Machine
LAB SCALE MACHINES
Innovation starts in the lab. Hills lab-scale spinning systems combine precision, adaptability, and ease of use to help researchers and manufacturers accelerate fiber development.
Lab Scale Bicomponent Spinning Systems
Hills offers lab-scale bicomponent melt extrusion machines designed to produce small amounts of fiber using minimal polymer, requiring as little as 40 grams to create 100 meters of fiber. The simplified design ensures easy setup, operation, and cleaning, making these systems ideal for early-stage research, process testing, and new fiber formulation.
Available in two standard models, the LBS 100 and LBS 330, each system provides scalable, real-world process control for exploring bicomponent fiber technology. Built with the same engineering integrity as Hills commercial systems, they deliver reliable, repeatable results that help innovators move seamlessly from the lab to full-scale production.
LBS-100 vs LBS-330
Two lab-scale platforms, one development path.
Lab Machine
LBS-100
A compact, versatile lab-scale spinning system designed for bicomponent fiber development using minimal polymer, ideal for research, testing, and small-scale production trials.
Lab Machine
LBS-330
A larger-capacity lab-scale spinning system offering advanced control, wider nonwoven capabilities, and flexible configuration for bicomponent fiber and material research applications.
| Specification | LBS-100 | LBS-330 |
|---|---|---|
| Throughput Range | 0.05 to 1 kg/hour per extruder (PP 35 MFI) | 0.1 to 3 kg/hour per extruder (PP 35 MFI) |
| Screw Size | 5/8 in dia - 24:1 L/D (16 mm) | 3/4 in dia - 30:1 L/D (19 mm) |
| Electrically Heated Zones | 2 per extruder, 1 spin head (5 total as a bico configuration without metering pumps) | 3 per extruder, 1 spin head (7 total as a bico configuration without metering pumps) |
| Unused Polymer | Less than 10 cc | Less than 50 cc |
| Filament Spinneret | 19 round holes, 32 mm wet width, 0.35 mm dia. Other sizes and cross-sections available. | 72 round holes, 60 mm wet width, 0.35 mm dia. Other sizes and cross-sections available. |
| Filament Winder Speed Range | 50-1000 m/min | 50-1000 m/min |
Development Range
Versatility in Fiber Production
The LBS-100 and LBS-330 are exceptionally versatile, capable of producing a wide range of fiber types. With optional parts, these machines can be converted to manufacture fibers in almost any cross-section desired, allowing for flexibility in fiber design and development.
01
Bicomponent fibers: side-by-side, sheath/core, 16 segment pie, 36 islands-in-the-sea, and more
02
Monofilaments
03
High-temperature polymers with up to 450 C operating temperature available
04
Meltblown and spunbond webs
Processes
- Continuous filament - multifilament and monofilament
- Spunbond
- Meltblown
- Thread coating
System Design
Efficient and User-Friendly Design
The LBS-100 and LBS-330 feature a flexible design that maximizes efficiency and ease of use. While the simplified design limits fiber property tolerances for denier and bico ratio to +/- 10%, optional meter pumps can be added to achieve production-level tolerances of +/- 0.5%.
01
Compact size for optimal use of laboratory space
02
Easy disassembly for cleaning, with only 5 wetted parts and no blind passages
03
Includes over-pressure protection
04
Digital spin pack pressure indicators
05
Minimal unused polymer in each system: 10 cc for LBS-100 and 50 cc for LBS-330
06
Spin pack handling and assembly components included
07
Spin pack and extruder cleaning equipment available
Included Features
Key Standard Features and Specifications
- 01 Ambient hoppers with vibratory system
- 02 Single-screw extruders connected to a spinneret block
- 03 Extruder barrel pressure rating of 7,500 psi (500 bar)
- 04 Temperature capability up to 350 C with control of less than +/- 3 C
- 05 Electrically heated zones: LBS-100 has 2 per extruder and 1 spinneret; LBS-330 has 3 per extruder and 1 spinneret
- 06 Interchangeable polymer distribution plates for various cross-sections with bicomponent configurations
- 07 Surface-driven filament winder with 50-1000 m/min speed range
- 08 Comprehensive set of special tools and expendables included
Customization
Customization and Support
Hills Inc. offers a wide array of optional equipment and accessories to further enhance the capabilities of the LBS-100 and LBS-330, including air quench cabinets, melt pump upgrades, spin finish systems, draw roll stands, high speed winders and more. We also provide comprehensive support, including custom spin pack design for any cross-section and small lots of polymers for testing.
Help CTA
Unsure Which System Fits Your Needs?
We recognize that every project is unique and a one-size-fits-all approach to extrusion doesn't work. If you're unsure which extrusion process is the best fit for your specific requirements, our knowledgeable team is ready to assist. Custom options are always available. Whether you're a researcher, manufacturer, or innovator, Hills is here to support you.