Lab Scale Equipment
Through the Fiber Science Lab, NWI offers researchers students and clients the ability to characterize polymers and additives along with lab-scale fiber, web formation equipment. The lab was developed for both characterization and evaluation of polymers and additives for meltspinning via meltblown, spunbond and various nanofiber production technologies. The lab-scale equipment often serves as a precursor to work performed on the nonwoven pilot equipment. In addition, the Coating and Lamination Lab at NWI offers small-scale pilot equipment for coating and lamination research and small runs.
If you have questions or would like to discuss a custom project, please send an email to NWI questions.
Polymer Characterization Equipment
- Instron CEAST, Smart Rheo 2000 – Dual Capillary Rheometer
- Instron CEAST, 7026 Melt Flow Tester – MVR, MFR
- Capillary Rheometer-RH7-2 (Rosand)
Fiber Extrusion and Web Formation Equipment
- Hills LBS-300 Research Line
- Multifilament spinnerets with orifices to produce the following external fiber cross sections:
- Solid round
- Hollow round
- Trilobal
- Multifilament bicomponent fiber spinning with metering/distribution plates to produce the following internal fiber cross sections:
- Sheath/Core
- Side x Side
- Tipped Trilobal
- 16 Segment Pie
- 36 Islands-In-the-Sea
- Monofilament extrusion capabilities for extruding, water quenching, and winding homopolymer and bicomponent
- Meltblown dies for extruding homopolymer and bicomponent meltblown fibers
- Spunbond open systems aspirator for high speed stretching of spun fibers along with spunbond fabric forming, calender bonding, and winding equipment
- Multifilament spinnerets with orifices to produce the following external fiber cross sections:
- 25 cm Elmarco Nanospider
- 38 cm (15 in) Biax Meltblown Research Line
- 12.5 cm (5 in) Meltblowing Line with Reicofil and Biax Meltblowing Dies
Coating and Lamination Equipment
- 75 cm (30 in) Rollmac Custom Coating Line
- Knife Coating (over air, over roll, reverse roll)
- Padding
- 2 UV Stations for grafting and curing
- 90 cm (36 in) Klieverick Powder Applicator and Lamination Calendar
The Lab Services also offers three-dimensional deep molding and post fiber drawing