Fluidnatek LE-100
The Fluidnatek LE-100 is a highly versatile electrospinning and electrospraying machine for advanced R&D, process scale up, and small-scale production of electrospun nanofibers. It’s a multi-purpose platform for different applications, though designed and engineered from its root to meet highly demanding biomedical applications.
It combines multiple spinning head configurations, needle-based and needle-less technologies, strong environmental control capabilities, advanced syringe pump systems for precise solution dosing, automated X/Y/Z motion control, rotating collectors and roll-to-roll collector, real-time process monitoring, and in-line thickness metrology to support demanding applications from flat materials on roll-to-roll collectors to coatings on implantable medical devices.
Designed to guarantee reproducibility, consistency, repeatability, system-to-system matching and scale-up readiness, along with a high flexibility at operation, the Fluidnatek LE-100 is ideal for laboratories and industries working with fibers, particles, and complex multi-material processes, for whom a scalable, stable, and fully under control process is a must.
This electrospinning machine is ideal for advanced R&D, process scaling, and small-scale production, offering exceptional versatility across the development of electrospun nanofibers and related materials.
It supports various collector types, including static flat plate, rotating collectors such as drums, mandrels and discs, electrospun fiber-yarn collector, as well as roll-to-roll collector for semi-continuous production of flat electrospun sheets and membranes.
Real-time, in-line thickness metrology system available. In demanding processes of critical products (e.g. biomedical, pharma, etc), thickness control of the electrospun fiber deposition is crucial for validating the manufactured electrospun product, at the time the uniformity of the membrane of electrospun nanofibers must be excellent (flat thickness profile). The Fluidnatek LE-100 platform can be equipped with in-line thickness metrology to monitor deposition in real time, helping improve process control, repeatability, and sample uniformity, that way taking the risk of batch rejection nearly to zero.
Environmental control is critical to ensuring consistent and reproducible production. The Fluidnatek LE-100 can be fitted with an Environmental Control Unit (ECU) capable of heating-cooling and drying-humidifying, with ranges of 18-45ºC for temperature and 10-80% for relative humidity (see psychrometric chart).
A multitude of advanced tools: tools geared towards Industry 4.0, needle-based & needle-less technology available, real-time data collection tools for process and equipment variables with configurable dashboard and alarm management, advanced process automation, electro-blow spinning ability, dual spinning, dummy collector for process stabilization prior to deposition, and more.
The Fluidnatek LE-100 is so adaptable that it offers a wide variety of spinning arrangements inside its large experimental chamber. Possibility of automated movement on X-Y-Z axes and simultaneous deposition of electrospun nanofibers of 2-3 different solutions. X, Y, and Z axis automation expands the usable processing area, supports homogeneous deposition, and makes it easier to adapt the machine to wider samples, coatings, and more complex motion profiles..
| Feature | Fluidnatek LE-100 Specification | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment Type | Advanced laboratory electrospinning and electrospraying platform for R&D, process scale up, and small-scale production of electrospun nanofibers and electrosprayed particles | The modular configuration allows for the seamless upgrade and integration of additional items and features, at any time. Thanks to its great upgradability, researchers benefit from a highly adaptable and user-friendly platform. Importantly, researchers can cover the phases of proof-of-concept, process optimization, process scale up to demonstrate the process is scalable, and even the production of small batches of materials (handsheets or material rolls). |
| Research and Scale Up Focus | R&D and small-batch production of fibers and/or particles | Provides flexibility for both early-stage development and small-scale manufacturing workflows. Its sophisticated engineering supports multidisciplinary experimentation and rigorous process control. This ensures high performance, consistency, and reproducibility. |
| Construction | Stainless steel, aluminum and glass frame | Supports chemically resistant, durable, and easy-to-clean laboratory operation. |
| Footprint (Fluidnatek LE-100) | ~350-400kg | 896 x 1240 x 1950 mm | Optimized for medium to large laboratories or facilities requiring a versatile research and small-scale production platform. |
| Voltage Range | Positive high-voltage for connection to the spinning head: adjustable 0kV to +30 kV. Negative high-voltage for collector: adjustable 0kV to -30 kV Combined emitter–collector differential of up to 60 kV when both positive and negative supplies are active simultaneously | Provides a stable and accurate electrical field for advancing electrospinning and electrospraying techniques. By independently fine-tuning the positive emitter and negative collector voltages, it significantly enhances process stability and optimizes fiber or particle deposition.. |
| Run Time | From a few minutes up to hours or days in semi-continuous production | Allows short exploratory runs in early R&D and extended production cycles with the same electrospinning platform. |
