Mandrel Rotational Speed Research Articles

Manufacturing of hexagonal cross-section thermoplastic matrix composite parts with automatic filament winding system

Thermoplastic filament winding is a flexible manufacturing method typically used in the production of cylindrical composite structures, allowing for in-situ consolidation without the need for a second consolidation step. The objective of this study is to produce non-cylindrical geometries, typically manufactured using thermoset matrix composites according to the literature, using the thermoplastic filament winding process. For this purpose, glass fiber (GF) reinforced polypropylene (PP) prepreg tapes were used to produce hexagonal cross-section thermoplastic composite parts. The critical process parameters; hot-air heater nozzle temperature, compression roller pressure, the linear speed of mandrel rotation, and corner radius of the mandrel, were determined using the Taguchi experimental design method. The interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and maximum compressive strength (σmax) values were obtained as 211 MPa and 49.40 MPa as maximum, respectively. ANOVA analysis showed that the corner radius had the most significant impact on ILSS, while mandrel rotation speed and temperature were critical for σmax.

Experimental investigation on multi-layered filament wound basalt/E-glass hybrid fiber composite tubes

In this study, the mechanical damage of Basalt/E-glass hybrid fiber-reinforced polymer composite tubes was evaluated experimentally using Micro hardness on transverse direction, uni-directional static tensile loading, and Quasi-static compressive loading. The Burn-off test method has been studied for the volumetric fraction of hybrid composite tubes. The multi-layer hybrid composite tubes composed of eight layers of plies at constant fiber tension of 20N, a constant mandrel rotation speed of 45 RPM and constant winding angle of ±55° for basalt fiber and ±90° for E-glass fiber were fabricated through a 3-axis filament winding machine with a seamless amalgamation of the stage by stage curing in the furnace. Eleven tube arrangements with fiber content proportion of {100%, 25:75%, 50:50% and 75:25%} with various stacking sequence were studied. The test results provide that these mechanical property’s behavior was moderately affected by the proportion of fiber content and most of the time affected by the variation of layer stacking sequence. Adding 50% of basalt and 50% E-glass fiber sharing of BGH7 hybrid combination of basalt laminate placed in the outer side increases the mechanical characterization compared to the 25% and 75% sharing of basalt and E-glass fiber. The fractured fibrous matrix of the tensile specimens and compressive specimens was assessed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM).

Simultaneous Modeling of Young's Modulus, Yield Stress, and Rupture Strain of Gelatin/Cellulose Acetate Microfibrous/Nanofibrous Scaffolds Using RSM.

Electrospinning is a promising method to fabricate bioengineered scaffolds, thanks to utilizing various types of biopolymers, flexible structures, and also the diversity of output properties. Mechanical properties are one of the major components of scaffold design to fabricate an efficacious artificial substitute for the natural extracellular matrix. Additionally, fiber orientations, as one of the scaffold structural parameters, could play a crucial role in the application of fabricated fibrous scaffolds. In this study, gelatin was used as a highly biocompatible polymer in blend with cellulose acetate (CA), a polysaccharide, to enhance the achievable range of mechanical characteristics to fabricated fibrous electrospun scaffolds. By altering input variables, such as polymers concentration, weight ratio, and mandrel rotation speed, scaffolds with various mechanical and morphological properties could be achieved. As expected, the electrospun scaffold with a higher mandrel rotation speed shows higher fiber alignment. A wide range of mechanical properties were gained through different values of polymer ratio and total concentration. A general improvement in mechanical strength was observed by increasing the concentration and CA content in the solution, but contradictory effects, such as high viscosity in more concentrated solutions, influenced the mechanical characteristics as well. A response surface method was applied on experimental results in order to describe a continuous variation of Young’s modulus, yield stress, and strain at rupture. A full quadratic version of equations with the 95% confidence level was applied for the response modeling. This model would be an aid for engineers to adjust mandrel rotation speed, solution concentration, and gelatin/CA ratio to achieve desired mechanical and structural properties.

