[bc]New 3M™ LEAP™ To Replace Current Product[/bc]
San Marcos, CA. . .Signet Armorlite, the exclusive U.S. distributor of 3M optical lab supplies, announces the newest generation of 3M edging pads, LEAP III.

The performance of 3M LEAP III Pads, according to the company, will equal or exceed the high standards set by current 3M™ LEAP™ II. Using the same proven adhesive technology, 3M engineered LEAP III with a more powerful torque resistance. So, customers are likely to find that LEAP III allows even less slippage than before. The same 3M adhesive strength will be manufactured into the new pads so they will bond to the lens and the block just as effectively as ever.

“3M learned several months ago that a component used in manufacturing the 3M LEAP II Pads would no longer be available,” recalls Ed DeRosa, Signet Armorlite’s North American Sales & Marketing VP. “That provided a challenge to 3M’s product development teams to improve on the perfection of LEAP II. And they’ve met the challenge head on. Labs will like what 3M has done.”

New LEAP III Pads, which have a thinner profile and a lighter overall weight, will be offered in the same product choices as the current LEAP II: the 1700/1701 series of square pads, along with round pads 1695-24mm, 1693-18mm and 1692-26mm. An “M” will be added to the product numbers to designate the new line.

In addition, the new 3M™ LEAP™ 1695M will be manufactured with a double tab to help prevent lens scratching during pad removal, and the product liner will be printed with the red 3M logo for easier brand identification.

Signet Armorlite plans no price changes for the new 3M LEAP III product which is expected to be available across the product line in second quarter 2003.

Complimentary LEAP III product samples are available. Request yours by contacting your Signet Armorlite sales reps or the company directly by e-mail at leap3@signetarmorlite.com or call 800-759-4630, extension 219.