| User Interface | 7″ touch-screen control (214 mm × 158 mm) | Users can control all process parameters through the touchscreen interface, which also provides real-time Taylor cone visualization (requires visualization system upgrade). |
| Remote communication | Integrated Ethernet module | It allows a simple, quick remote communication with the electrospinning equipment for fast diagnostics and software upgrades. |
| Actively Regulated Exhaust System | Smart exhaust fan for optimizing solvent vapor extraction and higher safety operation | The active exhaust system communicates continuously with the climate control unit to optimize solvent extraction all time and to maintain a slight negative pressure within the experimental chamber, preventing solvent vapours from escaping. It includes an automatic shutdown feature in the event of ventilation failure — this is a safety requirement for all Fluidnatek climate control units. |
| Environmental Control | Two options for temperature and humidity control: ECU (Environmental Control Unit) or DHU (Drying-Heating Unit) | Material properties are highly sensitive to environmental conditions, specifically temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH). In electrospinning, even minor fluctuations can drastically alter the morphology, homogeneity, and uniformity of the resulting fibers or particles. Consequently, robust climate control is essential to ensure experimental consistency and reproducibility. The Drying-Heating Unit (DHU) is designed to reduce chamber humidity (down to 25% RH at 25°C, or below 10% RH at 45°C) and increase temperature (up to 45°C ±1°C). For full environmental autonomy, the Environmental Control Unit (ECU) offers complete control—heating, cooling, drying, and humidifying—maintaining precise setpoints regardless of external lab conditions. With long-term stability (±1°C and ±3% RH), it guarantees consistent results every time. |
| Needle-Based Spinning Heads | Multi-emitter spinning injectors: single, coaxial, triaxial, and linear multi-emitter configurations. Up to 20 emitters with one spinning injector; up to 40 emitters with two spinning injectors on the articulated mounting arm | Supports single-phase, core-shell, and three-layer fiber or particle structures (triaxial spinning). High-throughput multi-emitter heads enable process scalability, while coaxial and triaxial configurations allow simultaneous spinning from multiple solutions, creating core-shell materials with multiple phases and properties. |
| Needle-Less Technology | Slit Injector available in 100 mm and 300 mm lengths | Generates multiple spontaneous spinning jets along the needle-less injector length while minimizing open solution surface and solvent evaporation, what may optimize the process behaviour and the outcome when using determined solutions — consolidating both needle-based and needle-less electrospinning methods into one single electrospinning platform. |
| Electro-blow Spinning | Gas-assisted electrospinning | Enables electro-blown spinning for superior deposition on less conductive collectors. By combining gas flow with electrostatic forces, it increases process throughput and prevents tip-clogging when working with high-viscosity solutions, ensuring a more stable and continuous production. |
| Collector Types | Static flat plate (stationary flat stainless-steel plate collector for top-down vertical electrospinning). Rotating collectors: drums, mandrels, and discs; fiber-yarn collector to produce continuous electrospun yarns, roll-to-roll collector available | Versatile workflow support for random, aligned, or tubular nanofiber deposition, including the possibility to create continuous electrospun yarns, as well as particle deposition. This broad set of specialized collectors can be quickly and seamlessly installed to meet specific application requirements and fiber morphologies. |
| Emitter–Collector Distance | Z-axis adjustment for the regulation of the spinning distance. Range: 0-300 mm. The emitter-collector distance can be controlled from the touch-screen | The Fluidnatek LE-100 features a wide spinning distance range, ensuring it meets the needs of nearly all applications. This flexibility allows users to precisely tune the emitter-to-collector gap, a vital step for stabilizing the jet and controlling solvent evaporation to achieve high-quality results. Furthermore, automated adjustment of the spinning distance avoids the need to open the spinning chamber every time the emitter-collector distance is readjusted, that way keeping stable the environmental conditions achieved in the spinning chamber, without causing any distortion. |
| Fiber/particle Diameter Range | Typical fiber/particle diameters: 20 nm to 10 µm, dependent on material, formulation, and process parameters | Enables the analysis of a broad spectrum of fiber and particle sizes and morphologies—including porosity—to meet diverse application and processing requirements. |
| Solution Feeding Systems | Batch volume: 1 mL up to 180 mL total when using 3 standard syringe pumps (up to three 60 mL syringes, or up to three 140 mL syringes partially filled); or from 1 mL up to 560 mL total using two high-pressure twin-channel syringe pumps (up to 140 mL per syringe, two syringes per pump), or alternatively using the tubeless solution feeding system | While standard syringe pumps are fine in many cases for electrospinning, high-pressure syringe pumps offer superior linear force, this allowing highly accurate and stable solution feeding of a broader range of fluids, including those with high viscosity. |