Application of physical simulation at study of pipe production processes

Physical experiments allow to obtain maximum information on a studied process at minimal cost, ensuring its higher accuracy comparing with data, obtained by mathematical simulation and avoiding risks, which can occur at industrial testing of new technological modes. Results of studies of deformation in the process of pipes production by extrusion presented. The studies were accomplished at laboratory test units, developed by specialists of the laboratory of drawing and extrusion of JSC “RusNITI”. One of the basic problems at pipes production by extrusion is ensuring minimal possible wall non-uniform thickness. It was noted that the relation between plunger die moving speeds during sleeve pressing-out and immediate pipe extrusion has a significant effect on pipe wall non-uniform thickness. Computer simulation of the pipe extrusion process, accomplished by application QForm program shown that minimal values of wall non-uniform thickness corresponded to relation abovementioned speeds as 0.5–0.8. To check the data, a physical simulation of extrusion process of lead cylinder samples, having outside diameter of 18.94 mm and wall thickness 5.19–5.32 mm was accomplished. For the extrusion, a universal servohydraulic system of dynamic test Shimadzu Servopulser was used. Within the physical experiment a dependence was established between pipe wall non-uniform thickness on relation between speeds of pressing-out and extrusion. The revealed regularity was confirmed during pilot production of a pipe lot at the 55 MN force extrusion line. Another physical simulation of extrusion of 10.0×2.0 mm pipe-samples made of C1 grade lead was accomplished with one- and twothread helical ribbing of internal surface. For its accomplishment an experimental module was designed and manufactured. It was established that rotation speed of the extrusion mandrel had no significant effect on extrusion force. Metallographic studies shown that the extrusion mandrel rotation speed contributes to considerable increase of pipes surface hardness and obtaining finer grain comparing with the classic extrusion method. The technical ability of pipes production with internal helical ribbing by hot extrusion method was confirmed. The results of the study became a base for elaboration of a technology of pipes production at Volzhsky pipe plant according to ТУ 14-3Р-157–2018 “Steel seamless hot-extruded pipes with helical ribbing of internal surface for steam boilers”. Results of physical simulation of pipe drawing process at self-adjusting mandrel with application of lubricant materials of various viscosity. The data obtained were used for elaboration of a technology for production of cold-deformed pipes with internal diameter of 6.0–12.0 mm at Sinarsky pipe plant.

Effect of mandrel rotation speed on morphology and mechanical properties of polypropylene pipes produced by rotational shear

Effect of mandrel rotation speed on morphology and mechanical properties of polypropylene pipes produced by rotational shear

Investigation of friction stir forming for mechanical interlocking high-performance polymers and aluminium sheets

Mass reduction and performance improvement have been resulting in manufacturing of components by new materials. The joint selection is a challenge, even more relevant if polymers and metals are combined. In literature, new solutions have been proposed to innovate various joining categories. Herein, the friction stir forming was employed to connect pure aluminium and PEEK sheets. Specifically, fasteners are formed on the metallic sheet plunging a rotating non-consumable tool into it. The process feasibility was achieved placing a thin layer of glass fibre reinforced polymer between the two plates shielding the plastic from thermal degradation. The effects of some process parameters, i.e. linear velocity and mandrel rotational speed, were analysed. The size and the shape of the extruded pins were evaluated and microscopic observations were performed to examine the morphology of the joined surfaces.

Influence of Process Parameters on Forming Load of Variable-Section Thin-Walled Conical Parts in Spinning

Thin-walled conical parts with variable-section are usually made of superalloy material, with poor plasticity and complex forces, which are difficult to form and control. In this research, a thin-walled conical casing of superalloy GH1140 with variable-section is studied; the real stress–strain curve of the material is fitted and the load-displacement curves of superalloy GH1140 are obtained through a universal testing machine. To clarify the equivalent stress distribution on the upper surface of the thin-walled casing during the forming process and after unloading the rotary wheel, the finite element model of the thin-walled conical casing during the spinning forming process is established with the Simufact Forming finite element analysis software. The effects of processing parameters, such as the mandrel rotational speed ω, the roller feed ratio f and the gap deviation rate δ between the roller and mandrel, on the spinning forming load were obtained. The distribution and numerical trend of the tangential residual stress after forming were detected by X-ray diffraction, and the causes of defects such as flange instability were analyzed. The results of the forming test and the test of residual stress conform well with the simulation, which verifies the stability of the model. The research provides a theoretical basis for improving the forming quality of thin-walled parts with variable-section.

