Dyneema & Load Solutions make link chains for heavy loads
January 08, 2015 - Netherlands
DSM, the producer of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMwPE), branded as Dyneema, has formed a strategic partnership with Load Solutions AS in Bergen, Norway, for development, manufacturing, sales, and marketing of link chains made with Dyneema fibre, named as Tycan fibres, for handling heavy loads.
Tycan is produced for Load Solutions AS by Industrias Murtra.S.A., a premium textile manufacturer based in Spain. The chains are fabricated from webbings and have numerous economic, environmental, and safety advantages over traditional chains that for centuries have been made in iron and steel.
The Tycan chains are made with Dyneema DM20 fibre, based on Dyneema Max Technology, an innovative platform for extremely low-creep solutions. The fibre makes the chains extremely efficient and safe to use, resistant to chemicals, and seawater-proof, DSM Dyneema said in a statement.
Because Tycan chains are so much lighter than steel versions, they can be handled with greater ease and put into position much faster. The fact that Tycan chains make far less noise than steel chains when they are being handled is yet another important advantage, both for operatives and management.
Certification and testing have been taken place during the last two years. Full and final certification of Tycan is expected in early 2015.
Dietrich Wienke, manager of new business development at DSM Dyneema said, “DSM Dyneema and Load Solutions came together because we both understood the overwhelming advantages of link chains made with Dyneema. Our fibre is the only fibre in the world capable of giving the Tycan chains what they need: superior strength at lowest weight, unbeatable bending fatigue and abrasion resistance, plus excellent outdoor performance and endurance even in very harsh operating conditions.”
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 armour and clothing for police and military personnel. (GK)