DSM Dyneema unveils Dyneema® Anti Stab technology
DSM Dyneema, the manufacturer of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibre, branded as Dyneema®, and world leader in life protection materials and high-performance fibres, today debuts Dyneema® Anti Stab Technology, a patented anti-stab material for soft armour applications. Vests manufactured with Dyneema® Anti Stab Technology combine outstanding protection against knives and other sharp weapons with unmatched lightweight, flexibility and comfort
This new technology can be combined with Dyneema® soft ballistic materials, to develop a new generation of multi-threat protective gear. DSM Dyneema is collaborating with Aegis Engineering Ltd., a global manufacturer of personal protective apparel, on a multi-threat prototype vest to assess the new material for compliance with international standards, including the HOSDB Body Armour Standards for United Kingdom Police.
Innovation in anti-stab technology has lagged for more than a decade and the body armor industry was in need of advancement,” said Marcio Manique, global business director, Life Protection at DSM Dyneema. “We developed Dyneema® Anti Stab Technology to deliver maximum protection against knife stabs, meeting the specific needs of law enforcement officers in hostile confrontations, as well as military personnel engaged in urban warfare. Of course, it also provides the lightweight, freedom of movement and all-day comfort that Dyneema® is renowned. We look forward to working with the industry to develop a new generation of multi-threat protective gear based on this technology.”
“We carefully assessed the performance of the new Dyneema® Anti Stab Technology and believe it is exactly what law enforcement is looking for,” said Steve Jenkins, managing director, Aegis Engineering Ltd. “DSM Dyneema has created a breakthrough innovation that surpasses traditional solutions and represents a major advancement in the overall weight, wearability and thermal burden of multi-threat vests.”
Compared to traditional materials, this new Dyneema® technology platform enables designers to create protective vests that are up to 25 percent lighter and thinner. For example, the areal density of a protective vest prototype designed by Aegis Engineering Ltd. is approximately 5.6 kg/m². In contrast, vests made from traditional materials that offer the same level of multi-threat protection against knives and handgun ammunition (according to standard HG1A-KR1 HOSDB 2007) have areal densities ranging from 6.7 to 7.7 kg/m².
Dyneema® Anti Stab Technology provides exceptional flexibility and comfort that help police officers and military personnel perform their jobs more effectively.
Manufacturers of personal protective gear will benefit from receiving the new material in rolls rather than sheets, which increases manufacturing efficiency and therefore contributes to waste reduction. It will be commercially available worldwide in 2016.
UHMWPE fibre from DSM Dyneema is produced in Heerlen (The Netherlands) and in Greenville, North Carolina (U.S.A.). DSM Dyneema is also a partner in a high modulus polyethylene (HMPE) manufacturing joint venture in Japan.
DSM Dyneema is the inventor and manufacturer of Ultra High Molecular Weight PolyEthylene (UHMWPE) fiber branded as Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™. Dyneema® offers maximum strength combined with minimum weight. It is up to 15 times stronger than quality steel and up to 40% stronger than aramid fibers, both on weight for weight basis. Dyneema® fibre floats on water and is extremely durable and resistant to moisture, UV light and chemicals. The applications are therefore more or less unlimited. Dyneema® is an important component in ropes, cables and nets in the fishing, shipping and offshore industries. Dyneema® is also used in safety gloves for the metalworking industry and in fine yarns for applications in sporting goods and the medical sector. In addition, Dyneema® is also used in bullet resistant armor and clothing for police and military personnel.
Aegis Engineering Limited is a globally recognised designer and manufacturer of personal protective apparel and specialist operational equipment. This includes body armour, ballistic helmets, shields, blankets and rifle plates. Aegis works closely with manufacturers and end users in the utilisation of technological developments of materials, design and manufacturing techniques. The key personnel behind the business have a combined experience in product advancement, innovative design, efficient manufacture, application of quality controls and customer care, which has enabled Aegis to remain as an industry leader.