14 October 2010 – TenCate Advanced Composites USA announces that it has signed a commercialization and supply agreement with 3M for the supply to TenCate of 3M™ Matrix Resin for the creation of customized TenCate prepreg products, bringing innovative 3M technology to multiple new markets.
As leading thermoset and thermoplastic prepreg developer and producer, TenCate supplies its high tech materials to various markets, including but not limited to space, aerospace, marine, infrastructure, oil and gas. “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 with TenCate Advanced Composites USA. “The TenCate motto is ‘Materials that make a difference’. We are excited about the possibilities this new 3M resin brings to our customers in the various markets we are in.”
Best-in-class partnering
“As a technology enabler, 3M is looking for best-in-class partners who recognize the value of innovative products and ideas”, says Vic Genco, General Manager with 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.”
Resin technology
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. The proprietary resin technology of 3M makes it possible for manufacturers to avoid the traditional trade off between toughness/flexibility and stiffness/hardness. Instead, the resin improves performance properties on both ends of the scale.
About Tencate Advanced Composites
TenCate Advanced Composites is a leading developer and producer of thermoset and thermoplastic prepreg composites for space and aerospace and industrial applications. Prepregs of TenCate Advanced Composites are used in commercial aircraft, satellites, helicopters, general aviation, aircraft interiors, radomes and unmanned vehicles. TenCate Advanced Composites has plants in Europe and North-America.
About Royal Ten Cate
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.
CONTACTS
TenCate Advanced Composites USA
Mr Joe Morris, Vice President
+1 408 776 0700
Email : j.morris@tencate.com
3M
Mrs Connie Thompson, 3M Public Relations
+1 651 733 8914
SOURCE: Royal Ten Cate
