Solution blowing is a manufacturing process used to produce nonwoven materials from polymers in solution. The solution is pumped through a spinneret, where high-velocity air is blown concentrically along each spun filament, which is stretched and collected on a drum or in a bath to form a nonwoven material.

Electrospinning is currently the most established method for producing advanced nonwoven materials with controllable functionalities and properties. Despite its advantages, the technique is limited in terms of scalability, which restricts its industrial exploitation. Solution blowing has recently emerged as a powerful alternative that addresses these limitations. The technique enables rapid and flexible prototype development, with great design freedom to introduce specific functionalities in the nonwoven materials. One of the major advantages is the increased control over the material’s structure – both in terms of creating three-dimensional structures and more complex geometries, such as tubular constructs. This has allowed for designing scaffold materials that resemble the native microstructure of human tissue, a key feature in regenerative medicine.
Fiber production via solution blowing shares many similarities with conventional wet spinning, meaning that existing expertise in this area can largely be transferred to the new technique.

RISE offers services in research and development of processes for manufacturing nonwoven materials via solution blowing. We conduct experimental studies to develop new raw materials, optimize manufacturing processes, or produce nonwoven materials with specific functionalities. Through systematic testing and optimization of process parameters such as polymer concentration, addition of active substances, spinning parameters, coagulation bath composition, etc., we can tailor fiber properties to suit specific applications.

We have experience with a wide range of bio-based fiber-forming materials such as cellulose and its derivatives (e.g., hydroxypropyl cellulose), as well as marine materials such as chitosan, alginate, fucoidan, ulvan, and gelatin. We can also provide guidance on various production methods for materials with different application areas.

Solution Blowing at Lab Scale
Flexible equipment with the ability to control dimensions of both the finished nonwoven material and the individual fibers.

• Fiber formation can occur either in dry conditions via drum collection or in a coagulation bath. Pre-coagulation in a water mist is also possible.
• Spin dope volumes between 15 mL and 350 mL.
• Capacity: 1–50 g dry fiber per day.

Material Analysis
RISE can analyze nonwovens using a variety of methods. We can perform chemical analyses and evaluate materials in terms of morphology using both optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), as well as determine porosity and wetting properties.

Our goal is to deliver customized solutions for the production of functional nonwoven materials, tailored to meet each customer’s unique needs. Deliverables may include optimized process parameters summarized in a report or produced fiber materials with specific functionalities.

Active substances are found in a wide range of products, from antimicrobial agents in wound care to nutrients in food. By encapsulating these substances in microscopic reservoirs, it is possible to both protect them from chemical degradation and control their release over time.

Encapsulation techniques are today essential in several application areas, such as agriculture, medical devices, food, and personal care products. For example, biocides or antimicrobial agents can be encapsulated in wound care products to extend their effectiveness, or nutrients in food to improve their stability and uptake into the body.

Encapsulation serves two main functions:

• Protection against degradation
  By isolating sensitive substances from the surrounding environment, their chemical stability can be preserved, enabling longer shelf life and maintained efficacy.
• Controlled release
  Encapsulation enables controlled release of active substances, improving resource efficiency and reducing overdosing or waste. This also extends the functional lifespan of the product.
  Formulations can be tailored to achieve different release profiles – from slow, continuous release over hours to years, to stimuli-responsive release triggered by light, temperature changes, or pH shifts.

RISE can assist with feasibility studies on a laboratory scale to develop and optimize processes for encapsulating active substances in micro- or nanoscale reservoirs. Depending on the chemical properties of the active substance (water solubility, charge, functional groups), several formulation methods can be used, including:

• Internal phase separation for the formulation of polymeric micro- and nanoparticles with controllable morphology.
• Encapsulation of water-soluble substances in solidified double emulsions with an aqueous core..
• Formulation and encapsulation in porous silica particles.
• Formulation and encapsulation in microgels.
• Instrumentation and analysis
  Within RISE, there is expertise to evaluate the structure and morphology of the formulated particles, interactions between the delivery vehicles and the active substance, and encapsulation capacity:
  • Light, fluorescence, and electron microscopy
  • FTIR spectroscopy
  • UV-vis spectrophotometry
  • Gas and liquid chromatography

Our goal is to deliver customized solutions for the encapsulation of active substances, tailored to meet each customer’s unique needs. Deliverables may include optimized process parameters summarized in a report or formulated micro- and nanoparticles containing active substances. The encapsulated active substance can also be further formulated for use as a component in, for example, functional fibers, paints and other surface coatings, or 3D-printed structures.

