there is disclosed a novel apparatus and process for melt - blowing fiberforming thermoplastic polymers to form fine fibers by extruding through spinning nozzles arranged in four or more rows . the molten fibers are accelerated to near sonic velocity by gas being blown in parallel flow through small circular gas orifices surrounding each nozzle . the air orifices are formed by a family of plates which effect the perfect centering of each nozzle in each of the circular air orifices .