FET-500: A Game Changer in UHMWPE Fibre Innovation
Revolutionary technology brings sustainable, small-scale UHMWPE fibre development to the biomedical industry
Fibre Extrusion Technology Ltd (FET), based in Leeds, UK, unveils the FET-500 Series gel spinning system—an innovation designed to transform the research, development, and production of UHMWPE fibres for medical and technical applications.
Fibre Extrusion Technology Ltd (FET), a global leader in medical fibre extrusion innovation, has launched its FET-500 Series gel spinning systems, marking a major step forward for the development of UHMWPE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) fibres.
Renowned for its expertise in medical fibre extrusion, FET designs and delivers cutting-edge systems that support resorbable and non-absorbable sutures, enabling small-scale, flexible manufacturing and rapid new product development.
In recent years, demand for UHMWPE fibre R&D has risen sharply across industries. Known for their exceptional strength, low weight, and durability, these fibres are used in advanced biomedical and technical applications. However, traditional large-scale production methods have limited experimentation and customization, leaving a gap in innovation within this sector.
The FET-500 Series addresses this limitation by introducing a flexible, consistent, and sustainable gel spinning process. The system can produce high-quality fibres using less than 100 grams of polymer, all while eliminating the use of harsh solvents traditionally linked to gel spinning.
At the heart of this breakthrough is FET’s patent-pending use of supercritical carbon dioxide (CO₂) as a green solvent—offering a cleaner, safer, and more cost-effective alternative to chemicals like hexane and dichloromethane (DCM).
Eco-efficient Gel Spinning Features
The FET-500’s washing and drawing technologies are vital for achieving precise yarn properties. Key advantages include:
- Sustainable Solvent Use: Utilises CO₂ instead of toxic chemicals, ensuring safety and environmental compliance.
- Cost & Efficiency Benefits:
- Vast reduction in solvent use compared to traditional methods.
- Full oil recovery and recycling, with zero solvent waste.
- 80% reduction in factory footprint, lowering operational costs.
- Smart Batch System:
- Compact, recipe-controlled plug-and-play design.
- Easily scalable and customisable to client requirements.
- Recovered carrier oil is reintegrated into the extrusion process.
The FET-500 thus combines green chemistry, operational efficiency, and flexible scalability—a combination that positions it as a game changer for UHMWPE fibre research and production.
R&D at the Core
FET’s Fibre Development Centre in Leeds plays a pivotal role in the evolution of the FET-500. The on-site demonstration line allows customers to observe the full operation of the system—from extrusion to finished yarn. Clients can also conduct R&D trials to test parameters, refine products, and de-risk the transition to full-scale manufacturing.
By offering this hands-on innovation platform, FET empowers customers to accelerate the creation of new, high-performance biomedical fibres, paving the way for more sustainable and specialized product development.