14 October 2010 – 3M announces it has signed a commercialization and supply agreement with TenCate Advanced Composites USA, Inc. that allows TenCate to purchase 3M™ Matrix Resin for the creation of customized products, bringing 3M’s innovative technology to multiple new markets. TenCate Advanced Composites is a leading thermoset and thermoplastic prepreg supplier. Its prepregs are used in various markets, including but not limited to space, aerospace, marine, oil and gas, and infrastructure.
“As a technology enabler, 3M is looking for best-in-class partners who recognize the value of innovative products and ideas,” said Vic Genco, General Manager, 3M Engineered Products & Solutions. “TenCate has a long history of being a world leader in the industries it enters and 3M is excited to pair that experience with our own to bring this innovative technology to new markets.”
At the heart of the agreement is 3M™ Matrix Resin, a proprietary resin technology that, when combined with design and process expertise, can produce stronger, lighter, more durable composites. 3M’s proprietary resin technology makes it possible for manufacturers to avoid the traditional tradeoff between toughness / flexibility and stiffness / hardness; instead, the resin improves performance properties on both ends of the scale.
“An innovation can only be considered useful when it enables our customers to make progress, and that’s just what this agreement with 3M is going to do,” says Joe Morris, Vice President, TenCate Advanced Composites USA, Inc. “The TenCate motto is ‘Materials that make a difference’ and we’re excited about the possibilities this new resin brings to our customers in the various markets we are in.”
3M is looking into additional applications for this product line, including those in sports & recreation and industrial markets.
For more information about new 3M™ Matrix Resin 3831, call 800-362-3550 or visit www.3M.com/matrixresin. This product is offered by 3M Engineered Products & Solutions, a Department within 3M Industrial Adhesives & Tapes Division.
About TenCate
TenCate is a multinational company which combines textile technology and chemical processes in developing and manufacturing special materials. Its materials can be divided into four areas of application: safety & protection, space & aerospace, sport & leisure, and environment & infrastructure. The company has world leading positions in protective fabrics, space and aerospace composites, armor composites, geosynthetics and synthetic turf. TenCate is listed on NYSE Euronext. For more information, visit www.tencate.com.
About 3M
A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M’s core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms — often in combination — to a wide array of customer needs. With $23 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. For more information, visit www.3m.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.
Contact
Michael Gugala
Karwoski & Courage Public Relations
+1 612 342 9604
m.gugala@creativepr.com
3M
Connie Thompson
3M Public Relations
+1 651 733 8914
TenCate Advanced Composites USA
Joe Morris, Vice President
+1 408 776 0700
j.morris@tencate.com
