3M Opens Global Adhesive Solutions Lab

As more industries move towards automation, design engineers are being challenged to increase production efficiencies and solve assembly challenges. Exploring new systems and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible is the everyday expectation. That’s why 3M (St. Paul, MN) has developed the Global Adhesive Solutions Lab to provide one-on-one attention and individualized solutions designed to advance their customers’ overall manufacturing processes. “Pushing the envelope with your designs takes time and effort, and it can be a very intimidating process if you’re unsure where to start,” stated Pauline Allison, the director of global business at 3M. “This facility is our way of offering expertise so that our customers can exceed the expectations of their customers.”

Located in St. Paul at the company’s global headquarters, this site encourages collaboration and engagement with live, professional application engineers who are at the ready to support users in a personalized setting. On-site, automated dispensing equipment and robotic cells from various manufacturers are also available, giving customers the chance to observe adhesive applications firsthand and interact with available tools to help ensure optimization. This state-of-the-art laboratory will serve as a useful tool for customers interested in identifying solutions specific to their business. Users will benefit from personalized product and process recommendations, including help identifying adhesive solutions for their applications.

“We are constantly striving to improve the overall assembly process by working directly with our customers to help them overcome issues and advance their process efficiencies,” continued Allison. “We understand them, and they appreciate having a room full of problem-solvers at their disposal to explore options and test new and creative ideas.”

“We are excited to have our technology and equipment featured in this new facility,” stated Justin Hall, the general manager of Nordson Sealant Equipment (Wixom, MI). “This collaboration will give 3M the unique ability to demonstrate both the performance of their materials and the application process to their users, creating confidence in the total dispensing solution. We look forward to supporting them in their testing allowing us to continue to strengthen our material and application expertise, leading to innovative, highly valued solutions for the market.”

3m.com/assemblysolutions