The effect of soluble β‐nucleator's content on crystalline structure and performance of polypropylene pipe

AbstractStrength‐toughness clash of polypropylene (PP) pipe is an insurmountable bottleneck for the potential application. Here, we successfully prepared PP pipe with simultaneously enhanced toughness and hoop strength via addition of soluble β‐nucleators (β‐NAs) and application of helical flow in the extrusion. The outstanding combination of strength and toughness in the PP pipe depended on the loading content of β‐NAs and the helical pattern, which determined the morphology and alignment of β‐crystals. At the low content, β‐NAs dissolved completely into the PP melts and distributed homogeneously to promote the formation of β‐spherulites in the PP pipe. When the loading content exceeded the solubility limit, the β‐NAs partially dissolved and upon cooling, the dissolved β‐NAs grew preferentially on the undissolved ones along one direction, assembling into the fibrous aggregates. With the guidance of helical flow, the fibrous β‐NAs aligned off the axis and functioned as an oriented template to trigger the PP crystallization on the surface into hybrid β‐shish‐kebab with fibrous β‐NAs as shish. Increasing rotation speed of mandrel and die elevated hoop contribution to obtain the β‐shish‐kebab with a deviated angle of 55°, endowing the prepared pipe with high hoop strength and toughness.

Effect of Spinning Process Parameters on the Forming Quality of Inner and Outer Teeth Shaped Parts

Deform-3d software was used to conduct numerical simulation on the spinning forming process of inner and outer teeth to study the strain distribution and material flow law during the spinning forming process. The influence of mandrel rotation speed and roller feed speed on the forming quality of inner and outer teeth profile was studied. The results show that the best forming quality of the spinning parts can be obtained under the combination of the process parameters of the mandrel rotation speed of 150r/min and the roller feed speed of 110mm/min. Compared with the experimental results, the maximum relative errors of inner and outer teeth wall thickness were 2.03% and 1.78%, which verified the reliability of the finite element model. The results can provide guidance for the finite element simulation and production of inner and outer teeth spinning forming process.

The Effect of Process Parameters on Alignment of Tubular Electrospun Nanofibers for Tissue Regeneration Purposes

Electrospinning is known to be an effective and straightforward technique to fabricate polymer non woven matrices made of nano and microfibers. Micro patterned morphology of electrospun matrices results to be outmost advantageous in the biomedical field, since it is able to mimic extracellular matrix (ECM), and favors cell adhesion and proliferation. Controlling electrospun fibers alignment is crucial for the regenerative purposes of certain tissues, such as neuronal and vascular. In this study we investigated the impact of electrospinning process parameters on fiber alignment in tubular nanofibrous matrices made of Poly (l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLA-PCL); a Design of Experiments (DoE) approach is here proposed in order to statistically set up the process parameters. The DoE was studied keeping constants the previously set material and environmental parameters; voltage, flow rate and mandrel rotating speed were the process parameters here investigated as variables. Orientation analysis was based on ImageJ and plugin Orientation J analysis of SEM images. The results show that voltage combined with flow rate has significant impact on electrospun fiber orientation, and the greatest orientation is achieved when all the three input parameters (voltage, flow rate and mandrel rotation speed) are at their maximum value.

The role of mandrel rotation speed on morphology and mechanical properties of polyethylene pipes produced by rotational shear

Properties of plastic products depend on their microstructure and morphology. To improve the pressure rating (maximum pressure) of plastic pipes, a novel rotational shear system (RSS) was developed in this study to fabricate plastic pipes with enhanced hoop tensile strength through applying hoop shear on the pipes using a rotational mandrel. Morphology study results showed that different morphologies of the HDPE pipes were produced when the mandrel rotated at 5 rpm, 7.5 rpm, 10 rpm, 12.5 rpm and 15 rpm. The hoop tensile strength and heat resistance of the pipes were found to increase rapidly with the rotation speed and the properties peaked at 7.5 rpm. At this speed, the hoop tensile strength and Vicat softening temperature (VST) increased by about 338% and 26.8 °C, respectively. The axial tensile strength of the pipe was also slightly improved under this condition. The high mechanical and thermal performance of the pipe produced at 7.5 rpm was attributed to homogeneously distributed shish-kebab structures throughout the pipe wall.

