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melt spinning

materials processing

Quick Summary

Melt spinning is a cost-effective method for producing man-made fibers. In this process, a viscous polymer melt is pushed through a spinnerette, which contains multiple holes. The molten polymer emerges as fine jets and is then solidified by a blast of cold air in a spinning tower. The resulting fibers are collected at high speeds. This technique is economical because it doesn't require solvents, unlike solution spinning, and allows for high spinning rates. Fibers can be further processed through "spin-drawing" to increase their length and strength. This method can produce continuous filament or can be cut into staple fibers. It can also create monofilaments, which are thicker than typical textile fibers and used for products like fishing lines.1

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