JANUARY 13, 2009–WINONA, MN–Global custom-engineered thermoplastic compounder RTP Co has established a controlled manufacturing environment dedicated to the production of clean compounds for sensitive applications in medical, electronic, and other industries at its Winona, MN headquarters location.

“One common theme we hear from many markets is the desire for clean compounds,” says Gregg Newby, global director of marketing and business development. “In response, we have established an Ultra Clean Compounding Center to manufacture materials for applications with higher quality requirements. The new center is a controlled production environment offering significant improvements that allows us to now supply superior quality clean compounds.”

Currently operational with two extrusion lines, the 3,300 sq. ft. self-contained Ultra Clean Compounding Center has capacity for four lines and is capable of producing almost any product in the company’s portfolio.

Extrusion and post-extrusion operations (cooling, pelletizing, classifying, and packaging) are conducted inside a climate-controlled, positive-pressure environment with interlocks to limit access.

Extruders are fully automated with touch-screen controls that allow complete process monitoring and data acquisition. “Compounds produced in our new facility are also ideal for applications that require extensive data recording and robust traceability of the manufacturing process,” adds Newby.

Stringent operating and finished product testing protocols are used to minimize any potential for cross-contamination during manufacture. Good manufacturing practices (GMPs) are utilized in management and operation of the new center.

Initial demand for clean materials has primarily been driven by the medical and electronics industries, but the importance of improved cleanliness is spreading to other applications and industries where the cost of contamination in rejected parts is extremely high.

Source: RTP Co.

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