PPG Expands Capabilities for Production of Silica-Based Synthetic Sheet

    BARBERTON, Ohio--Sept. 6, 2001--PPG Industries has started operation of a second full-scale line at its Barberton plant for production of its silica-based synthetic printing sheet. The $15 million unit more than doubles capacity for manufacturing Teslin sheet and expands product capabilities, according to Kathleen McGuire, vice president, silicas.
    "For the past several years, Teslin sheet sales have grown at more than 10 percent annually," McGuire said. "While we accomplished incremental capacity increases through productivity enhancements, this new line will enable us to meet opportunities for Teslin sheet in new and expanded applications."
    The Barberton unit incorporates sophisticated process and quality control technology for high efficiency and quality, McGuire said. "In addition, it allows us to make a thinner 6-mil sheet, while we were limited to 7 mils before."
    Demand for 6-mil Teslin sheet is growing for use in laminated applications, she said.
    Teslin sheet is a unique silica-polymer synthetic printing material that prints like paper, yet is durable and waterproof like plastic.
    Introduced more than a dozen years ago, Teslin sheet provides processing and end-product advantages over other synthetic printable surfaces, McGuire said.
    It resists high temperatures encountered during laser printing and affords fast drying of ink in conventional printing processes. It is absorptive, which makes it receptive to printing inks and imaging toners, and lends itself to variable digital printing technologies, such as color lasers, digital presses and inkjet printers.
    "Its adaptability to a full range of technologies is resulting in its growing use by commercial printers as they incorporate modern digital technology," McGuire said.
    Printed Teslin sheets are durable, resistant to chemicals and abrasion, and exhibit superior lamination peel strength. Applications include menus, product labels and laminated plastic cards, such as phone cards, loyalty cards and drivers licenses.
    Teslin sheet is available in rolls and sheets.
    Pittsburgh-based PPG is a global supplier of specialty and industrial chemicals, glass, fiber glass and coatings, with 120 manufacturing locations worldwide. Sales in 2000 were US$8.6 billion.