Unlike braided fibre ropes, the construction of an Extreema® round sling is based on parallel laid fiber technology that make up the core. The core of an Extreema® round sling is always made of 100% high performance fibers such as Dyneema® , the world’s strongest fiber™, or general HMPE. This makes the slings up to 15 times stronger than steel on a weight for weight basis and a weight reduction up to 80% compared to wirerope.

Parallel laid fibre technology Extreema® round slings have proven to be significantly stronger (between 30-50% higher MBL’s!) when break loaded on Ramshorn DIN shaped hooks compared to braided fibre ropes. Extreema® round slings with Dyneema® core yarn material can be supplied with a EU-origin certificate of the core material and DNV Approval of manufacture certificate by DSM Dyneema®. Extreema® round slings with general HMPE core yarn material can only be accompanied with a Certificate of Conformity acc. to the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. Compared to high tenacity polyester, Extreema® slings are up to 3 times lighter with a much smaller core diameter.

Learn why not all HMPE is the same

Bio-based Dyneema® is an Ultra High Modulus PolyEthylene Fiber (HMPE or UHMWPE) which offers maximum strength combined with minimum weight. For this reason Dyneema®, manufactured by DSM in the Netherlands, is known as “the world’s strongest fiber”™. Dyneema® yarn is made in the EU and can be supplied with a Certificate of EU-Origin by DSM NV.

 The secret to the superior performance of Dyneema® fiber (UHMWPE) lies in the extremely long molecular chains that transfer load more effectively to the polymer backbone. As a result Dyneema® offers maximum strength combined with minimum weight. It is up to 15 times stronger than quality steel and up to 40% stronger than aramid fibers, both on weight for weight basis. Dyneema® fiber floats on water and is extremely durable and resistant to moisture, UV light and chemicals. The applications are therefore more or less unlimited.

HMPE (high-modulus polyethylene) has extremely long chains, with a molecular mass usually between 3.5 and 7.5 million amu. The longer chain serves to transfer load more effectively to the polymer backbone by strengthening intermolecular interactions. This results in a very tough material, with the highest impact strenght of any thermoplastic presently made.

HMPE is highly resistant to corrosive chemicals except oxidizing acids; has extremely low moisture absorption and a very low coefficient of friction; is self-lubricating; and is highly resistant to abrasion. 

However, there is no significant long-term profound laboratory research available for HMPE. The material is produced in Asia, not in Europe.