ABOUT 3M’s TELECOMMUNICATIONS DIVISION
The Telecommunications Division of 3M, the diversified technology company, provides a range of communications solutions, from voice and data cabling for enterprise networks, through to access products for next generation carrier networks. 3M is known for ground-breaking product design in communications markets, including its easy-to-use Volition connectors, which enable more accurate, rapid and consistent quality of data networks.
Drawing on innovation developed in 3M laboratories around the world, solutions from 3M include copper and fibre structured cabling systems, fibre cabling interconnect solutions for communications OEM design, FTTX connectors and an array of public network access solutions from pole-top connectors and closures to DSL components. The entire product portfolio is backed by 3M’s first rate technical support and customer service teams in the UK and Ireland.
Main product areas
1) 3M™ Volition™ Structured Cabling range
The 3M™ Volition™ Cabling range includes copper and fibre optic cable systems and accessories, with full adherence to internationally recognised industry standards. The portfolio supports both multi-mode and single-mode fibre networks, as well as hybrid copper/fibre networks. All 3M systems meet or exceed the requirements of international cabling standards.
These systems are designed for easy installation, ensuring that the results are of consistent good quality and error-free. In turn, this leads to fewer connection failures. The 3M™ Volition™ VF-45™ Small Form Factor Fibre Connector reduces much of the complexity associated with fibre optic network installation. The Volition™ RJ45 K5e and K6 Jacks for copper cabling can be installed using a ‘snap on’ technique and without requiring any specialist tools.
In addition to these connectors, the 3M™ Volition™ Structured Cabling range also includes sockets, adapter boxes, horizontal and patch cables, outlets and faceplates, patch panels and test leads. Media converters are also available to support the range.
3M also recently introduced the IP67 connector shell, designed to protect cable connections in harsh environments, such as factories where Ethernet connectivity is increasingly being used.
2) Fibre interconnect solutions
3M provides a complete line of single-mode and multi-mode fibre optic components, including connectors, couplings and pigtails, cable assemblies, sub-racks, distribution boxes, terminal outlets and racks. As well as being used within private voice and data networks, 3M fibre interconnect products have a strong presence in public carrier networks and among OEMs (original equipment manufacturers).
LC Hot Melt LC range
Launched in 2005, 3M Hot Melt LC Connectors are designed to provide fast and easy installation, combined with on-going high reliability. The range uses 3M patented pre-loaded, hot melt technology, where adhesive is injected into the connector in the factory, thereby avoiding problems associated with mixing adhesives on-site. The ‘all in one’ system does not require any additional specialist tools or installation equipment.
Furthermore, because the hot melt LC connectors are small form factor – half the size of traditional SC and ST connectors – they enable far greater port density than other connectors on the market, making them ideal for high capacity applications such as storage area networks (SANs) and data centres.
3M™ Crimplok™ and Fibrlok™ Connectors
The well-established Crimplok™ and Fibrlok™ systems are both designed to be installed without the use of epoxy resin adhesive. Ideal for situations where there is insufficient time to set-up and ‘cure’ the adhesive, both can be installed quickly using minimal parts and tools.
Recent product introductions to European markets include new Fibrlok mechanical splices, which provide a fast and cost-effective alternative to traditional fusion splicing for connecting fibre drop cable at the carrier’s exterior pole, or fibre pigtails to cables within the customer’s premises. Unlike fusion splicing, 3M Fibrlok is a mechanical device that does not require electrical power and in test conditions, has provided minimal signal loss even in extreme environmental conditions. In addition to the universal Fibrlok, which has been used worldwide for many years, two new versions are available: one that is ideal where space is highly constrained and a second that is ‘tool-free’
No Polish Connector (NPC)
With the No Polish Connector from 3M, fibre connections can be completed in less than two minutes. With the No Polish Connector (NPC), the user can terminate 250um and 900um single or multimode fibre, without the need to polish the fibre ends, since the one-piece, factory-assembled product incorporates a fibre stub that has been polished in the factory.
About 3M
3M is a $22.9 billion diversified technology company, creating innovative products that help make the world smarter, faster, healthier and safer. Well known 3M brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate and Scotch-Brite.
3M has pioneered innovation since 1902 and, today, invests more than $1.5 billion a year in R&D. It has applied its expertise in RFID technology to deliver biometric passports; it is using its understanding of the healthcare industry to provide hospitals with infection prevention and detection solutions; and its digital signage offerings are revolutionising the way businesses communicate with their customers, their employees and the general public.
3M employs 75,000 people worldwide to deliver more than 55,000 products to customers in some 200 countries. Its diverse technologies touch nearly every aspect of modern life, serving markets such as consumer and office, display and graphics, electronics and communications, healthcare, industrial and transportation, safety and protection services, and security systems.
The UK and Ireland is home to one of the largest 3M subsidiaries outside the USA, employing 3850 people across 17 locations, including 11 manufacturing sites. Products manufactured in the UK include coated abrasives, respirators, adhesive tapes, industrial microbiology products, drug delivery systems, high-performance coatings, secure documents and passport scanners.
For further information, customers should call + 44 (0) 1234 229 400 or www.3M.com/uk/telecommunications
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Press contact:
Maxine Ambrose
Ambrose Communications
Tel 01491 412944
Mob 07785 280930
Maxineambrose@ambrosecomms.co.uk
www.ambrosecomms.co.uk26 September 2007
