DSM Dyneema Introduces DYNEEMAR HB51 for Best-in-Class Behind-Strike-Face Inserts for US Market
Oct 15, 2007
WASHINGTON DC, USA -- DSM Dyneema, maker and inventor of ultra-strong, lightweight DyneemaŽ polyethylene fiber, has introduced DyneemaŽ HB51, its newest and strongest UniDirectional (UD) product for the US market for best-in-class inserts used in hard ballistic body armor. This new material, designed for protective backing behind the body armor's strike face in a hybrid construction, provides an ideal combination of enhanced ballistic performance and lightweight comfort.
DyneemaŽ HB51 has been designed specifically for the US market. It is manufactured in the US and is compliant with the Berry Amendment (USC, Title 10, Section 2533a), a prerequisite for textile applications specified by the Department of Defense. Behind-strike-face inserts made with the new DyneemaŽ HB51 are on display at the DSM Dyneema booth # 2361 at AUSA 2007.
Inserts made with DyneemaŽ HB51 are optimized to provide increased stopping power against multiple fragments at no additional weight. The new fiber delivers an improvement of 20% in ballistic performance over DyneemaŽ HB2, a product that has been used in many insert applications and worn by US troops in combat. This enhanced performance enables manufacturers of bullet-resistant vests to offer the best protection from today's new threats.
The material's ballistic performance is 20% better than that of the well received DyneemaŽ HB2. The fragment-catching power, specifically, of DyneemaŽ HB51 has also proven to be significantly higher, as demonstrated through extensive testing.
Ken Dooley, Senior Vice President Life Protection Americas for DSM Dyneema said, "DyneemaŽ HB51, our latest unidirectional material innovation, allows manufacturers to develop a new generation of inserts for lightweight body armor that can provide enhanced protection against the increased threats and greater demands placed on U.S. military, law enforcement and security forces."
About DSM Dyneema
DSM Dyneema is the inventor and manufacturer of DyneemaŽ, the world's strongest fiber. DyneemaŽ is an ultra strong polyethylene fiber that 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. DyneemaŽ floats on water and is extremely durable and resistant to moisture, UV light and chemicals. The applications are therefore more or less unlimited. DyneemaŽ is an important component in ropes, cables and nets in the fishing, shipping and offshore industries. DyneemaŽ 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, DyneemaŽ is also used in bullet resistant armor and clothing for police and military personnel.
DyneemaŽ 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.
About DSM
DSM creates innovative products and services in life sciences and materials sciences, contributing to the quality of life. DSM's products and services are used globally in a wide range of markets and applications, supporting a healthier, more sustainable and enjoyable way of living. End markets include human and animal nutrition and health, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive, coatings and paint, electrics & electronics, life protection and housing. The company strategy, Vision 2010 - Building on Strengths, focuses on accelerating profitable and innovative growth of the company's specialties portfolio. The key drivers of this strategy are market-driven growth and innovation, an increased presence in emerging economies and operational excellence. DSM has annual sales of almost €9 billion and employs some 22,000 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations in Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa and Australia.
