Custom Material Converting Services
At Rathbun, we provide custom converting services for manufacturers across North America. As a 3M Preferred Converter, we convert high-performance tapes, foams, films, and other raw stock materials into products with fully customized dimensions. We serve a diverse range of demanding sectors, including medical, electronics, semiconductor, and other industries, providing superior-quality products tailored to each unique job. Whatever your application, our experts can create custom solutions from raw materials that meet your performance and dimensional requirements.
Your Source for Custom Converting Services
Contact us for more information about our custom material converting services and our status as a 3M preferred converter. Alternatively, call us at 510-661-0950 with any questions you may have.
Proud to Be A 3M Preferred Converter
Rathbun is proud to be recognized as a 3M Preferred Converter. This status demonstrates our thorough expertise in 3M materials, as well as our ability to help industrial manufacturers and OEMs improve product performance through our custom converting services. The Preferred Converter designation doesn't come easy. We've earned this title through our skills, experience, and — most importantly — our world-class capabilities in turning raw stock into cut and finished parts. Simply put, being a preferred converter means we offer high-quality converting services for 3M tapes, foams, and films.What Is Custom Converting?
Custom converting transforms raw materials, such as foams, adhesives, and films, into application-ready parts. Through cutting, slitting, laminating, or shaping, these materials can be integrated into manufacturing applications and components. Customers across various industrial sectors rely on Rathbun's converting services to enhance product performance, improve functionality, and increase the efficiency of manufactured components.Custom Converting Services at Rathbun
We offer two primary types of custom converting services: cutting services and material finishing services. Each converting service includes various methods used to create custom solutions.Cutting Services
- Kiss-Cutting: Kiss-cutting is a popular method of cutting adhesives and foams. The process involves cutting the top layer of material, leaving a thin backing on the converted material.
- High-Volume Rotary Die Cutting: Rotary Die Cutting is a method for cutting parts that require high volume and extremely close tolerances. This process can also include Kiss-Cutting, Through Cutting, Scoring, and Perforated Cutting. Finished parts can be produced in roll form or individually, loose-cut.
- Laser Cutting: Laser cutting is the quickest way to produce prototypes and proof-of-concept parts. We can take your drawing file and convert it into a part within minutes. Whether it is a simple or a complex part, laser custom converting services can quickly and effectively create a wide range of parts.
- Die Cutting: Custom die-cutting services are regularly utilized for thicker materials and lower production runs. Rathbun offers a wide range of converting services. Die cutting ranges from very small steel rule dies to as large as 36" wide x 80" long.
Material Finishing Services
- Slitting and Rewinding: We offer extensive slitting capabilities from Slit Rewind functions to Baloney Slitting (up to 72" in width). Log Slitting, also known as Baloney Slitting, is a shearing process that converts a large master roll into narrow rolls by driving a rotating blade into the rotating log. Once the material is completely slit through the supporting three-inch core, the spools are removed from the mandrel. This process can be used for materials with or without adhesive backing.
- Industrial Lamination: Lamination is a manufacturing process used to bond multiple layers of unlike materials together to create a composite product. Rathbun is capable of Hot/Cold lamination up to 60" in width. Lamination services are also achieved as an inline setup during the manufacturing of Rotary Cut Parts.
Why Choose Rathbun for Your Custom Material Converting Services?
Rathbun combines decades of hands-on converting experience with the quality and innovative capacity manufacturers require to stay competitive. We deliver consistent, repeatable results from initial prototype through final production. When you choose Rathbun for your custom converting services, you can count on:- Full project support from design to prototyping and production
- 3M Preferred Converter status with access to specialty materials and expert support
- ISO 9001:2015 Certified quality management system
- Laser cutting for no-tooling prototypes and short runs
- Low- and high-volume production capabilities
- Fast lead times backed by experienced staff and advanced equipment
