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Product Identity

Product Types


3M products are the face the company presents to customers. We are known and represented by what we produce and sell. 3M produces many different kinds of products: Some are meant to be used quickly, others are meant to last a long time; many are meant to be used with other 3M products. All 3M products, however, can be classified as one of three types based on how they are used: durables, consumables, or dispensers and tools. And when two or more different product types are used together, they form a product system.

Durables

Durables are items that customers purchase once and use for a long time. The benefits of these products don’t diminish with multiple use. Examples include 3M™ Scotchlock™ Wire Connectors and 3M™ Littmann® Stethoscopes.

Consumables

Consumables are products that customers must replenish after use. Examples include specialty chemicals used to manufacture other products, dental restoratives, Post-it® Notes and Tapes.

Dispensers and tools

Dispensers are devices that store and hold consumable products during use. Well-designed dispensers enhance the usefulness of 3M products and help build brand equity. Examples include metered-dose inhalers, the Scotchprint® Electronic Graphics System and Scotch® Pop-up Tape Strip Dispensers.

Tools are products that help customers use other 3M products properly. Examples include curing lights for dental restoratives and the 3M™ Volition™ Tool Set.

Product systems

Many 3M products are used together, forming product systems. For example, 3M dental fixative (a consumable) comes in a tube dispenser and is cured using a UV light (a tool). By providing compatibility and efficiency of product use, these systems build brand equity for 3M.