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The Nonwovens Institute

Meltblown Lab

The Nonwovens Institute at North Carolina State University offers state-of-the-art technology and deep expertise in meltblown nonwoven applications.

The Nonwovens Institute features a 1.2-meter wide Reifenhäuser Reicofil pilot line with recently updated software and control systems. Along with NWI’s many years of experience in developing meltblown nonwoven applications, this stand-alone machine provides the ability to test a wide range of polymers, including polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters, elastomers, PLA and many others. Importantly, this meltblown system includes in-line electrostatic charging capability (corona).

NWI’s facilities also include laboratories dedicated to polymer characterization, fiber extrusion and lab scale meltblown. Our Analytical & Physical Testing and Filtration Media labs offer the ability to analyze and evaluate material performance according to many industry-specific standard test methods, including, notably, ISO-17025 for filter media.

Meet the Lab Manager:
Angelo Corino

Angelo Corino joined The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) in 2006 after serving for 21 years as a Production Supervisor and Lead Pilot Line Technician at Fiberweb in Simpsonville, South Carolina. Since joining NWI, Angelo has led NWI’s Meltblown and Spunbond/Hydroentangling Pilot Labs as a Lab Manager and Research Engineer, working directly with NWI leadership and industry partners to develop solutions to varied nonwovens challenges. 

Learn More
Angelo Corino, The Nonwovens Institute, NC State University
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Equipment Specifications
Virtual Tour
Lab Capabilities Download

If you have questions about running trials at NWI, please email us at nonwovens@ncsu.edu.

If you wish to use the pilot equipment or have some testing done, you will need to have a Fabrication and Testing Services Agreement in place.

Meltblown Lab Documentation

Equipment Specifications

Reicofil 4 Meltblown Line
No. of Beam1Width (m)1.2
Line speed (m/min)1-100Dosing units for additives (%)1 @ 0.5-3;
Die to Collector distance (mm)150 to 500Dies (HPI); Capillary Size (microns)20 | 600

25 Mixed | 600; 300

35 | 400

45 | 300

60 | 300

60 | 250

75 | 180

6-row Biax | 500
Collector table angle20Conveyor beltPolyester woven
Extruder size (mm); L/D70; 30:1Winder (Type); Core Size (inches)Automatic surface driven; 3”
Max die temp (C)310Tension control (N)10 to 160
Max air temp (C)350Max air volume (m3/hr/m)2,000
Electrostatic charging capability (corona)4 charging bars, up to 50 kV per bar.

If you have questions about running trials at NWI, please email us at nonwovens@ncsu.edu.