Meltblown Lab

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.

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.

• NWI Fabrication Testing Services Agreement

Meltblown Lab Documentation

• Meltblown Order Form
• Meltblown Lab Trial Guidelines
• Meltblown Lab Trial Plan Template

Equipment Specifications

Reicofil 4 Meltblown Line
No. of Beam	1	Width (m)	1.2
Line speed (m/min)	1-100	Dosing units for additives (%)	1 @ 0.5-3;
Die to Collector distance (mm)	150 to 500	Dies (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 angle	20	Conveyor belt	Polyester woven
Extruder size (mm); L/D	70; 30:1	Winder (Type); Core Size (inches)	Automatic surface driven; 3”
Max die temp (C)	310	Tension control (N)	10 to 160
Max air temp (C)	350	Max 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.