British company Fibre Extrusion Technology Ltd., (FET) recently launched the FET-500 Series of gel spinning systems that could revolutionize research and development of UHMWPE fibers.
FET has built a reputation in medical fiber extrusion technology and innovations, designing and delivering high-performance equipment for a range of precursor medical products, including extrusion systems for production of both resorbable and non-absorbable sutures. FET’s equipment supports small-scale, adaptable production and rapid new product development.
There is a growing demand for R&D of UHMWPE fibers, which are prized in many industries due to their extraordinary properties. Current production processes are complex and tailored to the large-scale output of existing fiber grades. This rigid supply chain has stifled innovation in this untapped product market.
The FET-500 gel spinning systems will open up for smaller production volumes and more customization and research. The FET-500 enables a flexible and consistent process, able to produce quality fibers with less than 100 grams of polymer, while avoiding the harsh processing chemicals that were historically associated with gel spinning. The key to unlocking this lab and pilot scale flexibility is the use of supercritical carbon dioxide as a green solvent in a patent-pending process.
