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3M wins American Technology Award for abrasives platform

The Cubitron II abrasives technology platform from 3M, St. Paul, Minn., has won the TechAmerica Foundation's American Technology Award in the manufacturing category. Also known as the Termans — in honor of Frederick Terman, the late Stanford University engineering professor who is widely regarded as the father of Silicon Valley — the awards are presented annually to signify American industry's best technological achievements in 14 categories.

The cutting and grinding process combines several of 3M's core technologies to create precision-shaped, uniformly sized ceramic oxide triangles oriented with their cutting edges facing the work surface. According to the company, the results are faster and higher-quality performance, ergonomic and safety benefits, and reduced need for abrasive waste disposal.

The TechAmerica Foundation, Washington, D.C., is an affiliate of TechAmerica, an advocacy and resource organization for America’s technology industries.