3M & World War II: The Products
3M Tapes
Many 3M products were put to new uses and others were developed as part of the war effort.
Over 100 different types of "Scotch" tapes were developed and manufactured to assist war production. They were used for sealing, identifying parts, holding materials, protecting, and insulating.
"Scotch" cellulose tape and "Scotch" masking tape were old standbys put to new uses in military production.
"Scotch" Double-Sided Tape, with adhesive on both sides, was a new product.
"Scotch" Acetate Fibre Riveters' Tape was developed to hold rivets in line during the fastening process, when cellulose tape and masking tape were too messy and flimsy.
"Scotchlite," which had been introduced for signs and roadway markings, was equally effective in marking aircraft, military vehicles, landing strips, and tank trails.
"Safety-Walk," the non-slip surfacing material, was widely used on ships and on factory floors.
3M Abrasives
Abrasives were not neglected. A new division, New Methods Engineers, developed new machinery, including a wide variety of grinders and coated abrasive belts to speed up industrial production.
3M Resins & Adhesives
In the 3M laboratories, scientists developed non-rubber synthetic resins to produce adhesives used in the manufacture of ships,
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Erected by Saint Paul Port Authority, Historic Saint Paul, 3M, United States Environmental Protection Agency. (Marker Number WM-12.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1941.
Location. 44° 57.888′ N, 93° 3.74′ W. Marker is in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in Ramsey County. It is in Dayton's Bluff. Marker is on Bush Avenue west of Forest Street North, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 777 Forest Street N, Saint Paul MN 55106, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Cornerstones & Time Capsules (within shouting distance of this marker); 3M & the Community (within shouting distance of this marker); 3M & World War II: The People (within shouting distance of this marker); Working Women at 3M (within shouting distance of this marker); The 3M Flagpole (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Getting a Job at 3M (about 300 feet away); Explosion: 3M Response to Disaster (about 300 feet away); "Scotch" Tape to the Rescue of General Gray (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Saint Paul.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 11, 2020, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 338 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 11, 2020, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
