DSM Dyneema and TenCate advanced armour08-Oct-07

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."