3M Wind Protection Tape 2.0
Application Instructions™

W8750, W8780
3M™ Wind Protection Tape 2.0 can be used to help protect
wind turbine blade surfaces from damage caused by minor
impacts and erosion due to rain, sand, dirt, or other debris.
It is made from an exceptionally tough, abrasion-resistantpolyurethane elastomer that resists puncture, tearing, anderosion. This highly durable material has also been designed
to be resistant to UV light.

3M™ Wind Protection Tape 2.0 Basics
Note: The following
technical informationand data should
be considered
representative or
typical only andshould not be used forspecification purposes.

When & where can I apply 3M Wind
Protection Tape 2.0?
• 3 M Wind Protection Tape 2.0 should be applied to theouter 1/3 to 1/2 section of the blade.
• 3 M Wind Protection Tape can be applied between 10ºC
and 30ºC, depending on prevailing conditions during theapplication.
• 3 M Wind Protection Tape can be applied at the OEM facility
or in an O&M situation, either on the ground or up-tower.
• P aints, coatings and fillers must be fully cured per
manufacturer instructions before applying 3M Wind
Protection Tape 2.0.
• B lades can be put into service after sufficient adhesion
has developed. Depending on temperature and application
process, this is usually 1-12 hours after tape application.

Note: Outgassing frompolyurethane fillers or
coatings can cause
bubbles under wind tape.
Please see 3M.com/wind
for additional information
on 3M Wind Fillers.

Note: For the useof W9910 Adhesion
promoter, W9900
Wind Tape and Residue
Remover, isopropyl
alcohol, cleaning solvents,and mixtures of isopropyl
alcohol with water,
please consult air quality
regulations.
Refer to the Safety
Data Sheet (SDS) for
precautions and handling.

What can I apply 3M Wind Protection Tape 2.0 to?
• 3 M Wind Protection Tape adheres well to two-part epoxy
and urethane paints, epoxy primers and bare composites.
• C olored or opaque 3M wind protection tape can be applied
directly to 3M™ Wind Epoxy Filler W3120 – eliminatinga coating step and saving time while providing additional
leading edge protection.
• 3 M Wind Protection Tape 2.0 may be difficult to adhere tosome low surface energy surfaces. Please contact a 3M
Wind Application Engineer if there are questions regarding
specific substrates.

What else do I need to know?
• T he use of gloves is recommended during the application
procedure. Respirators and safety glasses should be used
for grinding during surface preparation.
•D amaging of 3M Wind Protection Tape 2.0 or bladesurface with sharp tools should be avoided.
• New and sharp blades should be used to cut 3M Wind
Application Tape 2.0. The tape should be cut in acontinuous and steady movement in order to obtain aclean and unimpaired cut edge.
• 3 M™ Wind Protection Tape 2.0 is more comformable thanconventional wind tapes (lower modulus). This helps tocomply the tape with curved regions on the wind bladesurfaces.
• 3M™ Wind Protection Tape 2.0 should be applied with theleast amount of tension possible to get a flat lamination.
Due to its lower modulus and soft behavior only little force isneeded for lamination and squeeze-out of application fluid.

Recommended Application Supplies
Name
3M™ Vinyl Tape 471
Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) 100%
IPA 25%/Demineralized Water 75% Mix
3M™ Wetordry™ Rubber Squeegees, 107mm x 70mm
3M™ Wind Tape Adhesion Promoter W9910 (liquid), 1pt /7 x 7 wipe
3M™ Wind Protection Tape Edge Sealer W2600, 50 cc
3M™ Scotch-Weld™ EPX™ Plus II Applicator, 50 cc
3M™ High Performance Cleaning Cloth
3M™ Tack Cloth
3M™ Scotch-Brite™ 7447
3M™ Protective Tape Application Solution
3M™ Wind Tape and Residue Remover W9900
3M™ Professional Panel Wipes
3M™ Random Orbital Sander
3M™ Clean Sanding Discs 236U P320

Establish Application Process
The following descriptions of surface preparation andtape application are intended as examples. The chosen
process will depend on details of the specific customer
manufacturing process or field conditions (during O&M
applications).
The goal for surface preparation and application is to obtaina laminate which is free of air bubbles and water pockets.
Also final adhesion should meet specifications. A good
indication that maximum adhesion has been reached,is when the adhesive layer itself splits when the tape isremoved (cohesive failure).
A proper surface preparation and application ensuressufficient time to reposition the tape after wet application(usually 2-5 minutes). The adhesion of the tape to theblade surface will then increase with time until the final
value is obtained. Depending on the needs of the entire
blade manufacturing process this may vary. For example,