We can supply a variety of industry reference oils to the highest standards. Reference oils may be intended to be used as standard exposure media for studies of chemical resistance. We can offer the following oils: IRM 901, 902, 903 and DIDP.

To comply with standards such as ASTM D 471, it is required that the reference oils are classified. This is to ensure a correct measurement result on the test objects.

ASTM D471

ASTM  D5964

ASTM D2000

ASTM D1414

We always have the oils in stock and can thus ensure fast delivery time.

ASTM D471

ASTM D5964

ASTM D2000

ASTM D1414

We have process equipment for compounding, injection molding and extrusion. We perform testing of new material compositions, vary process parameters and prepare samples for evaluation. We offer equipment in the range from lab to pilotscale, providing possibilities for product development and solving problems.

Material and product development of plastics require process equipment in lab and pilotscale in order to test new ideas without disturbing a production or requiring too much material. Through our broad experience and close cooperation with our partners we contribute to development in order to reach new goals and targets.

Tests and experiments in small scale means advantages regarding time to develop a material or a process, or when working with optimization. We can easily vary the materials composition and parameters.

In our microcompounder in Borås, small batches can be mixed efficiently when there is a need for small-scale trials. We also have lab extruders of the Brabender Plasti-Corder®Labstation type with great flexibility and great opportunities for smaller batches, for example. from 100 to 5000 g/h. In connection, there is the possibility of injection molding of test specimens.

Our compounder in Mölndal is a double screw extruder of the type Coperion ZSK 26 with 255 mm screws and L/D 40. It is equipped with side feeder and vauum pump. The output capacity is in the range 0,5-25 kg/h and the compound is air or water cooled before pelletizing. We have various feeders in order to add and test different additives and for preparation of composites

Our injection molding machine, also in Möldanl is of the type ES 200/110 HV-L by Engel. We have tools for injection molding of test bars (dog bones) for evaluation of mechanical properties and tools for plates in order to evaluate impact by falling object or evaluation of transparency.  We have a spiral tool used for measuring flow length that will measure how the material behaves during molding at a specific temperature and varying pressure. Melt flow index (MFI) is often measured for injection molding materials and we evaluated according to the standard ISO 1133. Injection molding of test bars follow the standrd ISO 294 but for each plastic material there are standards that we follow which specify the temperature and pressure that is recommended for that material.

We can extrude film and foil that is up to 300mm wide and with a thickness in the range 0,1-1mm. The equipment has 3 extruders making it possible to create foils with 3 different layers.

We always have a dialogue with our customers and partners what is to be included in the deliveries. It can range from achieving an optimized recipe based on a certain specification of properties to that we, with you as a visiting customer on site,  make joint decisions upon alternatives for the next set of process parameters to be tested. It is important for us that you know what you can expect from us.

ISO 294 Injection moulding of test specimens of thermoplastic materials

ISO 1133 Plastics — Determination of the melt mass-flow rate (MFR) and melt volume-flow rate (MVR) of thermoplastics

Wet spinning is a manufacturing process used to produce fibers from polymer solutions by extruding them into a coagulation bath, where the polymer solidifies into fibers. This method is called "wet" spinning because the process involves the use of a liquid coagulation bath.

At the Fiber Development unit at RISE, we offer comprehensive research and development services for wet spinning of man-made fibers. We perform trials to develop and optimize wet spinning processes or to produce man-made fibers with certain properties for their testing. The trials can include exploring new polymer solvents, raw materials, and production techniques. By systematically testing and optimizing various parameters such as polymer concentration, wet spinning parameters, coagulation bath compositions etc., we fine-tune fiber properties to suit specific applications.

