Uniquely developed the world’s only mass-production e-AFD and AFD methods that can be used safely at room temperature and atmospheric pressure.
The e-AFD and AFD methods, patented by Technical Fine, enables production at room temperature and atmospheric pressure by adding a stretching effect through airflow. This makes the process safer and more efficient, allowing for the generation of ultra-fine nanofibers, surpassing competitors.
The electrospinning method (ESD) is a technique that generates nanometer-sized fibers by applying a high voltage of 30-40 kV to a polymer solution, which serves as the raw material for the nanofibers, causing them to form along the electric field. However, there were issues regarding safety and productivity.
The production rate is very limited at low speeds, making it unsuitable for large-scale manufacturing.
The risks associated with using high voltage and the use of solvents led to reduced safety in the working environment and manufacturing process.
The diameter of the fibers produced was thick and varied, making it difficult to maintain consistency in quality.
With our technology, the "AFD method," the addition of a stretching effect through airflow enables the production of ultra-fine nanofibers, surpassing competitors. Since it does not use an electric field and is safely discharged, the risk of explosion is significantly reduced.
The e-AFD and AFD methods enable high-speed production due to the stretching effect of airflow, making them suitable for mass production. Additionally, insulating materials can also be processed into nanofibers.
Since it only uses the airflow from a compressor, production is possible at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. This significantly reduces the risk of explosion and allows for safer manufacturing.
Compatible with most resins soluble in solvents. It produces high-quality fibers without causing damage to the resin.
e-AFD method, which uses an electric field for enhanced stability and safety
The AFD method has a drawback in that the fibers dry due to the force of the airflow, resulting in weak adhesion between the nanofibers. To address this, Technical Fine developed a new technology called the e-AFD method (Electro Air Fiber Deposition). By applying an electric field within a safe range, the fibers are prevented from drying before collection, allowing for stronger adhesion between the nanofibers.
The AFD method is effective for nanofibers, but since each individual fiber dries separately, it has some drawbacks in terms of handleability when used in sheet form. Nanofiber sheets produced by the e-AFD method can improve characteristics such as handleability and high-density formation, making it more versatile for various applications.
Improves the difficulty in handling nanofiber sheets, a challenge with the AFD method, enabling the production of more manageable sheets.
The fibers are evenly arranged, minimizing gaps. Additionally, there is technology to arrange the fibers finely and densely in a uniform manner.
Compared to the high-speed generation and mass production capability of the AFD method, the e-AFD method allows for generation focused on functionality and practicality.
ESD method
e-AFD method
AFD method
Characteristics of spinning methods
Using
electrolysis
Uses
electric field
and airflow
Uses
airflow
Safety
High voltage (Kv)
Low voltage (Kv) and airflow
Only compressor airflow
Production capacity
Low
speed
Mid
-speed
High
speed
Application fields
Research and development, small-scale production
Mid-speed production, high-density production
Mass production, suitable for insulating solutions
Characteristics of spinning methods
Safety
Production capacity
Application fields
ESD method
Using electrolysis
High voltage (Kv)
Low speed
Research and development, small-scale production
Characteristics of spinning methods
Safety
Production capacity
Application fields
e-AFD method
Uses electric field and airflow
Low voltage (Kv) and airflow
Mid-speed
Mid-speed production, high-density production
Characteristics of spinning methods
Safety
Production capacity
Application fields
AFD method
Uses airflow
Only compressor airflow
High speed
Mass production, suitable for insulating solutions
e-AFD and AFD methods
Technical Fine
Features of the nanofiber device
