3M and Eckhart have successfully launched the 3M Automated Taping System (ATS), a collaborative robot-based automated tape application system that was jointly developed by both companies for the automotive and industrial market.

Designed for innovative automotive and industrial customers, the 3M ATS is now available for those who wish to automate manual processes that involve the use of 3M Attachment Tapes.

3M and Eckhart have used industry standard robotic components and best practices to ensure that the 3M ATS delivers flexible, simple and cost-effective solutions. Both companies believe that there are significant opportunities in the current automotive and industrial markets.  The 3M ATS may be used to apply adhesion promoters, create extended liner tabs, and precisely position cut-to-length tape or die cuts onto components.

“At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to improve life. A significant majority of our global customer base today applies tape manually. The manual process is labour intensive, prone to repetitive tasks that create ergonomic issues for employees, and often results in significant rework. We recognized an opportunity to collaborate with a technology partner that has been working in the industrial automation space for over 60 years. Our goal was to jointly develop an automated solution that delivers real value to 3M Attachment Tape customers all over the world,” explains Rachel Moses, U.S. Business Manager, 3M Automotive and Aerospace Solutions Division. “The 3M Automated Taping System utilizes collaborative robot technology to optimize ergonomic safety, first-time quality, and productivity while reducing the factory footprint required to apply tape where the systems are deployed.”

“We’re proud to partner with an innovative company like 3M that is committed to bringing the next generation of tape automation to the market,” says Daniel Burseth, Vice President of Business Development, Eckhart. “Leveraging the decades of experience both companies have serving Fortune 500 companies all over the world, we believe the 3M Automated Taping System will fundamentally change how companies handle and apply millions of linear feet of 3M Attachment Tape every week throughout the world.”