Pressure-sensitive tapes are coated adhesives applied to a flexible backing. The company utilized its expertise in coatings and backings to create the first 3M products that shifted away from sandpapers and abrasives.
Masking Tape
Masking tape was developed in 1925 to meet a need in the automobile industry to aid in painting car finishes. The product was first marketed in 1927 under the brand name of “Scotch.”
Electrical Tape
Electrical tape was first introduced in 1929. This adhesive product led to the development and introduction of a wide variety of other electrical tape and repair products.
Cellulose Tape
Cellulose tape, renamed cellophane tape in 1948, was developed as a waterproof sealing tape for cellophane packages. First marketed in 1930, it soon became popular for a wide variety of commercial, office, and household uses, especially after the tape dispenser was developed in 1937.
Magnetic Tape
The first magnetic sound recording tape was introduced in 1947. Magnetic tapes are formed of magnetic iron oxide particles applied to a flexible plastic backing.
Fibre Tape
Acetate fibre tapes were developed and put to use during World War II. These products led to the development of strong and durable filament tapes.
TAPE MANUFACTURING
Several buildings were constructed to house the tape production and research facilities. The first work on tape was begun in Building 2, then moved to Building 14 after it was constructed in 1929. Building 20, built in 1937 and 1940, contained tape operations, as did the upper floors of Building 14, added in 1945. Buildings 22, 23, and 24 were added for tape research and manufacturing between 1941 and 1951.
Reflective Sheeting
3M reflective products were developed to make road and highway signs and pavement markings visible at night. “Scotchlite” is formed of coated glass beads on a flexible backing, held in place with adhesives. It was introduced in 1938 for local roads and soon spread to a wide variety of product applications in military and civilian use.
Ribbons and Decorations
Research on tapes led to “Mistlon,” made from synthetic textile fibers, which was developed in 1937. It was a stronger substitute for paper. Further research led to a line of ribbons and decorating materials marketed under the names of “Lacelon” (1948), “Sasheen” (1950), and “Decorette” (1951).
PROMOTING TAPES
“Scotch” was adopted by 3M as a brand name for its many kinds of tape. The tartan packaging was introduced in 1945 at the end of World War II.
Media
Images
Manufacture of cellulose tape, 3M ~ Buildings 22 and 24, 1952: Building 24 (left) and Building 22 (right), Mendota Street, in about 1952. ~ Source: Minnesota Historical Society
Masking Tape Applied to Car: Masking tape was developed in 1925 to meet a need in the automobile industry to aid in painting car finishes. ~ Source: Minnesota Historical SocietyElectrical Tape Advertisement Photograph: Advertisements showcased both branded packaging and practical applications. ~ Source: Minnesota Historical Society
Scotchlok: Scotchlok brand electrical spring connectors ~ Source: Minnesota Historical SocietyCellophane Tape 1: Early print ad for one of 3M's most recognizable products.
~ Source: Minnesota Historical SocietySound Recording Tape: 3M's first magnetic sound recording tape was introduced in 1947. ~ Source: Minnesota Historical SocietyFibre Tape: Acetate fibre tapes were developed and put to use during World War II; here it is seen being used to package shipments to the front. ~ Source: Minnesota Historical SocietySound Recording Tape: Originally intended for commercial use, magnetic recording tape and video tape soon found a market with the everyday consumer. ~ Source: Minnesota Historical SocietyReflective Tape: Day: 3M reflective products were developed to
make road and highway signs and pavement
markings visible at night; here it is used to similar effect on a commercial vehicle. ~ Source: Minnesota Historical SocietyReflective Tape: Night: 3M reflective products were developed to make road and highway signs and pavement markings visible at night; here it is used to similar effect on a commercial vehicle. ~ Source: Minnesota Historical SocietyDecorative Ribbons: 3M had a number of patented ribbons made with synthetic fibers, including "Mistlon" (1937"), "Lacelon" (1948), "Sasheen" (1950), and "Decorette" (1951). ~ Source: Minnesota Historical SocietySales Counter: Customers admire the latest Scotch Tape display at the local sales counter. ~ Source: Minnesota Historical SocietyAnatomy of Scotch Display: This images shows the many products marketed under the "Scotch" brand, and several others besides, on full display. ~ Source: Minnesota Historical SocietyScotch Brand Tartan Logo: In 1945, the company adopted the red, green, and yellow plaid pattern for packaging, based on the Wallace clan tartan, with the advice of New York color consultant Arthur Allen. ~ Source: Minnesota Historical SocietyMeet Scottie: The character of Scottie McTape was created in 1946. ~ Source: Minnesota Historical SocietyScottie McTape: Scottie, the mascot figure, began to appear in company advertising in 1946. ~ Source: Minnesota Historical SocietyScotch Tape "Don't Forget" Ad: An advertisement prompts retailers to stock Scotch Tape in preparation for "Back-to-School" shoppers ~ Source: Minnesota Historical SocietyScotch Tape "Good News" Ad: An ad highlighting extra large rolls of Scotch tape for commercial use. ~ Source: Minnesota Historical Society
