Most people know 3M as the company that makes Post-it notes or Scotch tape. However, the revenue generated from these products accounts for less than 10% of its total sales. What they really focus on is offering solutions for electric vehicles.
On a smoggy day, I visited the 3M booth at Interbattery 2024 held in COEX, Gangnam, Seoul. Kim Jung-min, Global R&D Platform Manager at 3M, stated, “Much of what we do is to provide solutions that delay thermal runaway in vehicle batteries using specific materials, and we also have technology that bonds components using adhesives instead of bolts and nuts for lighter batteries.” He emphasized that 3M not only provides these solutions but also possesses testing equipment to conduct thermal runaway tests regularly. Kim also mentioned, “Our laboratory is located in Dongtan New City and is the largest 3M research lab after the one in the United States.”
In addition, 3M specializes in automotive polishing technology. When a vehicle requires repainting after a collision, 3M’s polish products can restore gloss without needing to grind away the paint. Kim proudly stated, “Although many competing products have emerged, 3M is the pioneer of automotive adhesives.”
Following Kim’s guidance, I made my way to the adhesive robot. He explained, “When you need to bond two surfaces, this liquid robot can reach even small contact areas. Unlike tape, which requires cutting to fit the shape after being stuck, the liquid robot eliminates that hassle.”
As Kim mentioned, the liquid robot showcased the writing ‘3M’ on an acrylic board using a thin layer of liquid adhesive to demonstrate its capabilities to the audience.
A model of a punctured battery was on display. Regarding the battery with holes, Kim explained, “When thermal runaway occurs in a battery, heat needs to escape somewhere. To delay thermal runaway, we must vent it outwards. If the holes are blocked, it can lead to an even bigger explosion inside; thus, they must direct it safely away from the passengers.” The battery is designed with various fire-resistant materials to immediately dissipate heat from the cells without connecting to the modules.
This innovative electric vehicle solution technology from 3M has been adopted in Europe, the epicenter of the automotive industry, where 3M’s technologies are being utilized.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr