3M Introduces Two New Forms of Greptile gripping material
New versions provide manufacturers with more versatility and benefits
LAS VEGAS – The Super Show, Booth #6446D – Jan. 21, 2002 – 3M has recently
introduced two new product forms of its one-of-a-kind Greptile gripping material. Greptile
gripping material G300 and Greptile gripping material G400 offer unique characteristics and
options for manufacturers who are looking for a superior gripping material.
Introduced one year ago, Greptile gripping material from 3M is comprised of thousands of
microscopic “fingers,” which means a better grip on bars, bats, clubs or ropes – wherever it’s
essential to maintain a secure grip that’s not locking. As with its original forms, the new versions
allow people to grab, squeeze and hold more securely with an easier release. Greptile gripping
material maximizes performance with minimum effort.
Greptile gripping material G300 has a polyester mesh backing and can be attached by
sewing or bonding with a liquid or pressure sensitive adhesive. This form is a thinner and more
flexible version of the original Greptile gripping material that can be laminated to other types of
adhesives or backings. Potential applications for Greptile gripping material G300 include gloves,
footwear, non-slip surface for shoulder straps on luggage, sports bags or hunting equipment or nonslip apparel.
Greptile gripping material G400 has a polyester mesh backing and an acrylic adhesive
coating for self-adhered wrapping to all types of materials, including hard-to-stick to low-surface
energy materials. Greptile gripping material G400 differs from the original Greptile gripping
material G200 as it has a polyester backing instead of a foam backing. The polyester backing
provides less cushion or thickness than Greptile gripping material G200 and is more conformable.
Greptile gripping material G400 can be shear cut or die-cut into different shaped appliqués.
Because this version of Greptile gripping material features 100 percent adhesive coverage on the
back, the edges of the material will not fold up or peel. Potential applications for Greptile gripping
material G400 include sports equipment, tools and work equipment and medical assistive products.
“As more manufacturers adopt Greptile gripping material from 3M, we are finding new
ways to improve the product and meet the needs of manufacturers interested in incorporating the
material into their own products,” said Brad Zinke, business development manager, 3M.
Greptile gripping material from 3M is also available in its original Greptile gripping material
G100 and Greptile gripping material G200 forms. Greptile gripping material G100 has a nonwoven backing, which attaches by sewing or bonding with a liquid adhesive and Greptile gripping
material G200 has a foam backing with an adhesive strip for self-adhered wrapping on all types of
applications.
A number of diverse manufacturers have recently adopted Greptile gripping material into
their products, including Burton Snowboards, Connelly Skis, Inc., and Beretta USA. Burton
Snowboards is using Greptile gripping material on zipper pulls found on outerwear in their new
2003 line. As a company that is constantly searching for new technologies, Burton needed a new
material for zipper pulls with a stickier feeling than standard webbing material. The Greptile
gripping material from 3M makes quick access easy for riders, eliminating the need for them to take
off their gloves to zip or unzip a jacket.
The grippy texture of the material was a perfect match for the palm material found in Burton
gloves, working almost like miniature hook and loop closures without the wear and abrasion when
in contact on other fabrics. The No-Slip Zipper Pulls can be found on various styles in Burton’s
AK, Ronin, Tactic and Formula series.
Connelly Skis, Inc., has also incorporated Greptile gripping material from 3M into a pair of
water ski gloves aptly named Sticky Fingers. Greptile gripping material delivers superior
performance in wet or dry conditions, making it well-suited for water skiing. Greptile gripping
material provides an aggressive grip on all types of waterski handles and makes it possible for water
skiers to maintain a consistent grip with minimal effort. In addition, Greptile gripping material is
more flexible and thinner when compared to other gripping materials. This results in a firm grip
without compromising the connection between the hand and the ski handle.
“For water skiers, grip can be a key factor in performance and endurance. By incorporating
Greptile gripping material from 3M into the Sticky Fingers waterski gloves, it provides an
aggressive grip, which allows the skier to use less forearm strength, thus extending the skiing time
for the user,” said Chelan Denny, product manager, Connelly Skis, Inc.
The Sticky Finger gloves retail for $39.99 and can be purchased at select retailers and pro
shops around the world. Connelly Skis, Inc., established in 1965, manufactures and distributes
water sports products to more than 60 countries worldwide. For more information, visit
http://www.connellyskis.com/ or http://www.cwbwakeboard.com/.
Proving its diverse applications, Beretta USA has incorporated Greptile gripping material
from 3M onto their Beretta Reversible All Season Coat. The coat, which reverses from Mossy
OakÒ Break-UpÔ camouflage to Mossy OakÒ Shadow GrassÔ, features Greptile gripping material
on the shoulder area of both sides of the jacket. By incorporating the gripping material on this area
of the jacket, the wearer benefits from having a non-slip, superior gripping surface to place a gun
sling. Because Greptile gripping material performs equally as well in wet conditions, the surface is
ideal even for duck hunting. In addition, the Greptile gripping material provides a protective layer
to prevent the fabric from wearing quickly.
The Beretta Reversible All Season Coat retails for $270 and is available through select
retailers and hunting shops. For more information, visit http://www.berettausa.com/.
For more product information or to purchase samples, call 1-800-328-1689 or visit
http://www.3m.com/greptile.
3M is a diversified manufacturing company with 2000 sales of $16 billion. 3M has
operations in more than 60 countries and employs more than 70,000 people worldwide.
Headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., 3M is an innovative supplier that focuses on six markets:
Industrial; Transportation, Graphics and Safety; Health Care; Consumer and Office; Electronics and
Communications; and Specialty Material Markets. Innovation and the creation of new products
stem from 30 technology platforms such as adhesives, non-woven materials, microreplication, drugdelivery systems, and medical-surgical supplies.
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3M and Greptile are registered trademarks of 3M company.
Mossy Oak, Break-Up and Shadow Grass are registered trademarks of Mossy Oak Brand Camo.
FROM:
Peggy Rogers
3M Personal Safety Products
3M Center, Bldg. 0225-04-N-14
St. Paul, MN 55144-1000