THE first fully synthetic hoist rope designed specifically for mobile cranes was announced jointly at Conexpo 2014 by Samson and the Manitowoc Company.

Samson’s KZ100 is made with DSM Dyneema’s high-performing Dyneema fibre and is featured on Manitowoc’s Grove RT770E rough-terrain mobile crane.

“DSM Dyneema congratulates Manitowoc and Samson on this important technological breakthrough for the crane industry. KZ100 is a product of joint application development between Samson and Manitowoc, supported by DSM Dyneema and included extensive testing and proof of performance on the RT770E crane,” the announcement said.

According to Edwin Grootendorst, global segment director at DSM Dyneema, “Manitowoc’s new Grove RT770E crane underscores the growing adoption of advanced material technologies to replace traditional steel wire rope in the crane and lifting industry. Strong and durable Dyneema fibre is a natural fit for such rope applications; as it is 80 per cent lighter than steel allowing for greater ease of handling, saving time and manpower.”

Grootendorst continues: “This successful project exemplifies the Dyneema brand promise to be ‘With you when it matters’. We are committed to providing full support to our licencees and their customers through all steps of the development process to ensure optimised performance and satisfaction. We thank Samson and Manitowoc for their confidence in using our Dyneema fibre technology.”

DSM Dyneema is the inventor and manufacturer of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibre branded as Dyneema, the world’s strongest fibre. Dyneema offers maximum strength combined with minimum weight. It is up to 15 times stronger than quality steel and up to 40 per cent stronger than aramid fibres, both on weight for weight basis. Dyneema fibre floats on water and is extremely durable and resistant to moisture, UV light and chemicals.

Dyneema is an important component in ropes, cables and nets in the fishing, shipping and offshore industries. It is also used in safety gloves for the metalworking industry and in fine yarns for applications in sporting goods and the medical sector. It is also used in bullet resistant armour and clothing for police and military personnel.

UHMWPE fibre from DSM Dyneema is produced in Heerlen (The Netherlands) and in Greenville, North Carolina (US). DSM Dyneema is also a partner in a high modulus polyethylene (HMPE) manufacturing joint venture in Japan.