Blade inserts

Metal inserts are used by many blade designs to distribute the loads between the composite blade structure and the bolting flange at the blade root.

Description of Manufacturing Process
CNC machined out of solid billets and then resin-bonded into cavities within the blades

Description of Supply Chain
Blade manufacturers usually buy CNC-machined inserts from third-party suppliers. The design of the inserts tends to vary from one turbine model to another.

Scottish Opportunity
Relevance to Scottish Supply Chain: Medium

Existing blade factories in the UK might be interested in additional suppliers for the supply of blade inserts. Scottish suppliers will however have to compete against established suppliers.