Demonstration of VHB™ Tape at Big 5 highlights 3M's commitment to help build the Middle East

Dubai, UAE, 18th November 2008 - 3M, the technology company that produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse industries, has brought the revolution in bonding metals, plastics and glass to the region's construction industry. 3M™ VHB™ Tape, which is a high-performance, double-coated, pressure sensitive acrylic foam tape, is used to bond glass to metal frames in glass curtain wall systems, and in effect replaces commonly used mechanical fasteners like rubber gaskets, spacer tapes and structural  silicone sealants.

To showcase the benefits of the VHB™ Structural Glazing System which have been used worldwide since 1990, 3M are demonstrating the unique VHB™ Structural Glazing System technology at this year's Big 5 exhibition from 23rd to 27th November 2008, at stand MC14 between halls 5 and 6 in the Dubai World Trade Center Exhibition Hall.

Representatives from 3M will be highlighting its outstanding durability and will explain the Structural Glazing System's capacity to withstand environmental conditions such as UV rays, moisture, heat, cold and structural loads. Independent, 3rd party test results show VHB™ Structural Glazing System achieves the same performance of structural silicone. In addition, the tapes have been used in many applications as the sole bonding agent for structural glazing of glass curtain walls, over the last 15 years.

In the Gulf region, the VHB™ Structural Glazing Tape has been used in commercial buildings throughout the Emirates and developments in Saudi Arabia, in addition to a number of other iconic buildings around the world.

"3M has years of experience in developing products and solutions that aim to facilitate and improve upon existing practices in the construction industry, and the VHB™ Structural Glazing Tape was developed in response to a need for an adhesive, capable of performing in high pressure conditions. It is designed to withstand the challenging environment such as extreme  temperatures, sand storms and high winds that sometimes occur in the region," explained  3M Technical Specialist Mr. Satish Kumar, speaking at the Big 5 event.

VHB™ Structural Glazing System offers immediate handling strength for increased productivity with no curing time, no liquid mess, non-hazardous formulation and less wastage. Due to its unique design, the tape speeds up assembly, and the precise delivery of the bonding agent cuts your project completion time to a considerable extent.

In addition, the reliability of VHB™ Structural Glazing Tape is guaranteed and bonds with excellent dynamic strength to replace wet glazing. The visco elasticity absorbs shock and allows movement for reliability against wind, vibration, thermal expansion and contraction. To fit aesthetically in curtain wall systems, the tape offers clean edge lines while bonding, sealing and conforming to a variety of surfaces, with consistent bond thickness and width.

Other applications:

Architectural Panels

3M™ VHB™ Tape bonds with high holding strength to replace silicone adhesives, stud bolts and other mechanical fasteners in stiffener attachment, in addition to offering elastic properties that absorb shock and flex for reliability against wind, vibration and thermal expansion/contraction.

Cladding

3M™ VHB™ Tape expands the range of design and material options by joining dissimilar materials: it prevents bi-metallic corrosion and allows a greater range of material selection including the use of lighter weight and thinner substrates that cannot be fastened with conventional fasteners. VHB™ Tape was used for Aluminium Cladding in Dubai's renowned Burj Al Arab Hotel, this architectural icon is capable of withstanding the temperatures, sand and salty air associated with its location right on the sea.

For qualifying applications, 3M provides the curtain wall manufacturer and customer the confidence that the tape can deliver high performance and long-term reliability. Once the application and assembly process are approved, 3M guarantees that the tape will not fail for the warranty period.

For more information about VHB™ Tape, please contact 3M Gulf Ltd., Dubai 00971 4 3670777.

-Ends-

About 3M
A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M's core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms - often in combination - to a wide array of customer needs. With $24 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries. For more information, visit www.3m.com.

For further information or interview enquiries, please contact:
Sudarshan C. Raman
3M Gulf Ltd.
Tel: +971 4 367 0777
Sudarshan@mmm.com

Jacky Freer
Manning, Selvage and Lee
Tel: +971 4 367 6152
jacky.freer@dubai.mslpr.com

© Press Release 2008