DSM Dyneema - Lightweight Ballistic Fibre for Vehicle and Personal Body Armour

DSM Dyneema is the inventor and manufacturer of Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fibre.

Dyneema is an ultra-reliable polyethylene fibre that offers maximum strength combined with minimum weight, and is finding an ever-increasing array of uses in the performance-demanding life protection sector. Dyneema is available both as continuous filament yarn and Uni-Directional sheet (UD) for use against ballistic threats.

It is up to 15 times stronger than quality steel and up to 40% stronger than aramid fibres, on a weight-per-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’s key applications are highly diverse, ranging from bullet-resistant vests and helmets to ballistic protection for military and police vehicles.

Dyneema UD products offer high levels of protective ability whilst keeping weight to a minimum. Subsequently, when used in personal protective equipment and clothing, Dyneema UD provides for increased comfort and is therefore comfortable to wear in extreme circumstances and over long periods of time.

LIGHTWEIGHT FIBRE FOR BODY ARMOUR

When incorporated into body armour, Dyneema’s light weight and flexibility allows the wearer an unparalleled freedom of movement without compromising protective value. Additional armour plates made with Dyneema UD can be moulded to fit the shape and size of the wearer’s body and inserted into garments. This allows for protective products to be ‘tailor-made’ to fit the wearer, enhancing both comfort and confidence for those in the line of fire.

VEHICLE ARMOUR PLATING

Dyneema® UD can also be incorporated into custom-shaped armour panels for vehicles, offering improved design flexibility and protection. Dyneema UD is a light-weight, cost effective alternative to metal armour to protect occupants from direct fire, landmine and improvised explosive device (IED) threats. The lower weight of solutions based on Dyneema UD improves the vehicle’s performance and payload, and facilitates easier installation of the armour.

DSM Dyneema has its own well-equipped testing facilities and is continuously looking at material improvements and application developments in collaboration with different institutes, customers and end users.