3M - An introduction
3M in the accident repair industry
We offer a full range of products for the automotive accident repair market.
We aim to understand the way in which the industry is changing, so the products we develop are suitable for the job. From an increase in vehicle lightweighting materials and collision avoidance sensors, to adhesives replacing welding repairs, we are creating products that address the changes in the repair process across the entire industry.
We have expertise in every aspect of the bodyshop, ensuring we add value throughout the repair process from products and training to health and safety.
At 3M we go the extra mile to understand your needs with the aim of adding value to your operations and optimising your profitability. We consider ourselves partners, providing you with support and advice, while helping you hit targets and control costs through process standardisation and training.
Our dedication to research and development keeps us ahead of the curve, meaning we get to launch new products every year, which are designed with you in mind.
Our technical sales team is qualified to deliver training and we have a wealth of resources online. We do everything we can to help support your understanding and help you use our products effectively – your success is the focus of everything we do.
Visit our news and events blog for updates on 3M in the industry. News and Events Blog »Product Range
We have products for every process within the bodyshop.
We aim to apply 3M technology to enhance product quality and consistency, maximising productivity and minimising rework.
Examples that demonstrate this are:
| 01 Panel |
3M™ Cubitron™ II Abrasives
3M™ Panel Bonding Adhesive
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02 Prep |
| 03 Paint | 04 Polish |
| 01 Panels | 02 Prep |
| 03 Paint | 04 Polish |
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3M™ Cubitron™ II Abrasives
3M™ Panel Bonding Adhesive
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We also have a range of supportive materials online, including our How To section that shows how our full range of products work best together.
3M, as a company, is renowned for its quality and because we are a quality repairer, we want to use quality materials."
Ashley Bernstein, Merseyside Car Hospital
Innovations
We are constantly striving to help drive success in the professional bodyshop to make vehicle repair easier, faster and more cost-effective.
We combine technologies in creative ways, which is how technology for reflective materials made its way into our 3M™ Trizact™ Fine Finishing Film Discs.
3M™ PPS™ (Paint Preparation System) Products is a result of customer inspired innovation. Listen to Neil Delbridge explain how it came about:
How do we know our innovations work? We ask our customers to trial new products for us on site. It is the best way for us and you to know that the products we're inventing are effective and reliable.
These are our 46 core technology platforms... which range from adhesives and abrasives, to sensors and electronics materials.
Working Harder for Longer
Products that last.
We create high-quality products that help you to achieve a high-quality finish.
The 3M™ Cubitron™ II Abrasives Product Range utilises precision-shaped grain technology to cut up to twice as long as standard abrasives. Our Premium Abrasives are designed to be sustainable, resulting in longer lasting products that reduce usage per job across the board.
We create high-quality products that help you to achieve a high-quality finish.
3M Precision Shaped Grain
3M precision shaped grain in Cubitron™ II Discs DA continuously fractures to form sharp points and edges – slicing cleaner and faster, staying cooler and lasting many times longer.
Conventional Grain
Conventional ceramic abrasive grain is irregular in shape. Instead of a clean, machining action, the grain "plows" through the metal, causing heat build up, slower cutting and shorter life.
Our Relationships
It's important for us to build good relationships with everyone we work with.
You've heard how we innovate and connect technologies, now we'll tell you how we do the same with people.
Internally, we collaborate with other 3M divisions – Aerospace, Automotive Manufacturing, Traffic Systems and Personal Safety. This allows us to leverage expertise across multiple platforms, informing you of technologies and industry news to help you stay ahead of the game.
Our relationships with our customers are important to us too. We want to understand the challenges you face, so we can support you with product training and the relevant information you need.
We operate in a way that's consistent with our company values, which includes acting honestly and with integrity to build relationships. We take what we do incredibly seriously, we're passionate to deliver labour, time and productivity savings back to your bodyshop.
In 2015, we ranked highly in the best employer lists for Forbes, Workforce Magazine, Fortune and Universum, among several others.
They back us as a company, we have a mutual two-way relationship, and that's what we need. The people that we deal with - I can't fault them. It's a good working relationship."
Alton Cars - 15 years as a 3M customer.
Who is 3M?
We think we'll surprise you by saying most people come across a 3M product 100 times a day; whether it's a tablet protective film, road traffic signs, floor and building surfaces or the 3M™ Post-it® Note.
We are a science-based technology company that is committed to improving lives and doing business in the right way, which is why we have been listed as a 'World's Most Ethical Company' for three years in succession.
At 3M, we love applying our science to create products that - in big ways and small - make things better in some way. Helping people to be safe. Making them more productive. Protecting their health. Safeguarding the environment. We have an insatiable appetite for meeting the world's ever-changing challenges.
We are relentless in our pursuit of finding solutions to our customers' problems. One third of our revenues come from products that didn't exist five years ago. At 3M, honesty, integrity and the ability to work as part of a team contribute to a culture that is founded on curiosity, problem-solving and collaboration. We work tirelessly to deliver our vision: 3M technology advancing every company. 3M products enhancing every home. 3M innovation improving every life.
What was born as a small-scale mining venture in 1902 has grown into a global powerhouse and its products improve the daily lives of people around the world.
Where else does 3M help improve lives?