9 Oct 2007
PRODUCT LAUNCH - MILIPOL 2007, PARIS
DSM DYNEEMA AND TENCATE ADVANCED ARMOUR DELIVER LOWER WEIGHT BEST-IN-CLASS FIBER BASED INSERTS FOR BODY PROTECTION
Joint Product Launch for Better Protection Unveiled at Milipol 2007
URMOND (NL), 9 October 2007 - DSM Dyneema, inventor and maker of ultra-strong, lightweight Dyneema® polyethylene fiber, and TenCate Advanced Armour, manufacturer of insert plates, have combined their expertise to develop best-in-class fiber-only (monolithic) inserts to be used in hard ballistic body armor. These inserts, which feature proprietary technology from TenCate and Dyneema® HB50 UniDirectional (UD) technology from DSM Dyneema, result in the lower weight of the total body armor, which allows the possibility of adding additional protection to other body areas.
The cooperation between the two companies has resulted in exceptionally lightweight inserts that provide enhanced maneuverability and comfort without compromising stopping power. Reducing the insert weight enables the individual to carry additional equipment for additional protection, without exceeding the acceptable weight allowance. The new inserts will be displayed on the DSM Dyneema stand # 2C21 and the TenCate stand # 2Q121 at Milipol 2007 in Paris.
TenCate Aresshield inserts are made with Dyneema® HB50, the new standard in ballistic protection for standalone fiber-based inserts. Tests with Dyneema® HB50 have shown a significant increase in performance - up to 20% compared to Dyneema® HB2 - and results support the long track record of the Dyneema® fiber in ballistic applications. Therefore inserts made with Dyneema® HB50 are able to absorb the impact rifles threats such as AK47 and Nato Ball. The collaboration between TenCate and DSM Dyneema enables manufacturers of bullet-resistant vests to offer products with the best performance and protection for upcoming tenders and programs.
Steen Tanderup, Sales and Marketing Director for TenCate Advanced Armour, stated, "As threats increase and greater demands are placed on law enforcement, security and military forces, there is an urgent need for body armor that can provide enhanced protection, including multi-hit and edge protection, combined with lighter weight. Our collaboration with DSM Dyneema will give manufacturers a new solution featuring uncompromised stopping power, plus the ability to carry more protection or equipment in support of critical missions. At the same time, it allows our company to offer a unique product to the marketplace."
Sasja Spiertz, Marketing Manager Personal Protection for DSM Dyneema said, "TenCate has applied their proprietary technology to Dyneema® HB50, our latest innovation, to develop a new generation and standard of inserts that provide a light weight solution without compromising their ability to stop rifle bullets and other threats and gives better protection to users such as police and security forces in Western Europe and military forces in Asia."
About DSM Dyneema
DSM Dyneema is the inventor and manufacturer of Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™. Dyneema® 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. Dyneema® 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.
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. Further information on DSM Dyneema is available at www.dyneema.com and www.savemorelives.com.
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. More information on DSM can be found at www.dsm.com.
Dyneema®, Dyneema Purity® and Dyneema®, the world's strongest fiber™ are trademark(s) (applications) owned by Royal DSM N.V.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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