| Tubeless Solution Feeding System | Solution volume: ~ 6.5mL. Flow rate: ~0.1µL-6000mL/h | Minimize material waste with our nearly zero-dead-volume feeding system, specifically engineered for high-value or scarce active ingredients. The integrated design also ensures thermal adjustment and stability when used along with the solution heating device, preventing premature cooling of solutions when high-temperature electrospinning is run. |
| Heating of Solutions | Solution heating device for tubeless solution dispensing system | Highly viscous solutions can be challenging to process. However, increasing the temperature —effectively applying heat— can significantly reduce viscosity. Our solution heating device, designed for use with the tubeless dispensing system, raises the temperature of the solution from ambient up to 120ºC (high-temperature electrospinning). This enhances fluidity, enabling the successful processing of otherwise difficult materials. |
| Field Deflectors | Customizable field deflectors for spinning injectors | Multiple-jet spinning heads often experience the ‘edge effect,’ where electrical repulsion causes fiber accumulation in the center, creating non-uniform ‘humps.’ To ensure homogeneous deposition, field deflectors are used to counteract this repulsion and align the jets, balancing the electrostatic field. These field deflectors are custom-designed to suit specific solution properties and process requirements. |
| Solvent-Gas-Jacket System | The Fluidnatek solvent-gas-jacket system regulates the flow of solvent-saturated gas around the emitter tips to prevent premature solidification and needle blockage | By maintaining a controlled atmosphere of saturated solvent around the needle tip, it ensures a stable and continuous process, even when working with highly volatile solvents. |
| Dual Spinning | Secondary stage for dual spinning | Enable the creation of hybrid structures by depositing two materials independently and simultaneously. This configuration allows for the integration of different materials into one structure (e.g. two types of fibers, or fibers + particles), by applying unique process parameters to each solution, significantly expanding research capabilities. |
| Process Monitoring | Taylor cone visualization system with video recording, and temperature and relative humidity sensors | Achieve superior process monitoring with real-time Taylor cone visualization and video documentation. Furthermore, integrated temperature and humidity sensors provide critical data on chamber environmental conditions, which are decisive factors in the quality of electrospun materials. Advanced monitoring systems are necessary for advanced research, tuning a stable process, and to contribute to achieve repeatable material performance. |
| Advanced Software Functionalities | Advanced tools for data collection, process automation, equipment event management, and batch management, supporting for comprehensive data integration and data-driven process run | Providing evidence of a consistent and repeatable process is key to high-level research. The Fluidnatek High-Definition Process Data Hub facilitates this by collecting more than 40 process parameters and equipment signals, presenting them in an intuitive, personalized dashboard for total data-driven control. To complement this, the Fluidnatek Programmable Sequential Multi-Step Recipe function introduces advanced automation. This allows the equipment to run a determined process autonomously from start to finish —including time-dependent parameter adjustments— thereby eliminating the variability and errors of human intervention. Audit Trail function: Internally logs all system events and user actions during operation, ensuring full traceability required for GAMP (Good Automated Manufacturing Practices) compliance. Batch Control function: Automatically generates unique, non-overwritable batch numbers for every production run. These identifiers are linked to the data-logging system to ensure precise record-keeping for regulated manufacturing. Tampered-proof batch management is required in biomedical and pharma applications, while it’s a great nice-to-have in other applications. Machine Qualification: Full support for ISO 13485 or GMP validation, including comprehensive documentation and on-site services such as IQ/OQ (Installation Qualification | Operational Qualification), FAT/SAT, and PQ (Performance Qualification) to ensure the equipment meets specific process requirements. |
| Thickness Metrology | In-line thickness metrology in real-time for rotating collectors | Achieving a great thickness uniformity (flat profile all across the collector) is key to demonstrate consistency and repeatability, as well as system-to-system matching. |
| Safety Features | Arc detection, safety interlock, actively regulated exhaust system, emergency stop button, automated safety protocols | Supports safe operation in laboratory and regulated environments, ensuring the highest safety standards for operators. |
| Compliance | CE compliant and independently verified | The Fluidnatek LE-100 electrospinning machine complies with the applicable EU Directives for safe operation, including the Machinery Directive, the EMC Directive (electromagnetic compatibility), and the Low Voltage Directive (electrical safety). It reinforces reliability across laboratory setups, educational settings, and professional or industrial facilities. |
The Fluidnatek LE-100 is an advanced laboratory electrospinning and electrospraying machine designed for nanofiber and nanoparticle development, scale up the process, complex manufacturing projects (e.g. coating of 3D medical devices), and small-batch production of fibers and/or particles.
