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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. 

Angelo Corino, The Nonwovens Institute, NC State University

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.