3M - which stands for Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing - is a globally active multi-technology company based in the USA, the HANNOVER MESSE 2016 partner country. Besides manufacturing and sales, it has always been vigorously involved in the research and development of future-proof solutions. This year at the world’s most important industrial trade fair, 3M is showcasing a wide range of new labeling and adhesive products, such as a construction adhesive that works like a traffic signal by showing when it’s hardened. However, the highlight surely has to be 3M’s various applications covering all aspects of light construction.

The growing number of material mixes used in automotive engineering generates a greater need for alternative intelligent joining technologies. One repercussion is that gluing is increasingly replacing traditional techniques such as welding or screwing. Manufacturers and suppliers are already using 3M's light construction and adhesive solutions to save 50 kilograms in weight in the construction of medium-size vehicles. On average, around 15 liters of adhesive are currently used to manufacture a single automobile. Further potential for reducing vehicles' weight is to be found in using hollow glass microspheres for automobile interiors - up to 30 percent more weight could be saved depending on the component.

3M Deutschland GmbH (41460 Neuss, Germany), Hall 6, Stand B44, Adhesive Technology pavilion

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