3M Touch Systems Introduces New Generation of MicroTouch ClearTek Capacitive Touch Solution

To download a high resolution JPEG image related to this release, click Here.

Methuen, Mass. - October 5, 2004 -- 3M Touch Systems, Inc. introduces a new generation of capacitive touch systems - ClearTek II Profile and MicroTouch Software Suite. Supported by EX II electronics foundation, this fully optimized product set includes significant software and driver enhancements and a new capacitive touch screen design. Marketed under the MicroTouch brand, both products are featured at this week's Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas and will be available in Jan. 2005.

"The patented MicroTouch ClearTek II touch screen is the result of extensive design research that optimizes optics, improves manufacturability, and provides innovative enhancements for our customer base," said Manuel J. Palomino, product manager, 3M Touch Systems.

MicroTouch ClearTek II Profile
While based on the original ClearTek capacitive product that incorporates a proprietary scratch resistant protection and provides robust performance in harsh environments, the new ClearTek II Profile design features enhanced anti-glare properties proven to be important in today's touch applications. The advanced design provides a unique coating, which achieves a critical balance between light transmission and anti-glare properties resulting in more vibrant optical characteristics and a 91 percent light transmission.

The ClearTek II Profile design also includes an environmentally friendly, lead-free cable connection. Leveraging 3M's adhesives expertise, this cable connection's bond strength and reliability increases dramatically. Overall, the construction of this design simplifies the manufacturing process and improves time to market for our customers.

MicroTouch Software Suite
The MicroTouch Software Suite is a re-architected, modular set of software, driver, and configuration components that become the common foundation for all touch product lines offered by 3M. This offering provides tremendous flexibility to customize touch software applications, accomodating popular operating systems and meeting industry compliance standards.

The enabling features include defining active touch zone regions on the screens, sophisticated multiple monitor support, and configuration flexibility. Modular in design, customers install only the components they need, optimizing their system and simplifying installation.

"We believe these products continue 3M's tradition of innovation while enabling our customers to create touch applications that were not possible before," said Terry Jones, general manager, 3M Touch Systems. "These offerings are ideally suited to satisfy the needs of the gaming, point-of-sale, and industrial markets, while delivering easy integration and more creative application designs."

About 3M Touch Systems, Inc.
3M Touch Systems Inc., a subsidiary of 3M, operates globally and reports through 3M Optical Systems Division headquartered in St. Paul, Minn. For more information visit www.3Mtouch.com.

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 icons such as Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Dyneon. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 67,000 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.

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

For media inquiries, contact Donna Fleming, 3M Public Relations at 651-736-7646.

For all other inquiries, visit www.3Mtouch.com/info/pr.