DYNEEMA® MAX TECHNOLOGY SETTING NEW PERFORMANCE STANDARDS IN STANDING RIGGING

The Netherlands, 19 November 2012 - At METS 2012 (Marine Equipment Trade Show) in Amsterdam RAI Convention Centre, DSM, producer of Dyneema®, the world's strongest fiber™, has introduced Dyneema® Max Technology DM20, a new fiber designed for the production of incredibly strong ropes that provide unrivalled strength, and durability - ideal for standing rigging.

As the yachting world strives to gain the maximum performance from boats large and small, saving weight is of paramount importance. Since the early days of sailing, rigging has traditionally been made of rope. In more recent times standing rigging has become the domain of steel wire.

Racing yachts however have stretched the levels of performance beyond the capabilities of standard material. Dyneema® is already well established in high performance running rigging and sailcloth applications based on the material’s high strength, low weight and excellent durability. Now, with Dyneema® Max Technology DM20, the performance characteristics have been further enhanced, thereby positioning the material for use in standing rigging for the first time.

Dyneema® Max Technology offers an excellent alternative that bridges the gap between SWR (steel wire rope) and current performance polymer fiber ropes. SWR is heavy and can be influenced by temperature, weather, and strain. Carbon, LCP and PBO fibres deliver improved performance but are susceptible to chemical and UV attack, reducing their overall durability and life span.

Rigging made from Dyneema® Max Technology is a light weight alternative for all yachts, meeting today’s yachting market needs where performance and safety are key demands of sailors and influence yacht construction and design.

Dyneema® Max Technology DM20 sets new standards for durability in yacht rigging, withstanding high static loads with limited permanent elongation, even in the most extreme environments and for long periods of time. It also offers excellent UV and salt water resistance. Slim, lightweight and with a smaller diameter means low windage, furthermore standing rigging made with Dyneema® Max Technology is extremely resistant to abrasion, bending and overall mechanical fatigue.

Compared to most traditional materials, Dyneema® is exceptional in its UV, water and impact resistance. Whether it’s sun, salt or varying temperatures, standing rigging made with Dyneema® Max Technology can withstand whatever nature throws at them – long-term.

About DSM Dyneema
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® fiber 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.
UHMWPE fiber 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. Further information on DSM Dyneema is available at www.dyneema.com.

DSM - Bright Science. Brighter Living.™
Royal DSM is a global science-based company active in health, nutrition and materials. By connecting its unique competences in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences DSM is driving economic prosperity, environmental progress and social advances to create sustainable value for all stakeholders. DSM delivers innovative solutions that nourish, protect and improve performance in global markets such as food and dietary supplements, personal care, feed, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, automotive, paints, electrical and electronics, life protection, alternative energy and bio-based materials. DSM’s 22,000 employees deliver annual net sales of around €9 billion. The company is listed on NYSE Euronext. More information can be found at www.dsm.com.

Dyneema® and Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™ are trademarks of DSM. Use of these trademarks is prohibited unless strictly authorized.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Anouk Luykx
EMG
Lelyweg 6
4612 PS, Bergen op Zoom
the Netherlands

This release was published on openPR.