Technical Data

April 2017

3M™ Wind Protection Tape 2.0 Application Instructions

a subsequent step in the manufacturing process may require a fasteradhesion build-up.
There are two levers for adjusting the time to reposition and adhesionbuild-up of 3M™ Wind Protection Tape 2.0:
1. Surface roughness of the blade (defined by sanding grit)
2. Use of an adhesion promoter
As a rule of thumb a rougher surface increases the time available
to reposition the tape and delays adhesion build-up. The use ofan adhesion promoter reduces the time to reposition the tape andaccelerates adhesion build-up.
It is therefore highly recommended to perform some pre-tests withsmall pieces of tape on the blade in order to define a process which iscompatible with the entire blade manufacturing process.
The preparation of the surface with grit 320 abrasive paper and theuse of W9910 adhesion promoter (diluted with isopropyl alcohol: 20%
W9910 / 80% isopropyl alcohol) has shown good results in many cases.

Surface Preparation
The surface on which 3M Wind Protection Tape 2.0 is to be applied
can significantly influence tape performance. It must be fully cured andexhibit a smooth (e.g. 320 grit) and clean (no dust, debris or grease)condition. Furthermore, the surface should not show residual paintmarks nor streaks like “orange peel” nor a large number of craters/
pinholes.
™

1. Confirm that there is no damage to the leading edge of the wind blade.
If damage is present, determine degree of damage and repair using
the appropriate tools and products. If damage is minor and fiberglass
reinforcement is not needed, 3M Wind Fillers may be an appropriate
repair solution. Please see 3M.com/wind for information on 3M Wind
Fillers.
2. S mooth the surface of theleading edge using 320 gritabrasive on a random orbitalor dual action sander or byhand sanding. Be careful not
to grind through the coating,especially on the leading edge.
3. Define the area where 3M Wind Protection Tape 2.0 is to be applied.
You may use 3M™ Vinyl Tape 471 to mark the area.
4. Remove sanding debris using a 3M™ Tack Cloth, followed byisopropyl alcohol dipped 3M™ High Performance Cleaning Cloth (or aclean, lint-free cloth).

Use of 3M™ Wind Tape Adhesion Promoter
W9910
For surfaces exhibiting low surface energy, more severe weather
conditions during application, or need for fast adhesion build-up it
is recommended to apply Wind Tape Adhesion Promoter W9910 toan appropriate part of the application area. It can be also used forchallenging areas around the edges and the tip.

can be controlled by the dilution. For fast adhesion build-up in criticalareas (e.g. in curved regions of the blade) it can be used in its nondiluted form. However, in areas which require repositioning of tape fora few minutes it is recommended to use W9910 in a diluted form (e.g.
20wt.% W9910, 80wt.% isopropyl alcohol).
In general, 3M Wind Tape Adhesion Promoter W9910 is therefore
recommended in the following situations:• To increase tape adhesion on the outermost edge of the application, |especially in curved areas where the tape edges have “tented”.
• To promote 3M Wind Protection Tape 2.0 adhesion to low surface
energy coatings.

Application Instructions
1. Complete the surface preparation as previously described.
2. Apply a thin, uniform coating of 3M Wind Tape Adhesion Promoter
W9910 to the surface using 3M™ High Performance Cleaning Cloth ora clean, lint-free cloth wetted with 3M Wind Tape Adhesion Promoter
W9910 or its diluted form.
3. Allow adhesion promoter to dry for at least 5 min. and not morethen 30 min. before applying 3M Wind Protection Tape 2.0. Avoid
contamination of the surface by dirt or dust before tape application.
Note: Coating should be thin – applying excess promoter will not
improve adhesion.
Caution: Using 3M Wind Tape Adhesion Promoter W9910 will make3M Wind Protection Tape 2.0 removal more difficult. Do not apply 3MWind Tape Adhesion Promoter W9910 to the adhesive side of the tape.

Tape Application
Wear protective gloves. Any dirt or oil from the skin will compromise thewind protection tape adhesion. Four-person teams have shown to be
most suitable for an efficient application process when the blade is inhorizontal position inside the shop floor (e.g. OEM site).

Recommended application method for long, straight sectionsof the wind blade
This method allows to apply the tape in consecutive steps by removing
the liner and attaching the tape in approximate 1 meter sections along
the leading edge.
1. Measure and cut a piece of 3M™ Wind Protection Tape 2.0 to thelength required or work from the supply roll. Use scissors to round thetape corners.
2. R emove the liner from the first section of tape to be applied.
3. Wet the surface of the blade and the adhesive side of the tapewith the application solution (25wt.% isopropyl alcohol, 75wt.%
demineralized water).