With our expertise and know-how, we conduct trials at bench- or laboratory-scale, enabling feasibility studies for wet spinning process development and providing data for larger scale trials. Using our pilot-scale equipment and expertise in scaling up wet spinning technologies, we optimize the production processes and deliver larger quantities of fibers and yarns for testing and evaluation.

Bench-scale wet spinning

• Two lines for wet spinning.
• Flexible equipment with possibilities of inline coagulation, stretching and washing in sequential baths, spin finish application, drying and winding of filament yarn.
• A library of spinnerets with different number of holes, hole diameters, L/D etc.
• Dope volumes: from 5 mL to ca. 1 L.
• Capacity: 1–100 g dry fiber per day.

Pilot-scale wet spinning

• Two lines for continuous wet spinning.
• A library of spinnerets and customized spinning head.
• Counter-current washing.
• Inline coagulation, stretching, washing, spin finish application, drying and winding options.
• Spinning of both filament and staple fiber yarns.
• Dope volumes: from 1 L.
• Capacity: up to approximately 50 kg dry fiber per day.

Our goal is to deliver tailor-made wet spinning solutions that meet the unique requirements of each customer. Deliverables may include optimized process parameters summarized in a report or actually produced fibers with specific properties.

RISE in Mölndal offers a broad expertise within post processing of textile fibres, from different raw materials and for different end uses.

Almost all textile fibres need some type of post processing to be used in a final product, from clothing and home ware to technical and industrial textiles. RISE testbed for fibre development includes eqipment to develop prototypes adapted to the customer's needs.

• Rewinding: Rewinding can be carried out to produce yarn packages of desired characteristics. Properties like weight, form and density can be adjusted. The rewinder can also be used for application of spin finish on fibres.
• Texturing: A Stuffer Box is available for texturing of fibers, where continous tow or yarn is crimped mechanically. The crimp frequency and amplitude can be adjusted for different purposes.
• Cutting: In RISE fibre lab it is possible to cut continous fibres from tow or filament yarn to staple fibres, in the lengths of 30, 38, 50 or 60 mm.

For further development of prototypes, equipment for yarn spinning, knitting and nonwoven production is available.

According to agreement.

At RISE in Mölndal, we offer pilot scale melt spinning R&D services for textile fibres. Our unique facility enables the development of multi-component fibres from thermoplastic, biobased and recycled polymers – supporting companies and researchers in creating innovative and sustainable textile materials.

Melt spinning is the most widely used method for producing synthetic fibres such as polyester and nylon. With our four-extruder pilot line, RISE enables the production of fibres that combine up to four different polymers in a single yarn or filament. This opens opportunities for technical textiles, apparel, and functional applications, while also providing a testbed for recycled and biobased polymers under industry-like processing conditions.

Our pilot-scale spinning line is designed to replicate industrial conditions while remaining flexible for research and prototyping. With four independent material channels we can combines polymers with different thermal and rheological properties. 

Our pilot trials can include:

• Melt spinning with up to four different polymers in one fibre (0.1-7 kg/h, speeds up to 6000 m/min)
• A wide selection of fibre geometries and cros-sections (side-by-side, trilobal, hollow, islands-in-the-sea, pie wedge).
• Multifilament spinning with 12–72 filaments.
• Post-treatments such as crimping and cutting to staple fibres.
• Suitable characterisation of fibres and yarns. 

In addition to pilot-scale production, RISE offers spinnability evaluation of new polymers and lab-scale melt spinning for early-stage fibre development. These services allow you to test material properties, optimise fibre formulations, and prepare for successful scale-up to pilot or industrial production.

Contact our melt spinning experts

Interested in exploring melt spinning solutions or prototyping innovative fibres and yarns? Our experts are ready to collaborate with you on research and development projects, from lab-scale trials to pilot production. 

According to agreement.

According to agreement.

Reduce drying time and improve board shapes by measuring heartwood content and relative grain angle. We help you provide your customers with boards of better quality at a greater profit while saving energy and improving your productivity at the same time.

