3M™ Reinforced Polyurethane Foam Offers Lightweight Alternative to Plywood

Published on Tuesday, 26 June 2012 15:06 Written by TradersHuddle Staff

ST. PAUL, Minn.-( Business Wire )-

3M introduces its new 3M™ Reinforced Polyurethane Foam, a lightweight and rot-resistant alternative to plywood for use in structural and semi-structural applications. These polyurethane foam boards with fiberglass reinforcement provide high strength in applications including marine, transportation and general construction, with a weight savings ranging from 30 to 60 percent versus plywood.

Available in five densities ranging from 15 pounds to 26 pounds per cubic foot, Reinforced Polyurethane Foam complements 3M’s existing line of lighter density foam boards and rounds out the company’s innovative offerings in the field. Reinforced Polyurethane Foam is sold in 4-foot by 8-foot sheets and provides users with a perfectly straight, level board that has no risk of warping and is easy to work with. Unlike plywood, which can chip or pop loose during construction, 3M’s innovative foam can be easily shaped with tools and secured to substrates with screws. Additional advantages of reinforced polyurethane foam include its inherent rot resistance, as well as the fact that it provides better adhesion than wood due to its low moisture content.

“Plywood is currently used in many applications where water causes it to degrade over time,” said Nick Harris, global business leader for 3M Engineered Products and Solutions. “3M Reinforced Polyurethane Foam not only gives manufacturers a longer-lasting alternative to plywood, but one that delivers weight reduction as well.”

For more information about new 3M Reinforced Polyurethane Foam, contact 3M Technical/Application Support at 772-343-7300, or Customer Service/Ordering at 1-855-380-6553.

About 3M

3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. Our culture of creative collaboration inspires a never-ending stream of powerful technologies that make life better. 3M is the innovation company that never stops inventing. With $30 billion in sales, 3M employs 84,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.

3M is a trademark of 3M Company.

Karwoski & Courage Public RelationsMichael Gugala612-342-9604m.gugala@creativepr.comor3MConnie Thompson3M Public Relations651-733-8914