The Fluidnatek LE-100 supports batch volumes from 1 mL to 180 mL with 3 standard syringe pumps, or alternatively from 1 mL to 560 mL with two high-pressure twin-channel syringe pumps. Run time per batch ranges from a few minutes to several hours or longer, depending on the polymer solution.
Its hygienic design, its precise environmental control, its HEPA filtration to create an ultra-clean environment in the spinning chamber, its precise solution dosing, its in-line thickness metrology system, its comprehensive data collection and process automation for data-driven processes, and in general the tight process control provided (guaranteeing consistency batch-to-batch, repeatability, and system-to-system matching), make the Fluidnatek LE-100 electrospinning platform very suitable for demanding applications such as biomedical and pharma.
The Fluidnatek LE-100 can be configured with a single-phase single-emitter spinning head, coaxial spinning head, triaxial spinning head, linear multi-emitter spinning heads, field deflectors, needle-less slit injector, rotating collectors, roll-to-roll collector, fiber-yarn collector to create continuous electrospun yarns, cantilevered collectors, amongst other options for different spinning arrangements.
Yes. The Fluidnatek LE-100 includes an electro-blow spinning system with a special balanced injector, with air flow rate of 1 to 30 L/min. Electro-blow spinning is a hybrid technique particularly suitable when using less conductive collectors.
The Fluidnatek LE-100 can be equipped with rotating collectors such as drums, mandrels, and discs, as well as a roll-to-roll collecting system and fiber-yarn collector to produce continuous yarns made of electrospun fibers.
The Fluidnatek LE-100 includes advanced data collection, recipe database functions, programmable multi-step recipes (process automation), audit trail, batch control, remote monitoring and commanding function (Industry 4.0), and qualification options that are typically required for validated processes such as ISO (e.g. ISO 13485) or GMP.
The Fluidnatek LE-100 can be upgraded at any time all along the life of the equipment with accessories and functionalities tailored to the application, providing on the one hand a great flexibility at research and manufacturing, and on the other hand a tight process control for consistency batch-to-batch, repeatability and system-to-system matching.
The possibility to integrate the in-line contactless thickness metrology system developed by Fluidnatek, enable to measure thickness in real-time on rotating collectors, as well as to automatically compensate the fiber deposition to achieve a flat profile all across the collector, meaning an excellent uniformity. This metrology tool is reducing nearly to zero the risk of batch rejection, ensuring consistency and reproducibility, and contributing to system-to-system matching when multiple Fluidnatek electrospinning platforms are running, even if they are located in different sites, with different environments, and operated by different operators. The in-line contactless thickness metrology system developed by Fluidnatek is ideal for manufacturing purposes, but also for dramatically speed up development phases and R&D projects.
The basic platform includes one syringe pump and one single-phase single-emitter spinning head for small-scale research activities. The standard syringe pump supports accurate liquid infusion, and the machine accepts Luer Lock needles for fast removal and replacement. This configuration is well suited to early-stage method development and proof-of-concept work.
The Fluidnatek LE-100 can be expanded with a second syringe pump and coaxial spinning head, or a third syringe pump with a triaxial spinning head. The coaxial configuration supports core-shell fibers or particles, and can also be used with a pure solvent outer flow or solvent-gas jacket to reduce tip drying with volatile solvents. The triaxial option enables three-layer fibers or particles and simultaneous spinning from three solutions. Three-layer fibers or particles enable advanced core-shell-shell structures for complex drug delivery and encapsulation applications.
Needle-based and needle-less spinning technologies
In addition to conventional needle-based electrospinning, the Fluidnatek LE-100 also offers needle-less Fluidnatek Slit Injector technology, expanding the possibilities of electrospinning research and manufacturing. Benchmark and compare your recipes, running needle-based vs needle-less, and take the spinning method that best performs for every specific process and application.
The Fluidnatek LE-100 can be configured with one to three syringe pumps and supports batch capacities up to 560 mL, offering accurate flow control for both small-scale R&D and more demanding production runs.
The platform supports multiple fabrication modes, including electrospinning, electrospraying, and electro-blow spinning, so the same system can serve a broad range of materials and end-use formats.
