Advanced In-Line Laminates Replace Adhesives with Improved Process from RTP Company
WINONA, MN, USA — The Sheet and Film Division of RTP Company has improved in-line laminate systems that allow for both flexible film and sheet to achieve superior mechanical bonds to fabric during manufacturing. These improvements eliminate secondary processes, allowing for a single in-line laminate technique that negates the need for adhesives.

"Our innovative technique is new to the industry, and it is a vast improvement over competitive laminate technologies that rely on adhesives," said Peter Ploumidis, President of RTP Company's Wiman Group. "Without adhesives in the laminate fabrics, the possibility of skin irritations is reduced and biocompatibility issues are eliminated. This is an important benefit to those in the medical industry and we have already realized several important commercial successes."

A wide variety of in-line fabrics and textures are offered including wovens, knits, brushed and unbroken loop fabrics, in addition to an array of nonwoven materials. Standard in-line laminate products are stocked, and custom products can be developed to meet exact performance requirements. "RTP Company is the only organization that can offer the expansive breadth of in-line laminate products in PVC, olefins, and engineering resins," said Ploumidis.

RTP Company acquired Wiman Corporation in 2006, combining its state-of-the-art sheet manufacturing and expansive polymer expertise with Wiman's complete line of flexible plastic film. RTP Company's Sheet and Film Division now offers an unmatched capability portfolio of specialty products in thicknesses from 0.004 to 0.400 inches and in resins ranging from PVC to PEEK.

RTP Company Introduces New PEEK Sheet Products
WINONA, MN, USA — RTP Company's Sheet and Film Division announces its stocking of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) sheets in thicknesses that traditionally are only available as custom products. PEEK sheets from RTP Company are available in 2 x 4 ft sizes in five different thicknesses ranging from 0.5 mm (0.020 in) to 3.0 mm (0.118 in).

"Finding stock PEEK sheet products in thicknesses under 0.5 in is rare in the stock shape industry," said Sarah Holthaus, Sheet and Film Division Product Manager/Internal Sales at RTP Company. "With RTP Company's new offerings, customers will have the opportunity to purchase PEEK sheet that is competitively priced and immediately available in thicknesses not found elsewhere in the industry. This will open the door for new application possibilities where PEEK was cost prohibitive and allows for improved part economics through less material waste."

PEEK is a high strength and high temperature resin with excellent mechanical properties and chemical resistance. It also has superior wear resistance and dimensional stability. In addition, RTP Company can produce PEEK sheets comprised of FDA-compliant ingredients. These properties make PEEK ideal for demanding sheet applications such as automotive and aircraft components; industrial pumps, valves and seals; silicon wafer carriers; and products used in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

2 x 4 ft PEEK sheets from RTP Company are stocked in sizes of 0.5 mm (0.020 in), 1.0 mm (0.039 in), 1.5 mm (0.059 in), 2.0 mm (0.079 in), and 3.0 mm (0.118 in). Sheets can be purchased in large or small volumes and are available for immediate shipping. Additionally, custom PEEK sheets in 4 x 4 ft sheet sizes are available upon special request in the same thickness ranges.

In September of 2006, RTP Company acquired Wiman Corporation, a leading manufacturer of customized plastic film for the medical, industrial and consumer markets. The acquisition combined RTP Company's state-of-the-art sheet manufacturing and expansive polymer expertise with Wiman's complete line of flexible plastic film. RTP Company's Sheet & Film Division now offers an unmatched capability portfolio of specialty products in resins ranging from PVC to PEEK and in thicknesses from 0.004 to 0.400 in.

RTP Company Acquires Customized Plastic Film Manufacturer Wiman Corporation
WINONA, MINNESOTA, USA — RTP Company announced it has acquired Wiman Corporation of Sauk Rapids, MN, a leading manufacturer of customized plastic film for the medical, industrial and consumer markets. This acquisition will enhance RTP Company's leadership position in the plastics industry by combining its existing Sheet Division with Wiman's complete line of flexible plastic film products and extrusion capabilities.

"Wiman strengthens our business position in the sheet and film industry by letting us manufacture down to 4 mil film, and quite importantly we will now be adding PVC to our product mix," said Hugh Miller, President and CEO of RTP Company. "We feel these new capabilities, plus the synergies created by combining our technical resources, will be of great benefit to our customers."

Wiman Corporation President Peter Ploumidis said, "With this acquisition, we gain RTP Company's marketing and selling infrastructure and international capabilities, in addition to its unique material technologies."

Leading the way in the development of specialty films using PVC, Polyolefins and Polyurethane, Wiman serves a niche market for companies requiring specialty runs and products such as helmet liners - often in quantities far lower than the industry standards. The Wiman products are unique in their construction and abilities to formulate the plastic to the customers' needs.

RTP Company, headquartered in Winona, Minnesota, is a global leader in specialty thermoplastic compounding. The company has seven manufacturing plants on three continents, plus sales representatives throughout North America, Europe, and Asia/Pacific. RTP Company's engineers develop customized thermoplastic compounds in over 60 different engineering resin systems for applications requiring color, conductive, flame retardant, high temperature, shielding, structural, and wear resistant properties.