DSM Dyneema To Expand Dyneema Purity® Capacity

The Netherlands-based DSM Dyneema — a subsidiary of life sciences and materials sciences company Royal DSM NV — is increasing its manufacturing capacity and capabilities for Dyneema Purity®, its proprietary medical-grade ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers used in medical applications that require maximum strength and minimum weight.

Dyneema will set up the first manufacturing line for Dyneema Purity fibers at its Greenville, N.C., plant, where it will produce Dyneema Purity TG dtex 25 TS180, a smaller-diameter grade that provides the same level of strength as existing grades, and Dyneema Purity UG, used to develop strong, stable orthopedic implants.

The proposed line will enable manufacturers to quickly develop customized grades for specialized requirements with reduced time to market. The line is scheduled to begin operations in mid-2010, and will be operated under the ISO 13485 standard for medical device manufacturing.

October 7, 2008