3M Wind Tape Adhesion Promoter W9910 is a physically drying polymer
solution. It can be diluted with isopropyl alcohol. On a sanded surface(e.g. sanded with 320 grit sandpaper) the speed of adhesion build-up

24. Align the 3M Wind Protection Tape to marked application area.
5. Lay the 3M Wind Protection Tape 2.0 in position. Use a soft rubberroller and squeeze out application solution and air starting on the veryleading edge for this section.
6. W
 et outer tape surface withapplication solution, squeeze
out application solution and
air with a rubber squeegee
chord-wise upwards anddownwards from leading edge
towards tape edge. Movementof the rubber squeegee should
always be in a pulling manner
rather than pushing.

6. D ry tape edges with cloth to prevent application solution ingress attape edge. If there are water pockets or air bubbles, gently lift the tapefor this area and lay it down again (it may be useful to re-apply some
application solution). Squeeze out the liquid again. Dry tape edges
and tape surface with cloth and inspect tape for water or air pockets.
7. R epeat steps 2-6 for next section.

Recommended application method for curved and contoured
blade sections such as the tip
On curved or contoured blade sections, it may be useful to narrow down
the width of the tape in order to avoid wrinkling by excess material or to
reduce stresses.

7. D ry tape edges with cloth to prevent application solution ingress attape edge. If there are water pockets or air bubbles, gently lift the tapefor this area and lay it down again (it may be useful to re-apply some
application solution). Squeeze out the liquid again. Dry tape edges andtape surface with cloth and inspect tape for water or air pockets.
8. Repeat steps 2-7 for next section.

Alternative application method for long, straight sections of
the wind blade
This method allows to align and fix the entire length of tape needed for a
blade. The liner will then be removed in sections of about 1 meter lengthand the tape will be applied accordingly.
1. Fix the required length of tape on one side to the blade by a strip of 3M
Vinyl Tape 471. This creates a hinge by which the tape can be folded
upwards.
2. F old the tape back along the hinge and remove the liner for a sectionof about 1 meter (starting from the root section).

1. Use scissors to “neck down” a short section of the long piece of tapefor installation near the blade tip. The transition from the wide section
to the narrow section should be a gradual curve as shown here.

2. D epending on the required adhesion apply 3M Wind Tape Adhesion
Promoter W9910 in its undiluted or diluted form to the blade surface.
3. After liner removal apply the application solution (25% isopropyl
alcohol, 75% demineralized water) onto the blade and the adhesiveside of the tape.
4. Hold the 3M Wind Protection Tape at one end. Wrap the tape aroundthe contoured section while applying the center of the tape to theleading edge of the blade.
5. After applying the application solution to the outer tape surface, usesqueegee to remove air and application solution as described in thelong straight sections.

3. Wet the surface of the blade and the adhesive side of the tape with theapplication solution (25wt.% isopropyl alcohol, 75wt.% demineralized
water). Always care for sufficient wetting of the adhesive surface inareas which are not yet ready to be bonded.

6. E xtra material may “tent” along the edges of the 3M Wind Protection
Tape, especially around curves. If this occurs, excess material in“tents” can be trimmed and the edges pressed into place. 3M Wind
Tape Adhesion Promoter W9910 can also be used to tack down theedges if needed.

4. Use a soft rubber roller and squeeze out application solution and air on
the very leading edge for this section.

Edge Sealing5. Wet outer tape surface with application solution, squeeze out
application solution and air with a rubber squeegee chord-wise
upwards and downwards from leading edge towards tape edge.
Movement of rubber squeegee should always be in a pulling manner
rather than pushing.

Application of 3M™ Wind Protection Tape Edge Sealer W2600 isrecommended to smooth and protect the tape edge. Wear gloves when
applying edge sealer. Surface and edges should be dry to touch and freefrom any excess application solution before applying edge sealer.

1. For best appearance, mask the area to be sealed by placing a strip of
3M™ Vinyl Tape 471 across the top of 3M™ Wind Protection Tape
1⁄32 in. (1 mm) back from the edge. Apply a second strip of 3M Vinyl
Tape 471 to the wind blade surface, 1⁄8 in. (3 mm) from the edge ofthe 3M Wind Protection Tape.

