3M recently introduced Novec Aerosol Cleaners, a new line of nonflammable aerosols that are a viable alternative to HCFC-141b-based cleaners for the removal of dust, grease, oil and other maintenance of sensitive electronics in the industrial, telecommunications, aerospace and military markets. Among the highest-performing solvent alternatives on the market, Novec aerosol cleaners balance performance, economics and environmental properties.

"While performance and price will always be important considerations for customers -- health, safety and environmental concerns are important factors due to increased solvent differentiation in the market," said Ed DePauw, marketing manager for 3M Electronics. "To meet the industry's need for cleaners that balance these properties, 3M drew upon its broad technology base of segregated, nonflammable hydrofluoroethers. This line of Novec cleaners meets industry requirements and is affordable, without sacrificing performance. These cleaners are nonozone depleting and do not contain any Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) or n-propyl bromide (nPB)."

The new line comprises three low-toxicity, fast-drying cleaners that are ideal for challenging manufacturing applications and are effective on a wide variety of soils and contaminants. The first product is Novec Contact Cleaner, which removes oils, light grease, silicones, dust and particulates from susceptible electronics and is compatible with sensitive plastics such as ABS, PMMA and polycarbonate. This cleaner is low in toxicity and is ideal for electrical or energized components including contacts, connectors, relays, switches, circuits, instrumentation and sensors. The second cleaning agent, Novec Electronic Degreaser, removes grease, oils and handling soils from electric motors, electrical equipment, precision devices and other electro-mechanical or sensitive devices. The third product, Novec Flux Remover, removes rosin flux residues, oils, grease, waxes and similar contaminants found in electronics manufacturing and other electro-mechanical applications.

"Many current customers, including some parts of the U.S. military, are adopting Novec aerosol cleaners into their maintenance portfolios due to strict industry specifications that call for sustainable technologies that are safe for workers," added DePauw.

Novec brand products from 3M stand for safe, sustainable chemistry that balance environmental, performance and worker health and safety properties. The Novec brand product line spans from the electronics to the fire protection industry.

About 3M Electronics

3M Electronics is a leading supplier of innovative solutions to the electronics market. 3M's wide array of advanced technologies enable the company to design specialized products that help electronics manufacturers improve quality, reduce costs and lower emissions. The company's products help their customers connect, clean, polish, adhere, protect, transport and finish their products. 3M serves customers in numerous market segments, including semiconductor; OEM electronics; computers and peripherals; mobile and handheld; as well as consumer, aerospace, military, automotive and medical markets. For more information about Novec aerosol cleaners from 3M, call 1-800-3M-HELPS.

About 3M - A Global, Diversified Technology Company

Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 69,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.

3M, Novec, Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.

LaBreche Murray Public RelationsSara Cziok, 612-392-7602scziok@labrechemurray.comor3M, St. PaulColleen Horn Harris, 651-733-1566http://www.3m.com/PressContact