Eastman Chemcical, Gentex Corp. to Demo New Laser Welding Process at MD&M West

11/22/2003

Kingsport, Tenn, and Carbondale, Pa., Nov. XX, 2003 – Gentex Corporation ( Booth #1126) will demonstrate its patented Clearweld® process for laser welding plastics using Eastman Chemical Company’s (Booth #1201) EASTAR copolyester MN004 at the upcoming Medical Design & Manufacturing West Show, January 5-7, 2004, at the Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, Calif.
 EASTAR copolyesters are brilliantly clear polymers that have excellent impact strength, chemical resistance, dimensional stability and low shrinkage rates. EASTAR MN004 contains a mold release.
      The Clearweld process uses Gentex’s light-absorbing materials, which have a limited effect on color, to focus laser energy and convert it into heat. Localized heating at the interface of two pieces of plastic to be joined produces high-strength, high-clarity welds with no material deformation, particulates or flash, making it ideal for medical device and packaging applications.

About Gentex
Based in Carbondale, Pa., Gentex is a privately owned corporation with four operating units: helmet systems, performance materials, respiratory products and electro-acoustic products. One of the company’s major markets is defense, encompassing both U.S. armed forces and the military units of other nations. The company is a world leader in both military and commercial markets with extensive research and development capabilities.

About Eastman Chemical

Headquartered in Kingsport, Tenn., Eastman Chemical Company manufactures and markets specialty plastics, fibers, container plastics, coatings, adhesives, specialty polymers and inks, and performance chemicals and intermediates. The company operates globally and had sales of $5.3 billion in 2002. It is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol EMN.