TPC Converting is a leading provider of industrial packaging solutions. We offer standard tapes, films, labels, equipment, and more – each of these can be custom-tailored to meet the needs of your application. Equipped with over 55 years of industry experience, customers know they can rely on us to meet their industrial packaging needs.
(Click to Expand)Our diverse range of capabilities includes converting services. Below, we provide an overview of converting, including what it is, converting capabilities available at TPC, and what materials we work with.
What Is Converting?
Converting is an umbrella term encompassing all of the processes used to turn a raw material into a usable part or product by altering its form, character, or function. While the processes involved in converting a particular material into a specific part or product vary depending on the intended design and construction, they can include die-cutting, slitting, perforating, printing, laminating, and more.
Some of the materials commonly used in converting operations include:
- Films
- Foams
- Foils
- Laminates
- Papers
- Plastic sheets and liners
- Rubber Materials
- Tape and other adhesives
- Woven and non-woven substrates
Some materials, such as cloth, film, foil, and paper, are produced in long, continuous sheets that are rolled for easier handling and transportation. During converting operations, these rolls—referred to as webs—are fed into processing machines (e.g., slitting, laminating, and printing equipment), which transform the material by taking it to an intermediate form or turning it into the finished product.
Converting Capabilities at TPC Converting
At TPC Converting, we are fully committed to providing customers with superior converting solutions. We offer precision cutting, die cutting, adhesive laminating, spooling, and rewind finishing. Our in-house converting experts offer slitting and printing services. Below, we list some of the converting services available at TPC:
Die Cutting
Die cutting is the process of cutting various shapes from sheet or roll material using a specialized cutting die and press. There are several distinct types of die cutting: rotary die cutting, flatbed die cutting, and specialized die cutting services for adhesive tapes and other flexible materials. Rotary die cutting capabilities include die cutting, cavity cutting, kiss cutting, and butt cutting materials up to 1/8 inch in thickness. Flatbed die cutting accommodates for thicker and softer materials than rotary die cutting. Specialized die cutting capabilities enable the decrease of material scrap and increased production runtime and efficiency.
Precision Cutting
Precision cutting refers to the use of advanced cutting equipment—e.g., high-speed plotters, in-line lasers—to cut material to the right shape and size with tight tolerances. The process accommodates a wide range of materials, with the material used in a converting project affecting which cutting machine is used. For example, laser cutters are best suited for cutting intricate designs into non-thermally sensitive materials.
Slitting
Slitting refers to the process of cutting the master roll into narrow widths and non-standard widths to the precise dimension for specific applications or parts.to make them easier to handle and transport. It can involve unwinding the roll, running the material through a series of blades to cut it to the proper width, and rewinding the material into a new roll, or spinning and cutting the roll without unwinding/rewinding the material. We can produce rolls in a variety of widths to suit different converting operations.
Printing
Our printing services include flexographic printing, inkjet printing, thermal printing, and foil stamping. We offer flexographic printing capabilities for up to three colors, inkjet printing capabilities for large single-color projects, thermal printing capabilities for short-term projects involving specialized thermal stocks, and foil stamping capabilities for projects involving metallic, pearl, holographic, and other stamping and embossing materials.
Adhesive Laminating
Adhesive laminating services allow us to apply adhesives to virtually any substrate. As a result, we can create custom adhesives to suit nearly any customer project. We can laminate adhesive to one or both sides and produce custom adhesive patterns on a variety of materials.
Spooling and Rewind Finishing
Many products and materials can be spoolwound for automatic applications. This allows for continued operation and fewer “roll” changes. At TPC, we work with customers to provide tailored spool-wound products.
Value-Added Converting Services at TPC Converting
In addition to our converting capabilities, we offer several value-added services to further optimize and streamline the process for customers.
Consulting
The TPC team will work closely with customers to ensure they choose the right adhesive, design, and process for their custom packaging solution. These consultations help the customer meet their goals while saving them time and money.
Prototyping
We can provide sample material and sample parts to ensure customers receive the appropriate product solution.
Inventory Management
Our inventory management services help customers streamline business operations by avoiding overstocking or understocking parts and products. We accommodate customer requests for blanket orders, inventory agreements, and consignment contracts.
Converting Material Capabilities
We fully understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to packaging supplies. Our customers can choose from a wide range of materials for their custom converting projects. Let us know what materials and substrates you require for your application.
- Tapes – pressure sensitive (e.g., double-coated tape, filament tape, cloth tape, magnetic tape, heat-activated tape, water-activated tape, and many others). These materials are used in a variety of applications depending on their composition and construction. For example, double-coated tape is used to attach parts to automobiles or POP displays, while filament tape is used to reinforce and close packaging containers.
- Foam. Foam materials can be die cut into various shapes and sizes for use in packaging, sealing, protection and insulation applications.
- Paper. Paper is used for the production of countless parts and products across different industries and sectors. Typical paper packaging products include packing paper, bags, and containers.
- Plastic films (e.g., polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, and UHMW in film, sheet, and roll form). These are available with or without adhesive. Typical operations include cutting, interleaving, laminating, pre-masking, rewinding, sheeting, slitting, and tipping.
Converting Services at TPC Converting
At TPC Converting, we offer a broad selection of converting services for a wide range of materials. Whether you need cutting, slitting, adhesive laminating, printing, finishing, or spooling services, we’ve got you covered. If you have any additional questions about our converting capabilities, contact us today.
