Dyneema®
Dyneema® is a type of HMPE (high modulus polyethylene) fiber, officially known as UHMWPE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene). Produced by the Dutch company DSM, it is considered the strongest fiber in the world. Thanks to its unique properties, Dyneema has found applications in numerous industries, from the defense and aerospace industries to the transportation and offshore industries.
What is Dyneema®?
Dyneema is a material produced by the SSM (Solid State Manufacturing) process, during which ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene is stretched and molded at low temperatures. The result is an extremely lightweight yet extremely strong fiber.
Its molecular structure provides not only exceptional strength, but also other beneficial properties, such as:
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Tensile strength: Dyneema is 15 times stronger than steel by weight.
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Low weight: It is 80% lighter than steel ropes of the same strength.
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Chemical resistance: It withstands most chemicals, including oils, greases and solvents.
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UV resistance: Does not degrade when exposed to prolonged sunlight.
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Water resistance: The material floats on water, making it an ideal choice for marine applications.
Comparison of Dyneema with other materials
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Compared to polyester:
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Dyneema offers much higher strength with less weight.
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Polyester has lower cut and abrasion resistance, which means it wears out faster in harsh environments.
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Compared to steel:
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Steel ropes are heavier and less flexible, making them more difficult to transport and install.
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Steel is prone to corrosion, while Dyneema retains its properties even in aggressive environmental conditions.
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Compared to other HMPE fibers:
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Dyneema is distinguished by its higher quality and more advanced manufacturing process, resulting in longer life and greater reliability.
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Dyneema® applications
Slings made of Dyneema offer an excellent combination of lightness, flexibility and strength. They are the ideal choice for lifting loads that are sensitive to mechanical damage, such as:
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Steel structures with complex shapes,
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Machine components with smooth surfaces,
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Delicate concrete components.
These slings are especially recommended for loads in excess of 15 tons, where alternatives become impractical due to their weight or size.
Why choose Dyneema?
Key benefits:
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Work Ergonomics: Reduced weight allows for easier handling, which improves operator safety and comfort.
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Reduced long-term costs: Although the initial investment in Dyneema products is higher, their longer life and reduced maintenance needs translate into savings.
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Compliance with standards: Dyneema products meet international standards such as EN 1677 and DNV GL.
Extreema® products - quality from CERTEX
CERTEX offers Extreema brand slings, which are the market leader in Dyneema products. These products are available in a variety of configurations, from simple belt slings to serpentine and specialty slings.
For customers looking for more cost-effective solutions, CERTEX also offers slings made from other HMPE fibers, which are a compromise between price and performance.
Dyneema® is a breakthrough material that has revolutionized the lifting industry. Its unique properties, such as lightness, strength and resistance to harsh working conditions, make it the ideal choice for applications requiring the highest reliability.
If you're interested in a detailed Dyneema product offering, contact us today!
Comparison of materials
| Material | Dyneema | HMPE | Aramid | Poliester |
| Strength to weight ratio (cN/dtex) | 35,1 | 32,5 | 21,8 | 8,2 |
| Resistance to acids and alkalis | Excellent | Excellent | Bad | Moderate |
| Temperature range (°C) | -180 - +70 | -180 - +70 | -70 - +200 | -40 - +100 |
| Capacity span (MBL metric tons) | 21 - 4200 | 21 - 4200 | 14 - 350 | 7 - 1400 |
| Length (m) | 0,5 - 65 | 0,5 - 65 | 0,5 - 65 | 0,5 - 65 |
| Specific gravity | 0,975 | 0,975 | 1,45 | 1,38 |
| Moisture resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Bad | Bad |
| Usable elongation (%) | 0,5 - 1 | 0,5 - 1 | 0,6 - 1 | 3 - 5 |
| Elongation to break (%) | 3 - 4 | 3 - 4 | 4 | 10-14 |
