wide pieces of 3M 8663MB Tape. Apply 3M 471 Tape 1/16 inch back from all edges of the tape to form a controlled gap for the sealant. Figure 11 17.) Apply the 3M Scotch-Weld Epoxy Adhesive DP190 Gray between all the strips of 3M 471 Tape. Use the 3M Scotch-Weld EPX Applicator and 3M Scotch- Weld EPX Mixing Nozzles to apply the sealant. Use a rubber glove on a finger or a squeegee to smooth out the sealant. Figure 12 Figure 13 18.) Remove the 3M 471 Tape after about 30 minutes, before the sealant has cured. Remove sooner if the temperature is above 90 F. Allow the sealant to cure for 8 hours or more before flying the blade. Repair In case of damage to the 3M 8663MB Tape system, a repair can be completed. Trim the loose, damaged material away using as scissors. Clean the area with 3M Protective Tape Cleaning Wipes. Apply 3M Adhesion Promoter 86A to the area to be patched and 1 inch beyond the damaged area. Apply a patch of 3M 8663MB Tape to the damaged area and at least 1 inch beyond the damaged area. Using the edge sealing techniques described above, seal all edges of the patch with 3M DP190 Adhesive. - 6 -
Safety and Regulatory Shipping and Storage Precautionary Information For Additional Information Technical Information Product Use Warranty, Limited Remedy, and Disclaimer Before handling any chemical products, always read the container label and the MSDS. Local air quality regulations may regulate or prohibit the use of surface preparation and cleaning materials based on (VOC) content. Shelf life is two (2) years from the date of manufacture. Store kits at 60-80 F (16-27 C) for maximum storage life. Rotate stock on a first-in first-out basis. Keep kits in a clean area, away from excessive moisture and out of direct sunlight. Store kits in the shipping carton. Refer to Product Label and Material Safety Data Sheet for health and safety information before using this product. For additional health and safety information, please visit www.3m.com/msds or call 1-800-364-3577 or (651) 737-6501. In the U.S., call toll free 1-800-235-2376, or fax 1-800-435-3082 or 651-737-2171. For U.S. Military, call 1-866-556-5714. If you are outside of the U.S., please contact your nearest 3M office or one of the following branches: Australia Austria Brazil Canada 61-2-498-9711 tel 01-86686-298 tel 55 19 3838-7876 tel 800-410-6880 ext. 6018 tel 61-2-498-9710 fax 01-86686-229 fax 55 19 3838-6892 fax 800-263-3489 fax China Denmark France Germany 86-21-62753535 tel 45-43-480100 tel 0810-331-300 tel 02131-14-2344 tel 86-21-62190698 fax 45-43-968596 fax 30-31-6195 fax 02131-14-3647 fax Italy Japan Korea Netherlands 02-7035-2177 tel 03-3709-8245 tel 02-3771-4114 tel 31-71-5-450-272 tel 02-7035-2125 fax 03-3709-8743 fax 02-786-7429 fax 31-71-5-450-280 fax South Africa Spain Switzerland United Kingdom 11-922-9111 tel 34-91-321-6000 tel 01-724-9114 tel (0) 161-237-6174 tel 11-922-2116 fax 34-91-321-6002 fax 01-724-9068 fax (0) 161-237-3371 fax The technical information, recommendations and other statements contained in this document are based upon tests or experience that 3M believes are reliable, but the accuracy or completeness of such information is not guaranteed. Many factors beyond 3M s control and uniquely within user s knowledge and control can affect the use and performance of a 3M product in a particular application. Given the variety of factors that can affect the use and performance of a 3M product, user is solely responsible for evaluating the 3M product and determining whether it is fit for a particular purpose and suitable for user s method of application. Unless an additional warranty is specifically stated on the applicable 3M product packaging or product literature, 3M warrants that each 3M product meets the applicable 3M product specification at the time 3M ships the product. 3M MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITION ARISING OUT OF A COURSE OF DEALING, CUSTOM OR USAGE OF TRADE. If the 3M product does not conform to this warranty, then the sole and exclusive remedy is, at 3M s option, replacement of the 3M product or refund of the purchase price. Limitation of Liability 3 Aerospace and Aircraft Maintenance Department 3M Center, Building 223-1N-14 St. Paul, MN 55144-1000 1-800-235-2376 www.3m.com/aerospace Except where prohibited by law, 3M will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from the 3M product, whether direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential, regardless of the legal theory asserted, including warranty, contract, negligence or strict liability. These products were manufactured under a 3M quality standard registered under AS9100 or ISO9001 standards. 3M, Scotch-Weld, EPX, Imperial, Wetordry and Scotch-Brite are trademarks of 3M Company. - 7 - Please recycle. Printed in U.S.A. 3M 2010 (6/10) All rights reserved. 60-9700-0066-1