3M Advanced Materials Division

Introduction

In the wind energy sector,

as in many other industries,

economic and technical factors

are driving the following trends

in component requirements:

• Higher power density: Increasing

loads with reduced weight

To transfer higher loads in friction

joints such as flanges or shaft-collar

connections, the size or number of

components or fasteners generally

must be increased; this in turn impacts

negatively on the size, weight and

costs of the overall system. Instead

of increasing component size,

3M friction shim technology can

be used to increase the coefficient

design freedom for individual

components or the entire system.

3M friction shims offer a simple

yet effective solution for the

following requirements:

• Increase of transmittable forces

and torques of a connection

• Reduction of component

sizes and weights

• Ease of use

• Insensitivity to lubricants

• Reusability after disassembly

• Application without requiring

significant design changes

3M

™

Friction Shims for

Wind Energy Applications

Figure 2. Contact surface of friction joint with

3M

™

S690QL

Functional Principle

The functionality of 3M

Shims is the result of diamond particles

with defined size and distribution

protruding from a nickel coating. The

coating is applied on thin steel foils.

During assembly of the components,

the diamonds penetrate the counter

value of 0.6 or even higher, depending

on the application parameters.

Handling Instructions

• Store 3M friction shims only

in original packaging.

• Don’t handle 3M friction shims

as bulk unless a clip variant is

used that has been specifically

designed for bulk storage.

• Don’t expose 3M friction shims

to temperatures above 400°C.

• Avoid contact of 3M friction shims

with corrosive substances unless a

• Ensure a minimum contact

pressure of 50 MPa.

• Check correct quantity

during assembly.

• Avoid relative movement of shims

on surface when disassembling.

• 3M Technical Ceramics offers

support in defining a suitable

assembly concept.

Applications

Typical wind energy applications include

flanges and other connections in the

powertrain, bolted connections on the

bed plate, and the fasteners of bearings,

brakes and other components.

manufacturing process is certified

according to ISO TS 16949 and

certified by Germanischer Lloyd for

various material combinations and

application parameters, making

All rights reserved. Issued: 6/17 12719HB

98-0050-0044-9 Rev. C

Zweigniederlassung der 3M Deutschland GmbH

Max-Schaidhauf-Str. 25, 87437 Kempten, Germany

Phone +49 (0)831 5618-0

Web www.3M.de/Technical-Ceramics

Warranty, Limited Remedy, and Disclaimer: 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 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. User is solely responsible for evaluating third party intellectual property rights

Phone 1-800-367-8905

Web www.3M.com/frictionshims