Working with Dyneema® Composite Fabrics: A comprehensive tutorial

This 6-minute tutorial features DSM Dyneema’s application manager Wes Hatcher explaining the fabrics’ vast range of potential properties and demonstrating basic cutting and construction techniques.
Let’s get prototyping.
USA-BASED DISTRIBUTORS:
Rocky Woods - bit.ly/tdprockywoods
Ripstop by the Roll - bit.ly/tdpripstoproll
Dutch Ware Gear - bit.ly/tdpdutchwaregear
EUROPE-BASED DISTRIBUTOR:
Extrem Textil - bit.ly/tdpextremtextil
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Also watch 'Deconstructed: Exploring Dyneema® Composite Fabrics':
• 'DECONSTRUCTED': Explo...
THE DYNEEMA® PROJECT:
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[@ColdOsburn]

I would like to see the process of how you guys make this stuff as well as making the string for the compound bows

[@junkman226]

When will tpu/heat sealable fabrics be available from distributors?

[@__-pl3jg]

One of my buddies just tripped over a guy line for my Zpacks Altaplex shelter causing a huge, catastrophic tear. Unfortunately it's the real tree camo print that Zpacks doesn't offer anymore so I cant get a replacement. Looks like I'm going to have to figure out how to cut the existing seams, sew new dyneema fabric into place and use TPU tape to reseal the seams. This sucks ☹️

[@IPv6Freely]

Wow, fantastic video. I'm just starting to get into this. The thought of bonding some things with tape instead of stitching is really appealing, especially for items you need to remain waterproof.

[@IPv6Freely]

@@bradencason9017 cool spam bro

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

I can imagine a sewing machine that instead of using a needle and thread just has a guide with some kind of adhesive applicator with instant heat curing or something.

[@JohnB-lt2ou]

@@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017 I'd buy one!

[@stuartsteele9984]

Chris, you need to be careful using tape of 1/4 or 1/2 inch and larger width when bonding long runs of DCF as if you are not very careful in aligning both the tape and two pieces of DCF, you'll end up unhappy with the results.- exposed tape and poor alignments. Its' particularly important when making a hem. Using an adhesive allows you time to acquire a good alignment and eliminate excessive adhesive.

[@melj.40]

Can you tell me where I can source some samples of your fabric and PSA single sided adhesive? Not sure if my application is going to be better of with a TPU solution or the woven poly faced film. Need to do some sample testing. It's for a gardening tool.

[@buckmanriver]

What type of fabric is are you using for heat welding applications specifically?

[@airgaborpara3824]

Where can I buy a Single side seam sealing tape for waterproofing?

[@robertp2794]

What kind of thread is needed to stich it?

[@tomolonotron]

Can you use dyneema tape to seal other fabrics? Something like xpac, cordura or gridstop? Would be a good solution for my projects. Thanks!

[@RussellHowarth-l3y]

Would love to try but can’t get it in the UK.

[@ericrebarchik4453]

longevity question. I ordered 2 used dyneema tents. One feels very soft. It has likely been used on a thru-hike and I'm thinking I crammed into a pack hundreds of times; and seen many miles. What reader could help me assess what to do do ascertain whether this tent has exceeded its useful life/is beyond lifespan?

[@surronzak8154]

Can we heat weld it to a UHMWPE plate ?

[@idj6340]

Is it possible to print on the serface?

[@danielcolmillodamasco]

Hola, disculpen, sería genial si podrían poner el vídeo subtitulado al Español. :)

[@renatocampora1949]

I am looking for dyneema bonded with eco leather fabrics. Where can i order this ?

[@craigharrell1372]

Are silicone sealants ok to use for seams on tents/tarps? In lieu of PSA?

[@brianbarry6178]

Question: Can you confirm the detail of the PSA tape bond joint in the video. Did you attached a piece of double sided PSA tape to each piece of dyneema fabric, and then join the two pieces of tape/fabric together. Section through the joint would read as follows 1. Fabric , tape , tape Fabric Or 2. Fabric tape fabric If section 1 is correct, what is the benefit of doing this ?

[@klwemu]

Hello, we try to use Dyneema as a sewing thread. But we struggle to get a resonable seam. The Dyneema yarn always tends to congest and stop the machine. We tried several sewing machines but without success. Can you give us a hint (or show in a Video) how to sew with a Dyneema yarn or which sewing machine we should use?

[@joablevytam]

Have you head anything back? I also am curious what the best way to do this is...

[@chablos2831]

It's probably need to be sewn in correct direction

[@raman181314]

Where can I buy TPU Coated Dyneema Fabric?

[@MadTomMusic]

Thanks for the post, I am currently prototyping and sourcing materials for clothing, tents and tarps, how do we get ahold of a roll of DCF?