SIS/aligned fibre scaffold designed to meet layered oesophageal tissue complexity and properties

With donor organs not readily available, the need for a tissue-engineered oesophagus remains high, particularly for congenital childhood conditions such as atresia. Previous attempts have not been successful, and challenges remain. Small intestine submucosa (SIS) is an acellular matrix material with good biological properties; however, as is common with these types of materials, they demonstrate poor mechanical properties. In this work, electrospinning was performed to mechanically reinforce tubular SIS with polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanofibres. It was hypothesised that if attachment could be achieved between the two materials, then this would (i) improve the SIS mechanical properties, (ii) facilitate smooth muscle cell alignment to support directional growth of muscle cells and (iii) allow for the delivery of bioactive molecules (VEGF in this instance).Through a relatively simple multistage process, adhesion between the layers was achieved without chemically altering the SIS. It was also found that altering mandrel rotation speed affected the alignment of the PLGA nanofibres. SIS-PLGA scaffolds performed mechanically better than SIS alone; yield stress improvement was 200% and 400% along the longitudinal and circumferential directions, respectively. Smooth muscle cells cultured on the aligned fibres showed resultant unidirectional alignment. In vivo the SIS-PLGA scaffolds demonstrated limited foreign body reaction judged by the type and proportion of immune cells present and lack of fibrous encapsulation. The scaffolds remained intact at 4 weeks in vivo, and good cellular infiltration was observed. The incorporation of VEGF within SIS-PLGA scaffolds increased the blood vessel density of the surrounding tissues, highlighting the possible stimulation of endothelialisation by angiogenic factor delivery. Overall, the designed SIS-PLGA-VEGF hybrid scaffolds might be used as a potential matrix platform for oesophageal tissue engineering. In addition to this, achieving improved attachment between layers of acellular matrix materials and electrospun fibre layers offers the potential utility in other applications. Statement of SignificanceBecause of its multi-layered nature and complex structure, the oesophagus tissue poses several challenges for successful clinical grafting. Therefore, it is promising to utilise tissue engineering strategies to mimic and form structural compartments for its recovery. In this context, we investigated the use of tubular small intestine submucosa (SIS) reinforced with polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanofibres by using electrospinning and also, amongst other parameters, the integrity of the bilayered structure created. This was carried out to facilitate smooth muscle cell alignment, support directional growth of muscle cells and allow the delivery of bioactive molecules (VEGF in this study). We evaluated this approach by using in vitro and in vivo models to determine the efficacy of this new system.

Improved heat shrinkage and mechanical performances of polyethylene trilayer blown film prepared via novel multilayer coextrusion method

In this work, polyethylene (PE) trilayer blown film was prepared using a self‐made rotating coextrusion blown film die (RCBD) with the aim to manufacture trilayer film with excellent comprehensive heat shrinkage and mechanical performances. Polymer resins in this unique blown film die are subjected to a complicated flow field combining both shear circulation and pressure flow. As a result, the melt shows a helix movement in our novel die. The effect of additional parameter (mandrel rotation speed) on the heat shrinkability and mechanical properties of trilayer film was investigated and compared with that of various blow‐up ratios (BURs). The shrinkage rate and shrinkage force along transverse direction (TD) were significantly improved by the mandrel rotation, rather than BUR. Similar trends were observed in tensile strength along TD. However, no considerable changes in heat shrinkability and mechanical properties of PE films along machine direction (MD) were observed. In summary, samples prepared at mandrel rotation speed of 4 rpm were obtained excellent comprehensive performances. Moreover, the morphological investigations confirmed that the formation of high ordered lamellae could be induced by mandrel rotation, and the row structure of oriented lamellae tended to incline to TD under higher rotation speed of mandrel. Besides, the crystal dimension and percent crystallinity were increased because of the mandrel rotation.

Study on Wall Heights and Surface Roughness of Spun Cups Produced of Metal Blanks by Multipass CNC Spinning Technology

This research paper deals with the influence analysis of the conventional metal spinning parameters (tool path profile tpp, tool feed f and mandrel rotational speed n) on the wall heights and the surface roughness Ra of the cylindrical-shaped spun parts measured in various directions with respect to the material rolling direction. Experimental research was carried out according to the 3-level full factorial design of experiment (DoE). Experimental study was also statistically analyzed by the ANOVA method. It was observed that tool path profile is a process parameter which has the most significant impact on the spun cup height and the surface finish, as well.

