Xanofi, a nanotech company specializing in nanofiber applications and based in Raleigh, NC, has introduced a new platform for nanofiber production with their commercial XanoShear machine. The world’s first production unit is now fully operational and currently being optimized for high yield production.

The machine is a unique high yield, liquid-based platform for nanofiber production—a radical departure from meltblowing and electrospinning, the previous production methods. XanoShear is a new paradigm in nanofiber production both in terms of yield as well as integration into commercial manufacturing. Xanofi now offers its clients a full range of services from research and product development through full commercial production.

The key to XanoShear is liquid the company says. While other technologies produce dry, continuous fibers, XanoShear produces staple fibers that can disperse in water and integrate into existing production environments. The company has successfully produced products via wet lay manufacturing and is developing both wet and dry spraying capabilities. Several applications in medical, filtration, acoustics and energy have already successfully incorporated nanofibers using XanoShear.

The XanoShear platform also has other advantages including high scalability, the ability to functionalize fibers at full production speeds with particles or coatings, and a closed system that uses less energy without the discharge of any materials into the environment for “green” manufacturing. 

“Until today, the nanofiber industry only had two platforms for nanofiber production, meltblowing and electrospinning. Today the world has an exciting new choice—XanoShear—that opens up new applications for nanofibers and achieves new financial metrics for products,” says Miles Wright, Xanofi CEO.