DSM is the inventor and manufacturer of Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™. Dyneema® is a versatile, low-weight, high-strength High Modulus Polyethylene fiber that offers maximum strength combined with minimum weight.
On a weight-for-weight basis, it is up to 15 times stronger than steel and up to 40% stronger than aramid fibers. Dyneema® floats on water and is extremely durable and resistant to moisture, UV light and chemicals. Its applications, therefore, are more or less unlimited. Dyneema® fiber is an important component in not only body armor, but also ropes, cables and nets in the fishing, shipping and offshore industries. It is also used in safety gloves for the metalworking industry and as fine yarns for applications in sporting goods and the medical sector.
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The various Dyneema® grades
SK99 for ultimate strength
The latest offering from DSM launched in 2013. SK99 has 20% strength advantage over SK78 and crucially retains the same elongation and creep characteristics as SK78 – out-gunning SK90 on all levels! SK99 has an unmatched strength to weight ratio and has carved a niche for itself as the ultimate performance core material.
DM20 for minimum creep performance
Developed for offshore use, ropes with DM20 outperform the alternatives, surpass industry standards for (deep water) permanent mooring solutions, and will outlast the operational life of the installation. DM20 has slightly lower tenacity than SK78, but has one major advantage in that it exhibits virtually zero creep. Also used for static load applications such as standing rigging.
3G12 for maximum cut protection
Dyneema® fibers have long been the material of choice for cut resistant gloves. Building on this industry leading heritage, Dyneema® 3G12 (Diamond Technology) continues to evolve to meet modern requirements and guarantee the best protected hands in the industry. Offering some of the most comfortable, dexterous and durable gloves available today, Dyneema® 3G12 ensures that worker hands stay safe throughout the glove’s lifespan.
SK78
SK78 has become the standard grade used by reputable manufacturers. SK78 has the same strength as SK75 but offers significantly improved creep characteristics than its predecessor.
SK75
For many years the strongest Dyneema® grade and the standard material that everybody understands. Thanks to new and improved grades, SK75 is being used less and less. SK75 is still available as it has been considered as the industry reference for years.
SK60, SK62 and SK65
First generation of Dyneema® fiber mainly produced in Japan. Strength is ±20% lower compared to SK75 and SK78.
SK38
A lower grade of Dyneema® now often used in economy products. Whilst cheaper, SK38 does not have anywhere near the modulus, strength or low elongation properties of higher grades Dyneema®.