3

3M™ Wind Protection Tape 2.0 Application Instructions

2. Insert cartridge into applicator gun and remove cap. Equalize thecartridge by releasing a small amount of product until both parts A
and B dispense equally. Attach the nozzle. Dispense a small amount ofmaterial and discard.
3. Apply 3M Wind Protection Tape Edge Sealer W2600 to the surface
between the strips of 3M Vinyl Tape 471. Properly applied 3M Wind
Protection Tape Edge Sealer W2600 should be transparent
with minimal air entrapment.

Again, adhesion promoters need to be re-applied afterwards.
This method can be always used if tape needs to be removed (either in theplant or in the field).
1. Lift at the tape edge and peel back at a 90° to 180° angle.
2. A dhesive residue left on the surface may be removed by applying
isopropyl alcohol or any other substrate compatible solvent* to thesurface. Allow some time for swelling and scrape off the adhesivewith a plastic scraper and cleaning cloth.
3. If needed, gentle use of a Scotch-Brite™ General Purpose Hand Pad
7447 will help to remove stubborn adhesive residues.

Wallpaper Steamer
1. Direct a jet of low pressure steam from a wallpaper steamer at thetape or sealer peel point.
2. Use a phenolic scraper or plastic squeegee as a removal aid.
4. Using a body filler spreader, spread and smooth the sealant bead
between the strips of 3M Vinyl Tape 471.
5. Remove the 3M Vinyl Tape 471 within 5 – 10 minutes.

Tape Splicing
A splice free application will give optimum protection. It is recommended
that the customer validate the performance of their splice joints. An
overlap splice is generally more durable than a butt splice.
Please contact your 3M Application Engineer for more information.

Removal Procedure
3M Wind Protection Tape 2.0 may need to be removed due toinappropriate application or damage during transport or in service.

Replacement Just After Application
Once the tape has been applied to the surface of a blade, the adhesive
will rapidly develop adhesion. In case there are bubbles, dirt particles orwrinkles which cannot be removed, it is advisable to quickly remove theentire tape. Clean the surface with the application solution or IPA and reapply new tape. In the case of adhesive residue, this must be removed bymechanical means or substrate compatible solvent. It is then necessary toapply the adhesion promoter again if used originally.

Removal After Adhesion Build-up
There may be occasions when major quality issues become visible a few
hours after tape application (next day quality inspections). If this requiresa removal of the entire tape there will be adhesive residue on the blade.
For a removal of the adhesive residue it is recommended to use a sanding
process or apply isopropyl alcohol or any other substrate compatible
solvent and use a plastic scraper to remove the swollen adhesive aftersufficient dwell time.

3. Remaining adhesive residue can be removed using acetone, isopropyl
alcohol, or another substrate compatible solvent.

3M™ Wind Tape and Residue Remover W9900
3M Wind Tape and Residue Remover W9900 is a highly viscous paste
which allows to reduce the adhesion of the tape to the blade for easierremoval. This is done by substances migrating through the film andswelling the adhesive. In contrary to solvents* like isopropyl alcohol thepaste does not easily evaporate and allows a longer lasting treatment.
However, the ingredients may interact with the underlying coatings or
blade materials. It is therefore recommended to check any possible
interaction and use minimum dwell time.
1. Apply an approximate 3 mm thick layer of 3M W9900 to the tapesurface.
2. C over the 3M W9900 layer with some plastic food wrap or aluminum
foil to prevent evaporation and cross contamination.
3. Allow to dwell until easy removal of tape is possible, approximately 4
hours.
4. After this dwell period, the tape can be pulled fromthe blade.
5. Adhesive residue left on the surface may be removed by anotherapplication of 3M Wind Protection Tape 2.0 and Residue Remover
W9900, a substrate compatible solvent, or mechanically. Allow sometime for swelling and scrape off the adhesive with a plastic scraperand cleaning cloth.

3M™ Wind Protection Tape Edge Sealer W2600 Removal
Removal of 3M Wind Protection Tape Edge Sealer W2600 can be done
physically by scraping or sanding using a sander. It can also be softenedwith a small wallpaper steamer and scraped off with a phenolic scraperor plastic squeegee.

4For more information on our wind manufacturing product line, contact 3M Renewable Energy at 800-755-2654 or visit us at 3M.com/wind.
Technical Information: 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.
Product Use: 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 thevariety 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.
Warranty, Limited Remedy, and Disclaimer: 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: 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 orconsequential, regardless of the legal theory asserted, including warranty, contract, negligence or strict liability.

3
Renewable Energy Division
3M Center, Building 235-1S-67
St. Paul, MN 55144-1000
1-800-755-2654
3M.com/wind

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