Fiber and Filament Extrusion Fundamentals

The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) & North Carolina State University

June 2 - 4, 2026

The Fiber and Filament Extrusion Fundamentals Short Course provides attendees an understanding of the critical variables and process parameters required to optimize extrusion processes for meltblown, spunbond and carded staple-fiber nonwovens. Important aspects covered in this course include techniques for effectively spinning biopolymers and incorporating sustainable material options into the extrusion practice.

Upon completing the course, attendees will have a comprehensive understanding of fiber and filament extrusion-based nonwoven products and processes, including raw material selection, polymer characterization, fiber and fibrous assemblies, fiber-to-fabric transitions, and testing methods. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the impact of the process on fiber structure in terms of orientation, crystallinity, etc. Attendees will also benefit from hands-on learning with experiments in The Nonwovens Institute's state-of-the-art Fiber and Polymer Science and Analytical Testing labs.

If you attend this course, you will:

• Learn the critical variables and process parameters required to optimize the extrusion practice.
• Understand the importance of fiber orientation, crystallinity, amorphous volume and other key contributors.
• Build your knowledge around extrusion best practices for a variety of applications, including Meltblown, Spunbond and Staple Carded Nonwovens.

Key Topics:

• Introduction to Polymers
• Rheological Properties
• Polymer Characterization
• Fiber Characterization
• Fiber Formation and Property Development
• Fiber Finish
• Fiber Testing and Analytical Testing

Expert Instructors:

• Mehmet Dasdemir, Ph.D., Director of Product Development, NWI
• Eric Lawrence, Lab Manager – Staple Carding, Fiber and Polymer Science, Filament Spinning, NWI
• Benoit Maze, Ph.D., Director of Education and Administration, NWI
• Amy Minton, Analytical and Filtration Testing Lab Manager, NWI
• Behnam Pourdeyhimi, Ph.D., Executive Director, NWI

Who should attend?

• Business and Product Development
• Manufacturing and Engineering
• Quality Control
• Research and Development
• Technical Sales and Marketing

Course agenda and presenters subject to change.

INDA/NWI Members: $2,500
Non-Members: $3,300

Register OnlineCourse Schedule