Fibre Extrusion Technology (FET) is marking a year of remarkable achievements since the inauguration of its new Fibre Development Centre. The center’s opening has led to a surge in client technical trials and a significant expansion in the development of innovative polymers.
FET is renowned for its expertise in designing, developing, and manufacturing extrusion equipment tailored for a wide array of high-value textile material applications worldwide. Their offerings encompass melt spinning, wet spinning, and spunbond/meltblown options. Since its establishment in 1997, FET has played a pivotal role in collaborating with industrial and research institutions to test, evaluate, and refine high-value materials with diverse functional properties.
The previous Process Development Laboratory at FET oversaw the creation of around 60 new polymer types in multifilament, monofilament, and nonwoven formats. However, the advent of the new Fibre Development Centre has supercharged this process. The number of new polymers has now surpassed 70, thanks to enhanced facilities that have more than doubled capacity and improved efficiency.
Clients from various sectors now frequently spend several days on-site, engaging in development trials and technical sales meetings. The new center has been thoughtfully designed to ensure their visits are even more productive and comfortable.
Jonny Hunter, FET’s R&D manager, expressed their achievements over the past year, stating, “In the last year, we have supported more than 35 clients in conducting trials, many of whom have gone on to conduct further trials or place orders for equipment. The sheer variety of customers is considerable – we’ve developed new yarns for markets including novel food products, robotics, aerospace, sportswear, sports equipment, automotive, defense, and medical.”
What’s particularly encouraging is the growing interest in sustainable fibers. Over 25 of the newly developed polymers now originate from sustainable sources, reflecting the industry’s commitment to eco-friendly materials.
Looking ahead, the future appears bright for FET, with more trials scheduled for the rest of this year and well into 2024. This suggests that many more cutting-edge polymers, especially sustainable ones, will emerge, reaffirming FET’s position at the forefront of innovation in the world of extrusion technology. The Fibre Development Centre stands as a testament to the company’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of possibility in textile materials.