SIS/Aligned Fibre Scaffold Designed to Meet Layered Oesophageal Tissue Complexity and Properties

With donor organs not readily available the need for a tissue engineered oesophagus remains high particularly for congenial childhood conditions such as atresia. Previous attempts have not been very successful and challenges remain to be overcome. Small intestine submucosa (SIS) is an a cellular matrix material with good biological properties though, as with these materials, demonstrably poor mechanical properties. In this work electrospinning was used to mechanically reinforce a unique tubular SIS with PLGA nanofibers. It was hypothesised that if attachment could be achieved between the two materials than this would (i) improve the SIS's mechanical properties, (ii) facilitate smooth muscle cell alignment to support directional growth of muscle cells and potentially restore contractility and (iii) allow for the delivery of bioactive molecules (VEGF in this instance). Through a multistage process adhesion between the layers was achieved without chemically altering the SIS. It was also found that altering mandrel rotational speed affected the alignment of the PLGA nanofibers.SIS-PLGA scaffolds performed mechanically better than SIS alone; yield stress improvement was 200% and 400% along the longitudinal and circumferential direction, respectively (greatest with highly aligned fibres produced at 5000 rpm). Smooth muscle cells cultured on the aligned fibres showed resultant unidirectional alignment. In vivo the SIS-PLGA scaffolds demonstrated relatively limited foreign body reaction judged by the type and proportion of immune cells present and lack of fibrous encapsulation. The scaffolds remained intact at 4 weeks which is required for a structural tissue engineering matrix and obtained good cellular infiltration. The incorporation of VEGF within SIS-PLGA scaffolds increased the blood vessel density of the surrounding tissues, highlighting the possible stimulation of endothelialisation by angiogenic factor delivery. Overall, the designed SIS-PLGA-VEGF hybrid scaffolds might be used as a potential matrix platform for oesophageal tissue engineering. In addition to this, achieving improved attachment between layers of a cellular matrix materials and electrospun fibres layers does possess the potential to be applied to other applications.

Research on a rotational speed control strategy of the mandrel in a rotary steering system

AbstractRotary steering systems are cutting-edge, intelligent oil drilling and steering equipment developed at the end of the twentieth century. The core function of the bit pointing rotary steering system is to control the eccentric shaft with bit pointing function to track the outer drill collar for reverse rotation [1]. When the relative speed thereof is offset, the mandrel tool face remains stationary, and the directive function of the drill bit is realized [2]. Therefore, it is important to precisely control mandrel rotational speed and make it follow the outer drill collar to conduct face-to-face rotation at all times. A double closed loop control method for realizing rotational speed loop and position loop through controlling mandrel rotational speed is proposed in this paper. Relative rotational speed of drill bit shaft (or mandrel) and drill collar of zero can be realized within the shortest time, thereby realizing rapid and precise rotational speed tracking. Relative positions of mandrel and drill collar at several angles on 360° circumferences, thereby proving the feasibility of the method. The method can provide a technical reference and basis for prototype production of directional rotary steering system [3].

A novel method for industrial manufacturing of thermoplastic multilayer films: Processing, microstructure, and properties

This article reports a facile approach for industrial‐scale manufacturing of multilayer coextrusion‐blown films by developing a novel rotation homogenization distribution (RHD) method. Materials in this unique process are subjected to a flow field combining both shear circulation and pressure flow. In RHD, circumferential shear causes a laminar flow, where the stable interface between layers can be obtained, and assigns melt evenly to the entire circumferential direction. This equipment has been used to prepare multilayer low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) films under various shear rates by altering the mandrel rotation speed. The effects of mandrel rotation speed on the microstructure, morphology, and properties of bilayer LDPE films were investigated. Multilayer LDPE films with superior interfacial stability and uniform layer distribution, which differ from the multiple melt channels in conventional multilayer coextrusion blown facilities, were successfully fabricated using the proposed equipment. Evident enhancements were observed in thermal shrinkage and mechanical properties of the multilayer films, especially in the transverse direction. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E339–E349, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers

A computer numerical control (CNC) multi-pass spinning solution to a center lathe retrofit

