New 3M™ Laminating Bulker Offers Ease of Use, Increased Efficiency

3M introduces 3M™ Laminating Bulker, offering outstanding properties for fiberglass construction applications. With high conformability on compound curves, excellent print-blocking capabilities and low resin consumption, 3M Laminating Bulker provides ease of use along with a host of other qualities designed to help fabricators increase efficiency.

3M Laminating Bulker is a non-woven polyester mat with uniform holes designed for resin flow. Available in thicknesses of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5mm as well as one- or two-meter wide rolls, the material lends itself to a broad range of applications. 3M Laminating Bulker offers fabricator-preferred irrigation in order to accept resin and allow air to escape. With more frequent perforations than competitors, the material offers better wetout and creation of more vertical links. The perforations also allow trapped air bubbles to be easily evacuated throughout the laminate.

The product’s multi-weave binder allows pre-wetting without deteriorating or tearing. Because it is engineered with a multi-directional fiber orientation, 3M Laminating Bulker provides equal strength characteristics in both length and width directions. The multi-directional fibers also help in wetting out the laminate equally in both directions. Additionally, the product provides constant nominal thickness throughout the part.

Testing has shown that 3M Laminating Bulker offers better performance than competitors in several key features. Its shock resistance is 35 to 50 percent higher, enabling products that use it to achieve longer useful life cycles. It also exhibits superior impact and shear strength, thanks to stronger links between the different layers within the mat as well as excellent resin distribution throughout the product. Fabricators who use 3M Laminating Bulker can realize as much as a 60 percent weight savings compared to bulking laminate with fiberglass.

“This material gives fabricators another useful solution for increasing both cost-effectiveness and labor-effectiveness,” said Nick Harris, global business leader for 3M Engineered Products and Solutions. “With these properties, almost any fiberglass application can benefit from 3M Laminating Bulker.”

For more information about new 3M Laminating Bulker, contact 3M Technical/Application Support at 772-343-7300