The High-Definition Process Data Hub (advanced data collection tool), and programmable multi-step recipes support advanced process monitoring, traceability, and repeatability, which is especially valuable for scale-up and validated workflows. Along with the remote monitoring and commanding tool, prepares the equipment for Industry 4.0 requirements.
The Fluidnatek LE-100 is suitable for producing flat sheets, tubular structures, particle coatings, surgical mesh coatings, stent coatings, surgical sutures and other yarns made of nanofibers, and other advanced electrospun formats, making it a strong fit for both research and application development.
The optional Environmental Control Unit (ECU) regulates chamber temperature from 18°C to 45°C with a stability of ±1°C, and relative humidity from 10% to 80% with a stability of ±3%, depending on temperature. At 25°C, the achievable RH range is 30% to 75%, and the ECU works together with the actively regulated exhaust system to maintain balanced airflow and stable processing conditions. The conditioned air passes through a HEPA filter before entering the chamber, supporting cleaner spinning conditions (ultra-clean environment in the spinning chamber) suitable for medical or pharmaceutical device manufacturing.
The Fluidnatek LE-100 includes a Taylor Cone visualization system with a video camera, objective lens, monitor, and 30 fps video recording. It is especially recommended for coaxial setups, where observation of the Taylor cone helps optimize spinning parameters and improve control over the formation of fibers and particles. The machine also includes temperature and relative humidity sensor within the chamber to support process environmental conditions awareness.
Bipolar HV power supplies (−30 kV to +30 kV) on any channel enable Janus fiber formation and alternative electrode configurations not achievable with standard single-polarity systems. Most usual procedures connect a positive voltage to the emitter, and negative voltage to the collector. Depending on the polarity of the solution, some solutions behave better the other way around. The bipolar high-voltage power supplies allow to reverse the voltage polarity at any time.
Electrospun fiber-yarn collector module available: continuous bundled nanofiber yarns via high-speed rotating funnel and motorized winding reel, with parameter adjustment to optimize the process.
The Fluidnatek LE-100 entails a hygienic design, and can be configured for clean environments through inlet filters, exhaust filters, and UV-C germicidal lamps. The inlet fan filter unit can use HEPA or ULPA filtration to eliminate chamber contamination through the air supply. The exhaust filter and UV-C lamps further reduce contamination risk (e.g. when processing biological materials) and support ultra-clean spinning conditions.
The HEPA-filtered ECU airflow supports a high degree of air cleanliness suitable for the manufacture of medical or pharmaceutical devices. The cleanroom-oriented enclosure, optional filtration, and UV-C disinfection, along with they hygienic design of the Fluidnatek LE-100 electrospinning machine, make the platform relevant for controlled lab environments and sensitive material development. For this reason, the Fluidnatek LE-100 is a strong fit for medical-grade nanofiber production workflows that require reproducibility and clean handling.
The Fluidnatek LE-100 includes data logging and export functionality, High-Definition Process Data Hub integration, multi-user access with recipe database, programmable multi-step recipes, remote visualization and commanding, audit trail, batch control, and machine qualification options for ISO or GMP processes. Data logging stores process parameters as CSV files, and the Process Data Hub can monitor more than 40 process parameters and equipment signals in real time. The machine can also save up to 99-step programmable recipes via the touch-screen interface.
The recipe and automation functions are typically required for validated processes such as ISO or GMP. The audit trail function helps log all events and actions during use, and the batch control function creates a unique batch number for each run (tampered-proof). Machine qualification documentation, IQ/OQ (Installation Qualification and Operational Qualification), FAT/SAT, and optional PQ (Performance Qualification) services are also available for ISO (e.g. ISO 13485) or GMP validation workflows.
The remote visualization and commanding tool allows users to mirror the HMI screen through a web server and control the equipment remotely, and to command it from different computer platforms. The High-Definition Process Data Hub also enables process stability monitoring across multiple Fluidnatek electrospinning units running simultaneously. Together, these functions support traceability, supervision, data-driven decisions, and more consistent process management.
The Fluidnatek LE-100 is designed to support continuity from development to scale-up through modular accessories and recipe-based process control. The platform is engineered for repeat processing, validated workflows, and industrial scale-up-oriented configurations. Consistency, repeatability, and system-to-system matching are key factors in the Fluidnatek LE-100 electrospinning platform. Recipes developed on the Fluidnatek LE-100 ensure process continuity across Fluidnatek platforms, like the Fluidnatek LE-500, preserving key fiber characteristics during the transition to industrial-scale production, protecting your R&D investment and eliminating re-development costs at scale-up.
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