DSM Dyneema has announced the global introduction of a new innovative light weight ballistic material for use in Law Enforcement and Military protective vests. The new material advances the achievable protection level with Soft Ballistic (SB) armour by building on a new technology platform first established with Dyneema SB51 from DSM Dyneema in 2010.

According to the company, Dyneema SB71 is a high performance unidirectional (UD) grade made of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibre which has been specifically designed and developed for use in (UD) ballistic vests certified under NIJ0101.06. Vests made with SB71 will combine the lowest possible weight with the highest possible protection. The company says that the new material advances the protection level achievable with Soft Ballistic (SB) armour by developments made on a new technology platform first established with Dyneema SB51.

SB71 facilitates protective concepts for the lightest, most comfortable and most demanding vest applications in the range of UD grades available from DSM Dyneema. According to the company the light weight yet comfortable material still meets the NIJ06 standard as well as other law enforcement and military standards. Ernst Jan van Klinken, Global Marketing Director at DSM

Dyneema, confirms that SB71 sets a new standard in light weight and therefore user comfort: "The new material meets the NIJ0101.06 standards, but with an average 15% weight saving." Furthermore Dyneema also states that the new innovative SB71 material can be combined in vests with trauma liners and stab resistance solutions which are designed to meet various international standards.

In addition, it can be used both in tactical and concealed vests enabling them to be designed with low Back Face Signature while remaining thin, light and comfortable. Van Klinken suggests that: "The main advantages of Dyneema SB71 for body armour manufacturers include reductions in costs, time and material. Ease of handling leads to time and cost reductions, with less time being spent in material lay-up and cutting. With less material being required, the environmental benefits are significant too."

Dyneema SB71 has been proven and put to the test. Commander Rosso, Bureau of Weapons and Technical Materials (BAMT) French National Police said: "The new SB71 material was extensively tested by the French National Police against a wide range of threats for Law Enforcement Officers. It passed all our stringent tests. Also the performance of this Dyneema material during the environmental conditioning testing, including high temperatures, meets with our approval."

According to DSM, Dyneema has been proven to be up to fifteen times stronger than quality steel and up to 40% stronger than aramid fibres, both based on a weight on weight basis. Other benefits include, being resistant to moisture, UV light and chemicals. The Company believes that The SB71 UD grade will further expand DSM Dyneema's already strong portfolio of products based on Dyneema build on the success already achieved in this market with its UD grades SB51, SB31 and SB21.