Consumables

3M Increases Global Manufacturing Capacity for Optically Clear Adhesives

Tuesday 22. March 2011 - 3M Poised to Support Explosive Growth in Consumer Electronics

3M today announced that it has increased its global manufacturing capacity of the company’s 3M Optically Clear Adhesives (OCAs) at multiple locations throughout Asia in Korea, Taiwan, China and Singapore. The increased capacity supports the growth of consumer electronics devices including smart phones, tablets, touch displays and e-readers.
3M OCAs are used in today’s most popular consumer mobile devices for enhancing the user’s view, aesthetics and appearance of the device, as well as for touch sensor bonding. OCAs are a highly specialized adhesive based product that offers excellent adhesion and clarity by eliminating yellowing that can occur to various types of transparent substrates. It also enables high speed lamination required for mass production in the electronics industry.
3M continues to invest in this technology, tripling its manufacturing coating capacity for 3M Optically Clear Adhesives with increases occurring in the first and third quarter of this year. Investments have also been made with converting capacity, which coincides with 3M’s increased coating capacity. Additionally, because of increasing market demands, 3M will also accelerate development and investments for Optically Clear Liquids.
“3M recognizes the ongoing market trend of explosive growth and exceptional demand for consumer electronics devices,” said Tony DeRose, business unit manager at 3M. “Investing in our manufacturing capacity enables us to stay ahead of demand and continue to serve our customers most effectively. As a result, 3M is well positioned to meet such customer demands, while maintaining the exceptional quality for which 3M OCAs are recognized by our customers and their supply chain partners.”
Known for its innovative culture and strong roots in adhesives, 3M has the ability to customize their adhesives technologies, allowing for quick design of the next generation of consumer electronics. 3M OCAs and other display materials bring both function and value to the consumer device.
“3M’s innovation in the development of OCAs and display materials is leading the industry,” said T.S. Kim, business development manager at 3M. “Our breadth and high-quality of OCA and display materials solutions, coupled with our large manufacturing capacity, responsiveness and technical ability to serve customers’ needs will continue to be a priority to advance relevant solutions for the industry’s most popular consumer mobile devices.”
3M plans to continue investing in OCA solutions beyond 2011. The company will also continue to partner with customers to address consumer needs for touch technologies and brighter displays, while responding to design trends of lighter, thinner and more ascetically pleasing devices.