Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber manufacturer DSM Dyneema (Geleen, The Netherlands) has debuted it Dyneema Anti Stab Technology, a patented anti-stab material for soft armor applications. Vests manufactured with Dyneema Anti Stab Technology combine protection against knives and other sharp weapons with lightweight, flexibility and comfort. This new technology can be combined with Dyneema soft ballistic materials to develop a new generation of multi-threat protective gear. DSM Dyneema is collaborating with Aegis Engineering Ltd., a global manufacturer of personal protective apparel, on a multi-threat prototype vest to assess the new material for compliance with international standards, including the HOSDB Body Armour Standards for United Kingdom Police.

“Innovation in anti-stab technology has lagged for more than a decade and the body armor industry was in need of advancement,” said Marcio Manique, global business director, life protection at DSM Dyneema. “We developed Dyneema Anti Stab Technology to deliver maximum protection against knife stabs, meeting the specific needs of law enforcement officers in hostile confrontations, as well as military personnel engaged in urban warfare. Of course, it also provides the lightweight, freedom of movement and all-day comfort that Dyneema is renowned for. We look forward to working with the industry to develop a new generation of multi-threat protective gear based on this technology.”

“We carefully assessed the performance of the new Dyneema Anti Stab Technology and believe it is exactly what law enforcement is looking for,” said Steve Jenkins, managing director of Aegis Engineering Ltd. “DSM Dyneema has created a breakthrough innovation that surpasses traditional solutions and represents a major advancement in the overall weight, wearability and thermal burden of multi-threat vests.”

It will be commercially available worldwide in 2016.