This paper suggests a typical scheme for substantially low cost machine upgrading with regard to research and manufacturing activities through the integration of mechanical, electronic and software technologies. Computer numerical controlled (CNC) multi-pass spinning process is considered state-of-the-art nowadays in critical applications such as aerospace and automotive industries but equipment cost is still an issue. For the sake of novelty, accuracy and repeatability of spun products, a conventional lathe machine has been converted into CNC spin-forming machine by retrofitting to generate automatic tool paths in two axes for multi-pass spinning. Actuators and sensors necessary to provide controlled motion of mechanical elements such as mandrel, roller, and holder are selected to cope with the requirements of this incremental metal forming process. A CNC controller is integrated to the system with software to generate the tool path and G-code required for producing cups using the retrofitted machine. Rotational speeds together with longitudinal and transverse axes movements are calibrated. Backlash in power screws is evaluated and considered in the displacement control. Different tool paths including involute path can be generated using the developed control system. The machine has been used successfully to produce cups with high processing speeds and superior surface quality to that reported in the available literature. Based on experimental investigation under lubricated condition, the geometrical and surface quality with productivity was improved and an optimum exists at 0.6 mm/rev. feed ratio, 200 RPM mandrel rotational speed, and seven spin-forming passes.

Formability limits and process window based on fracture analysis of 5A02-O aluminium alloy in splitting spinning

Splitting spinning or rotary flow splitting is an advanced forming process for manufacturing axisymmetric integrated parts with bifurcated features and unique characteristics of high-performance and low-weight. During the process, under the kinematic effects of mandrel rotational movement and roller radial feed, plastic deformation occurs accompanied usually by undesirable fracture, which reduces the formability limit (FL). In this study, the kinematic effects on the FL of a 5A02-O aluminium alloy in the splitting spinning process were systematically investigated by finite element simulation based on a modified Lemaitre criterion and physical experiments. The results show that at a given roller feed speed or mandrel rotational speed (forming speed), the FL has a nonlinear relationship with forming speed, which increases firstly and then decreases. With the increase of forming speed, the maximum FL decreases, which appears at the larger forming speed. These variations of FL show that there exists a combined effect of the roller feed speed and mandrel rotational speed, thus a ratio between them, named as the roller feed ratio, is then used to investigate FL. It is found that there exists a critical roller feed ratio of approximately 2 mm/rev, independent of the speeds of roller and mandrel. Below this critical value, the FL increases with the roller feed ratio. While over the critical value, the FL decreases. In addition, the decrease of FL becomes more remarkable with the increase of mandrel rotational speed. Furthermore, the variations of stress triaxiality and tensile plastic strain were analyzed to see their effects on FL. The analyses show that the decrease of tensile plastic strain with the increasing roller feed ratio is dominant the increase of FL below the critical roller feed ratio value. The increase in the stress triaxiality is dominant in the decrease of FL when the roller feed ratio is over the critical value in combination with not too high forming speed, whereas both increases are dominant in the decrease of FL when it is over the critical roller feed ratio value in combination with high forming speed. Based on the kinematic effects of mandrel and roller, the process windows of the splitting spinning process were obtained to improve the FL. It is found that under the condition of the roller feed ratio within 1–2.5 mm/rev, the mandrel rotational speed within 8–100 rev/min and the roller feed speed within 0.5–4 mm/s are helpful to get high FL values. The experiments were carried out to verify the prediction on the FL and the process window. The research provides an in-depth understanding of FL and its affecting factors, and thus lays a basis for process optimization and process parameter configuration.

The influence of electrospinning parameters on polydioxanone scaffold properties

Conduits currently used to reconstruct the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) have no growth potential and require reoperations, resulting in an increased level of morbidity and mortality. This work investigates the effect of electrospinning parameters on the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of bioresorbable tubular scaffolds, as part of a programme to develop a tissue-engineered valved tube for RVOT replacement. Electrospinning was used to develop tubular scaffolds of polydioxanone, with the experimental parameters systematically varied. Three electrospinning parameters (volume of liquid, flow rate, and speed of mandrel rotation) were investigated, and their effects on the mechanical properties and cellular response of the scaffolds were analysed using uniaxial tensile tests, cell viability and cytotoxicity assays. Mechanical properties were compared to those of the native RVOT reported in the literature. Increasing the mandrel rotation speed tended to increase fibre alignment slightly, and an increase from 50 to 500 rpm led to more profound rises in the stress at failure and Young’s modulus. An increase in flow rate also increased the rigidity of the tubes. Cell viability and cytotoxicity assays showed all the tubes produced to have excellent biocompatibility. Through variation of the processing parameters, it is possible to tune mechanical properties of medical-grade polymer tubes over a wide range. Electrospinning therefore offers great promise in the development of scaffolds to match the properties of the native RVOT, paving the way to a future bioresorbable device to replace the RVOT in children.