Fiber and Filament Extrusion Fundamentals Short Course

The Fiber and Filament Extrusion Fundamentals Short Course provides attendees an understanding of the critical variables and process parameters required to optimize extrusion processes for meltblown, spunbond and carded staple-fiber nonwovens. Important aspects covered in this course include techniques for effectively spinning biopolymers and incorporating sustainable material options into the extrusion practice.

Upon completing the course, attendees will have a comprehensive understanding of fiber and filament extrusion-based nonwoven products and processes, including raw material selection, polymer characterization, fiber and fibrous assemblies, fiber-to-fabric transitions, and testing methods. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the impact of the process on fiber structure in terms of orientation, crystallinity, etc. Attendees will also benefit from hands-on learning with experiments in The Nonwovens Institute’s state-of-the-art Fiber and Polymer Science and Analytical Testing labs.

If you attend this course, you will:

• Learn the critical variables and process parameters required to optimize the extrusion practice.
• Understand the importance of fiber orientation, crystallinity, amorphous volume and other key contributors.
• Build your knowledge around extrusion best practices for a variety of applications, including meltblown, spunbond and staple carded nonwovens.

Key Topics Include: 

• Introduction to Polymers
• Rheological Properties
• Polymer Characterization
• Fiber Characterization
• Fiber Formation and Property Development
• Fiber Finish
• Fiber Testing and Analytical Testing

Expert Instructors:

• Mehmet Dasdemir, Ph.D., Director of Product Development, NWI
• Hechmi Hamouda, Ph.D., Professor of Textile Engineering, NC State University, NWI (ret.)
• Eric Lawrence, Lab Manager – Staple Carding, Fiber and Polymer Science, Filament Spinning, NWI
• Benoit Maze, Ph.D., Director of Education and Administration, NWI
• Amy Minton, Analytical and Filtration Testing Lab Manager, NWI
• Behnam Pourdeyhimi, Ph.D., Executive Director, NWI

Who Should Attend?

• Business and Product Development
• Manufacturing and Engineering
• Quality Control
• Research and Development
• Technical Sales and Marketing

Attendee Feedback: 

• “Good balance of physics fundamentals, practical manufacturing learnings, and hands-on with the actual production.” — Material Program Manager, Government Agency
• “Seeing the drawing process and working with the different production lines was extremely helpful in reinforcing classroom learning.” —Quality Engineer, Medical Supply Company
• “The breadth (and depth) of the subject matter was what I liked most about the course.  The course provided a nice introduction to the process, while also providing enough detail to keep the experienced person engaged.” — Process Technology Leader, Manufacturer of Fibers and Nonwovens

2-Minute Tutorial:

Price: 

• Non-Members: $3,300
• NWI/INDA Members: $2,500 (NOTE: If you are an NWI Member, please e-mail registrar@inda.org with your Member Name and Short Course title to register at the NWI Member Rate.)

Register Now Course Outline Speaker Q&A 2025 Short Courses

Course agenda and presenters subject to change. For questions about this course, email nonwovens@ncsu.edu. 

This course is presented in partnership with: 

Course Outline: