3M Innovation for a Bright Future
Research and Development/Technology
3M is a recognized leader in research and development (R&D), producing 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.
3M’s technology platforms include:









Biotechnology
Displays
Electronic Materials
Fluorinated Materials
Light Management
Metal Matrix Composites
Microreplication
Nanotechnology
Sensors
2011 Facts:


R&D and related expenditures: $1.57 billion.
Patents awarded (worldwide): 2,673
3M™ Aluminum Conductor Composite Reinforced
3M™ Aluminum Conductor Composite Reinforced (ACCR) is a lightweight, low-sag,
high-capacity conductor that can carry twice the current or more of conventional steelcore conductors of the same diameter, on existing towers, thereby helping utilities avoid a
wide range of problems in environmentally sensitive areas and in crowded urban settings.
The conductor’s strength and durability result from its core composed of aluminum oxide
(alumina) fibers embedded in high-purity aluminum. The constituent materials can
withstand high temperatures without appreciable loss in strength, even over long periods
of time.
Page 2 of 4
Renewable Energy
3M Renewable Energy Division maximizes the company’s technologies, products and
responsiveness to the growing renewable energy industry. The division provides
advanced material technologies for Energy Generation (solar, wind and biofuels) and
Energy Conservation (commercial, residential, automotive, and safety and security
window films).
Security Systems
3M’s safety and security products, track and trace solutions and more increase the safety,
security and productivity of people, facilities and systems around the world. Safeguarding
property is the business of 3M Security Systems Division. The division offers a range of
products to libraries, as well as government, commercial and asset management
industries.
Product lines include:




Theft protection systems for libraries and library patron self-checkout systems
Physical file tracking systems
Security laminate and label systems
Border management and document issuance systems
Architectural Lighting and Design
3M Architectural Markets brings the company’s strong tradition of innovation into the
design world to help commercial architects, designers and building owners create
attractive, dynamic, enduring exteriors and interiors. 3M offers a wide range of
architectural finishes and decorative glass finishes, as well as natural and artificial
lighting solutions.

3M™ DI-NOC™ Architectural Finishes mimic the aesthetics of natural and other
materials at a fraction of the price.

3M™ Lighting Solutions is on the leading edge when it comes to energy savings,
safety, ease of installation and cutting-edge aesthetics. The 3M™ Sunlight
Delivery System—the latest innovation in daylighting—enables you to harness
the sun’s light and pull it into the deepest recesses of your building.
Page 3 of 4
Microneedle Drug Delivery
The 3M™ Microstructured Transdermal Systems (MTS) microneedle platform combines
the efficiency of a syringe with the convenience of a transdermal device to expand the
range of transdermally deliverable drugs.
The innovative microneedle technology penetrates the skin with minimal discomfort and
offers advantages, such as:




Local or systemic delivery for both large and difficult-to-deliver molecules,
including proteins, peptides and vaccines.
Improved delivery efficiency and absorption time of some drugs and vaccines.
Potential for dose sparing – important for high-value biologics.
Capability to enhance stability for some drugs.
Sustainability
In 1975, 3M became one of the first manufacturing companies to establish a formal
environmental policy. That same year, 3M adopted its voluntary Pollution Prevention
Pays (3P) program based on the then-novel idea that pollution prevention is both an
environmental and competitive/financial strategy.
Sustainability at 3M grew from a commitment to both innovation and ethical conduct. By
continually increasing sustainability at the economic, social and environmental levels, we
believe we are building a strong, vital company today, and leaving a rich legacy on which
future generations can build.
3M is guided by three strategic principles that make sustainability implicit in everyday
practices:

Economic success: Build lasting customer relationships by developing
differentiated, practical and ingenious solutions to their sustainability challenge

Environmental protection: Provide practical solutions and products to address
environmental challenges for ourselves and our customers.

Social responsibility: Engage key stakeholders in dialogue and take action to
improve 3M’s sustainability performance.
Electronics Materials
3M Electronics Markets Materials Division (EMMD) is a market-focused business
leveraging 3M technologies to deliver innovative solutions to key electronics accounts.
EMMD offers material solutions for markets, including semiconductor, LED, battery, and
touch displays.
Page 4 of 4
Major products/ technologies include:







Semiconductor finishing
3M™ Novec™ Engineered Fluids
Tapes and adhesives
Electromagnetic interference, electromagnetic compatibility materials
Optically clear adhesives
Thermal management materials
Battery materials
Light Management
Light management combines microreplication and film technologies with 3M’s historical
expertise in optical science. Extruded multilayer films reflect light of specified wavelengths and polarizations. The technology enables better lighting solutions through
improved efficiency, color control and thermal management.
Applications of 3M™ Multilayer Optical Film include liquid crystal displays (LCDs),
solar mirrors, telecommunications filters, LCD projection televisions, medical imaging,
window films, brand authentication labels and architectural lighting.
3M technologies also enable high quality, efficient solutions for automotive glass and
lighting.
Optical Systems
3M Optical Systems Division is a core supplier to the consumer electronics industry since
1995, making displays brighter, lighter and more energy-efficient. We collaborate with
the biggest brands and manufacturers in the consumer electronics industry to provide
innovative technology and optical film solutions to enhance the end-users' experience.
With 3M optical film inside your electronic device you get a brighter picture display,
wider viewing angle and thinner and lighter televisions, monitors, laptops, tablets and
smartphones.
###
Contact:
Colleen Harris
3M
651-733-1566
ACCESS THESE PRESS MATERIALS AT WWW.3M.COM/PRESSKITS