Airline Computer Made Possible with RTP Company's High-Strength, Custom-Colored Compounds


WINONA, MN, USA - January 2, 2006 - RTP Company provided Innovative Media Solutions (IMS) with a custom-colored advanced thermoplastic for the formulation of the Personal Entertainment Appliance (PEA) enclosure. In the development of this device, IMS partnered with Kenzymi Precision Limited, international moldmaking and molding company, and utilized RTP Company's global custom compounding services.

"Because the compounds were being developed and approved at IMS, then manufactured to that specification in Hong Kong, being able to rapidly match the colors in North America and execute the molding in Asia was key to this project's success," said Jim Mahon of Kenzymi. "We linked up with RTP Company because of its global footprint."

With the development of the PEA, IMS needed an extremely durable material that could withstand the rugged handling of both aircraft personnel and passengers, and in addition, could meet FAA safety and flammability standards. To meet these conditions, RTP Company developed a precolored RTP 2500 Series polycarbonate (PC)/ABS compound with high impact properties, chemical resistance, flame retardancy, and UL recognition. This compound was custom color-matched to the airline's exact color schemes.

The PEA gives airline passengers easy access to a range of wireless entertainment options. It is the first handheld in-flight entertainment device to offer current technology by reconfiguring existing computers. With its development, passengers can access the same technologies in the air as they can at the office or at home.

To ensure worldwide acceptance of the PEA, RTP Company's design team proposed a bromine/chlorine/heavy metal-free compound that complies with the most stringent HES (Human and Environmental Safety) legislation regulating the global marketplace.

"RTP Company made the developmental process painless by responding very quickly with color matching options and by being uniquely positioned to meet our global requirements because of its manufacturing capabilities in Asia," said Mahon. "They strived to make this project a success and their reaction was efficient and flawless."

About IMS In-flight Entertainment and Communication
IMS In-flight Entertainment and Communication (IFE) systems business focuses on emerging mobile and wireless technologies. Establishing itself as the leading independent IFE engineering firm, IMS serves aerospace OEMs and airlines around the world.

For more information, contact IMS at imsconsultants.com

About Kenzymi Precision Limited
Kenzymi was founded in 1994 primarily as a multi-shot, insert-molding, and large tonnage molder and services multi-national customers from their facilities in North America and Asia.

For information, call +852 2341-8192 or (714) 329-0855 in North America.

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

For more information, contact RTP Company at (800) 433-4787 or www.rtpcompany.com

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