At the forthcoming A+A safety and security trade fair which takes place in Düsseldorf, Germany, from October 18-21, a number of companies will be introducing protective gloves featuring the latest Dyneema® Diamond Technology. This latest fiber innovation is allowing DSM Dyneema’s licensed partners to develop gloves with impressive cut protection, yet without compromising on light weight or comfort.

 

In fact, by combining Dyneema Diamond Technology with polyamide and elastane in a fine knitted (13-gauge) glove construction, EN388 Level 4 cut resistance can be achieved – with no need for glass fibers or thin steel wires that can often cause stiffness and sometimes skin irritation. The comfort factor is critical here – too often accidents can happen when workers in hazardous occupations take off their gloves, either because the gloves are restricting what they’re trying to do with their hands or they’re just irritated by constantly wearing them. Real comfort is the assurance that the gloves will be worn.

 

Factors such as flexibility, dexterity and the cooling effect which contribute to wear comfort are assessed as part of an intensive collaboration process that licence partners of DSM Dyneema go through in developing their products for market. This takes into account both the ‘active’ protection provided by cut and abrasion resistance, and the additional ‘passive’ security that true comfort allows.

 

“A market study is initially carried out with the help of focus groups as part of the collaborative process,” explains Edwin Grootendorst, Regional Manager DSM Dyneema. “The aim is to identify where the new product best fits into a licensee’s range, its potential target market and likely price point. The next step is to take the idea to the R&D team.” The R&D team will test different yarn combinations and coatings in order to achieve the specific feel and touch, as well as the required color and technical properties. Prototypes are then produced and sent to a certified laboratory for testing.

 

“Comfort is often a personal thing, and highly intuitive,” adds Edwin Grootendorst, “so the response of the wearer is truly of the highest significance.”

 

At A+A, visitors will be able to experience for themselves the benefits of unique new gloves with Dyneema® Diamond Technology, and discover that comfort is indeed protection.

 

DSM Dyneema is the inventor and manufacturer of Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™. Dyneema® is an Ultra High Molecular Weight PolyEthylene (UHMWPE) fiber that 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 and www.gloves.dyneema.com.

 

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Royal DSM N.V. 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 over €9 billion. The company is listed on NYSE Euronext. More information can be found at www.dsm.com.

 

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