Sorting green lumber by heartwood content and/or grain angle for processing with specially adapted drying methods can vastly reduce drying times and improve board shapes. It also enables new products based on heartwood content.

The system can be used in several ways:

• To find boards with high or low proportion of heartwood. This is important to achieve a good drying result. The heartwood of pine and spruce has lower moisture content than the sapwood. Consequently, boads with high heartwood content should preferably be dried differently to those with less heartwood content. Board with high heartwood content also have higher durability and are therefore required in some quality classes.
• To find twist prone boards with a large grain angle. Twisted boards may cause production problems and are also often downgraded, resulting in economic loss. Twist prone boards can be found and also be put in the bottom packages in the kilns to force the boards to remain straight and flat.
• To separate core boards from outer boards. Core boards and outer boards have different properties, regarding e.g. year ring orientation, knot structure and heartwood content, and can thus be of different use.

Heartwood and Grain Angle On-Line are measuring systems based on laser and image processing that can detect heartwood content and grain angle, or both, in one unit during transverse feeding in the sawmill’s green sorting line. The system can work as a standalone unit or be connected to existing automatic green sorting stations, where heartwood content and grain angle are included as grading parameters.

Included when ordering:

• Installation and commissioning of the system Heartwood and Grain Angle On-Line
• Introduction for operators in using the system
• Software in English (or Swedish)
• Two measuring heads for double sided measuring
• High performance vision system computer
• Software licence and remote support for one (1) year

We can normally deliver within three months after accepted tender, provided that the customer has completed their preparations.

We reserve ourselves against any delay outside of our control, such as, but not limited to, delayed deliveries from our providers.

The Customer is responsible for:

• Mounting points for the measuring heads
• Running cables from the measuring heads to the control room
• Power and internet connection in the control room
• Connection to the sorting system

Contact us for full specifications.

RISE test and demo site for additive manufacturing includes manufacturing capabilities in industrial grade machines for Laser Powder Bed Fusion. Via this service, we provide direct access to printing capacity in RISE machinery.

Connected to the actual printing, it possible to realize several support activities such as material development, simulation calibration, and characterization of corrosion- and mechanical properties. This all together will provide a comprehensive information about the printed part no matter if it is a functional prototype, demonstrator or even when preparing for test production.

Based on costumer request, the purpose of the experiment can vary, and the documentation is adapted based on this.

To ensure best output, via an initial technical meeting the boundary conditions (technical, financial, lead-time, expectations, results, etc.) will be defined for the specific activity, after which RISE will prepare a work order. Once the work order has been accepted, the activity will be launched.

The printing will be performed according to RISE pre-defined routines for traceability and cleanliness.

The results are delivered according to agreement, but usually in the form of a written reports together with the produced result from the manufacturing trial.

Buildjob preparation for Laser Powder Bed Fusion in metallic materials

RISE has an equipment that can make yarn from textile fibres and create staple fibre yarns. This method is called Open End or rotor spinning and is suitable for short fibres. We have different kinds of rotors that fits different kinds of fibres and several blends.

Here at RISE we work a lot with mechanical recycled fibres that often is shorter than corresponding virgin fibres. Therefore this particular method of yarn spinning is suitable, but the method can also handle fibres up to about 50 mm length. Open End spinning maintains a high production capacity and with different settings we optimize strength and twist in the yarn.  

Short fibers in the span of about 15-50 mm are well suited to this particular method, as they do not work in, for example, a ring-spinning process. Yarn knots etc is optimized to get as strong a yarn as possible. 

Staple fibre yarn production in form of Open-End method.    

Fibres are separated, carded and stretched into a sliver or tow. This sliver is fed into the euipment. Inside the equipment there is a rotor that rotates quickly and in this way orients the fibres, gives them a twist and stretches so that a yarn can be formed and wound up on the bobbin on the top of the machine. 

We have the possibility at RISE to perform all steps from tearing material, release the fibres, carding and make sliver and then spin yarn. We can also make some knitting trials in a small circular knitting machine.  

Please contact us to learn more of the possibility for us to help you and your company with making yarns in small scale trials.   

Report in Swedish or English

Material consumption and possible pre-treatment.