Addressing the challenges posed by the harsh environments and extreme pressures of deep water drilling, 3M has introduced the Scotch High Strength Filament Tape 890HD that incorporates a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

With up to three times more tensile strength than any other pressure-sensitive filament tape on the market, the new Scotch High Strength Filament Tape 890HD protects the structural integrity of flexible pipe required in subsea tiebacks.

For more than 30 years, 3M has been providing Scotch High Strength Filament Reinforced Tapes to the oil and gas industry. As an extension to the existing product portfolio, the new tape provides tensile strength without sacrificing the flexibility necessary in deepwater applications. The reinforced tape is used to contain the steel bands or wires used for armouring flexible flowlines, risers and umbilicals during manufacturing. This critical process step prevents the catastrophic failure condition known as “birdcaging,” in which the helically-wound armouring materials expand outward.  An extremely costly problem, birdcaging requires the production line to be shut down while the affected area is cut out.

The cut and abrasion resistant polyester-based filament tape provides the strength and stretch needed to maintain the service life of the flexible pipeline.

The 890HD tape for bundling

Above water, the tensile strength inherent in High Strength Filament Tape 890HD means that less tape is required to provide the same tolerance levels as other competitive tapes – dramatically reducing the number of wraps and time required for manufacturing. Unlike woven scrim-type reinforcing materials, the entire Scotch High Strength Filament Reinforced Tapes product portfolio incorporates a pressure-sensitive adhesive, which stays firmly in place immediately upon contact.

THE GREEN EDGE
With electronic equipment becoming obsolete at a faster pace and heading for the landfill, 3M is helping to increase rework, repair and improve recyclability of these gadgets through its Thermal Bonding Films and Plastic Bonding Adhesives.

The electronics bonding solutions from 3M enable manufacturers to achieve higher Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) criteria ratings by earning optional points for enabling greater rework and more effective recycling. EPEAT is a comprehensive global environmental registry that helps consumers, manufacturers and resellers identify environmentally preferable electronics.

According to the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, approximately three to four million tonnes of electronic equipment is recycled every year. 3M Thermal Bonding Films and Plastic Bonding Adhesives help make the process of dismantling the components more efficient when rework in manufacturing is required. In comparison to traditional dismantling processes that require the use of solvents, 3M electronics bonding solutions make rework easier, allowing manufacturers to fix damaged parts, salvage the device, reduce the amount of electronic waste and keep costs down.

Here is how the electronics bonding solutions work. 3M Thermal Bonding Films are thermoplastic adhesives capable of achieving bonding strength beyond 1000 psi Overlap Shear Strength, which is more than strong enough to bond metal to plastic or metal to metal parts in laptop computers, mobile devices and other electronic components. Using heat, the electronic bonding films from 3M are easily disassembled for rework or recycling of individual material components of metals and plastics.

MASKING TAPES
3M has announced the introduction of Scotch Greener Masking Tapes which are designed to provide the same performance as other Scotch Masking Tapes, while creating less waste and conserving paper resources.

The new tapes are made with 56 per cent renewable resources, including paper backing made with 30 per cent post-consumer recycled content and adhesive made with natural, regenerating latex harvested from rubber trees. The tapes are manufactured using solvent-free and water-based processes. The tape core contains 87 per cent post-consumer recycled fibre and the shipping cartons are made with 100 per cent recycled fibre.

Scotch Greener Masking Tapes: an environmentally sustainable choice

Painting projects continue to be the No 1 home improvement project among DIY enthusiasts. The new Scotch Greener Masking Tapes will provide DIYers and professional paint contractors with a more environmentally sustainable choice for painting and other household or school uses. These tapes can also be used towards LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification credits for green building projects.

Scotch Greener Masking Tapes are available in two varieties: Scotch Greener Masking Tape for Basic Painting 2025 and Scotch Greener Masking Tape for Performance Painting 2050. The basic painting tape features high adhesion and is ideal for use on surfaces such as vinyl, carpet and wood. The performance painting tape features a thicker backing and medium-high adhesion, making it a good choice for woodwork, wood cabinets and trim. Household and school uses include crafting projects, labeling, and other general use indoors.

“We know consumers are concerned about the environmental impact of their everyday choices, including their choice in masking tapes,” said Michaela Toohey, 3M marketing manager. “Commitment to sustainability is an important part of our culture at 3M, and has been for many years. We’re proud to offer new greener masking tapes that provide great performance and lessen environmental impacts.”

3M GULF AT EVENT
3M Gulf took part in Project Qatar 2012 highlighting key solutions including Scotch-Weld adhesives and the extreme sealing tape in a repertoire including VHB tapes, the Cubitron II abrasive disc, window films and safety and security films.

Commenting on 3M Gulf’s presence at Project Qatar 2012, Fadi Medlej, country business leader, 3M Industrial and Transportation Business, Middle East said, “As a global leader in developing innovative industry solutions for various aspects of the construction sector, 3M is firmly poised to effectively contribute towards the growth and development of Qatar’s inspiring infrastructure development process.”

During the event, the company hosted seminars on topics related to key industrial, transportation, safety, security and protection products including sun control films and 3M VHB tapes.