For more than 100 years, 3M scientists have built a solid research foundation on making things rough.

3M pioneers sold the first sandpaper in 1906, and scientists have been on a relentless quest to create the perfect abrasive grit ever since. Engineers most recently found a way to maximize cutting potential using microreplicated, precision-shaped triangular structures to form a new abrasive called Cubitron II.

What makes 'smooth' smooth?

On the flip side, a researcher is perfecting the science of smooth. 3M Scientist Matt Atkinson is utilizing the latest technology to smooth out rough spots.

He earned his Ph.D. in physics and joined 3M after a stint as a professor. 'I came to work on optics,' Matt says, 'and started branching into anything with optical properties, including surfaces. A lot of what I do now, I taught myself.'

3M Company published this content on 11 October 2016 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein.
Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 13 October 2016 08:24:06 UTC.

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