Every two years, DSM presents its latest developments in the field of high-tenacity polyethylene fibres, the HMPEs, at the Mets equipment trade fair. SK75 revolutionised the halyard market, SK78 delighted regatta sailors, SK90, on the other hand, hardly achieved any great popularity. Reason enough to show something really new two years after SK90. And DSM really dug deep. Max DM20, as the latest baby is officially called, has normally been used below the water's surface as an extremely stretch-resistant anchor line for oil rigs. So permanently stretch-resistant, in fact, that DSM also considers it suitable for use as a standing asset, an area that until now only PBO or carbon fibre could really serve. At a corresponding cost.
Dyneema Max Technology DM20, on the other hand, is said to set new standards in the durability of rigging, even under the most adverse conditions and over long periods of time. The material is also said to offer excellent UV and salt water resistance, as well as resistance to abrasion, bending stress and general mechanical fatigue.
It's just a shame that there is still no manufacturer that uses Max DM20 in corresponding products. And that is unlikely to change before the 2013/14 trade fair season.
