Polyurethane tapes have been around for over 50 years. They can be used on helicopters, or military and commercial aircraft. Within 3M's range, each product is designed to prevent corrosion and erosion on a variety of components. Prevention is always better and more cost-effective than cure for both. The repair of an eroded rotor blade, for example, could cost thousands of dollars. 3M's range of polyurethane tapes also help protect against impact shock.
In aerospace engineering, corrosion is the gradual destruction of the surface through the formation of iron oxide (rust) due to exposure to natural elements such as moisture and humidity. Erosion, on the other hand, is the process of metal loss from a surface due to exposure to foreign object debris (FOD). Discover more at our comprehensive article about how 3M products protect against both.
The technical data sheets for each corresponding product show how to quickly and easily apply the 3M Polyurethane Protective Tapes in both rolls and preformed boots. A range of complementary items, such as cleaning chemicals, application tools and masking tapes, are available to support the process of application.
3M supply a range of cocure films – a revolutionary approach to extending the life of composite parts, with an erosion-resistant integrated system. These films can be repaired using the 3M Scotch-Weld Repair Pastes, reducing AOG downtime while still maintaining a durable yet lightweight protective finish. They remove the need for paint by allowing the PPT and the composite to be cured together.
Alongside the traditional rolls of tape, 3M also supply a range of tapes in preformed boots.
Each boot is thermoformed for a precise custom fit over painted or unpainted surfaces, then the high-strength acrylic adhesive backing keeps it in place, providing an aggressive bond against extreme shear forces and shielding against erosion, abrasion, minor impact, fluids and damaging UV rays.
Other sizes to those listed are available - please contact your Account Manager for more information.
In each product name, a series of letters are used to denote different meanings and application potential.
HS - High Shear; generally on the exterior of the product.
DL - Double Liner; a useful property on floorbeam applications to mitigate mess and damage from reassembly of the interior.
Perforated - the product can extract and contract when compressed, which allows air bubbles and leaks to be expelled and made visible.
Skip Slit - the liner is divided into smaller pieces, allowing smaller areas to be worked upon, and reducing contamination.
NA - No Adhesive.
