One size sling with Dyneema® replaces range of polyester slings22-Apr-07

DSM Dyneema today announced that Machinefabriek Amersfoort, a worldwide specialist in machining, heavy milling and turning of large metal parts, has begun using lifting slings made with ultra strong Dyneema® High Performance PolyEthylene (HPPE) fiber. The exceptional strength-to-weight ratio of Dyneema® HPPE has enabled the company to replace multiple polyester slings with fewer, lighter weight slings from sling maker Technotex (member of the Unitex Group), simplifying part handling and reducing storage. Also, as compared to polyester, the new slings with Dyneema® provide reduced stretch that enables crane operators to precisely position very large and heavy parts on a machine tool.

“We wanted a better solution to traditional slings, which required stocking a wide range of sizes to accommodate different loads,” said Mr. van Amersfoort Jr. “Our new slings made with high-performance, lightweight Dyneema® fiber not only dramatically reduced the number of slings we need to store and manage, but also provide excellent stability during precision lifting operations. An added benefit is the fact that these new slings will not damage costly parts.”

Unitex slings made with Dyneema® fiber are less than half the weight and about 70 percent of the diameter of a polyester sling of equivalent strength. They are dramatically lighter than traditional wire rope slings and chain slings. Also, compared to these, smooth and soft slings with Dyneema® fiber will not damage the load. In addition, the durability of Dyneema® polyethylene promises a long lifespan for the slings.

Jorn Boesten, Market Segment Manager Industrial at DSM Dyneema, said, “Round slings are an excellent example of our focus on developing innovative products that solve longstanding market challenges. These slings made with Dyneema® fiber were recently introduced into the European market together with the Unitex Group, and we’ve been pleased to see how quickly customers have adopted them for their advantages of very low weight, easy handling, precise lifting and durability. In North America slings with Dyneema® are being used for precision maintenance work, for instance in power plants. Slings with our ultra-strong, durable material will continue to prove their value in a variety of lifting scenarios.”