[@johnsmith1474]

Zero response is their idea of customer service.

[@cvspvr]

google

[@dieselphiend]

I want to purchase the tape in bulk, and can only find it by the foot.

[@stuartsteele9984]

Having worked with Dyneema for a number of months with a urethane adhesive as well as adhesive tape, I use the urethane adhesive to apply 85 and 100 lb test strength spectra fishing line for tent tie-outs and other functions. I make a loop with a 3 inch or longer length and knot it creating a loop with 2 legs. Each leg is applied to a side of the Dyneema with the urethane adhesive that sets-up in about 10 minutes so I can quickly continue adding tie-downs and Dyneema to Dyneema when more advantageous to using adhesive tape. I find it impossible to de-bond the tie-downs from the Dyneema. I also use Dyneema reinforcement patches with large area adhesive tape versus 1/4 or 1/2 inch tape prior to adding the tie-downs. The urethane adhesive fully sets-up in 24 hrs, but has substantial strength within 1/2 hour. Additionally, I curve cut reinforcement patch edges as well vent hood Dyneema material, waterproof zippers as well as other Dyneema additions to the base material to assure no edging failures. The adhesive frees me to quickly continue my work providing a flexible bond with no issues of de-bonding when fully folding my products. Long runs are best resolved with tape versus the urethane adhesive due to the urethane adhesives' excessive coverage potential. I use a spatula to limit adhesive application and must work quickly as the bonding of same and different materials must be done prior to initial set-up of the adhesive.

[@JohnB-lt2ou]

Great tips Stuart. Where can I find your products?

[@stuartsteele9984]

@@JohnB-lt2ou I'm presently in Germany , and hope to be home about mid November. I'm a private inventor and haven't as yet developed a website. My 4.7 ounce tent weight and volume have been an absolute surprise to me. I can send you photos of it supported from a tree limb above if you send me your web address. After completing the tent I then explored making heat reflective clothing, breathable, wind and water repellant. The weights & volumes are ridiculously light & small. 1.8 ounces for a shoulder cloak & 2.5 ounces for an anorak. I've made a few anoraks, shoulder cloaks - standard & long sleeved with hoods, leg gators, beanies, rain & snow over pants, mittens and both standard & fingerless gloves. I've investigated starting a business prior to traveling to Wales & Germany visiting relatives. I plan to pick-up my interest in doing a KZbin presentation of my tent, heat reflective clothing & other inventions when I return home. I have a patented hiking pack & a patented running pack, 6.9 ounces. Both eliminate 5 to 8 bio-mechanical inefficiencies of the typical outdoor sport backpacks sold throughout the world. Meaning that you can move faster with greater endurance, comfort and far less fatigue. With the aforementioned inventions/innovations I hope to create a true ultralight outdoor sport business. All the best, Stuart Steele

[@cliffarnold7463]

Stuart, I’m also interested to see your products upon launch. Have you already established a company name or any social media outlet that we can subscribe to so we are notified upon product launch?

[@stuartsteele9984]

@@cliffarnold7463 Hi Cliff, am back from Germany. Acquired Covid a day or two while in Wales, Uk, prior leaving for Germany. Infected five members of our German family. Be cautious. It is a silent, insidious and dangerous illness. No social media outlet to date. Have contacted a New Jersey commerce assist rep that I've requested Website development support and am awaiting response. A website is critical as well as youtube presentation of my 4.7 oz Dyneema tent, heat reflective clothing, patented hiking and running packs as well as other highly efficient lightweight gear. Time trudges by with resulting frustration with inability to get going.

[@stuartsteele9984]

@@JohnB-lt2ou Hi John, please note the comment I just sent to Cliff Arnold, as it applies to your request as well.

[@randysanchez3398]

I'm cutting a ground cloth for my tent. Will the cut edges fray and does it need to be hemmed?

[@duckacid]

Hemming is always nice, but no fraying will occur.

[@dryland5742]

Hello! Can composite breathable fabric also be glued with PSA tape without stitching?

[@D-Mny]

Heat welding.

[@dryland5742]

@@D-Mny with membrane?

[@unerbittlich]

greate greate

[@EpicBladeTime]

Where can I purchase DCF???

[@rosej.3954]

EpicBladeTime ripstop by the roll

[@xzouix]

Dishwasher safe?

[@deathtrasser]

Хочу палатку, рюкзак из этого материала. А еще верх болотных сапогов, для пешки

[@thivylinhvu708]

I tried to contact DSM, but none response me. Can I have the email contact for Dyneema fabric?

[@AuntyLaniLee]

I need a waterproof fabric that is washable machine dried. The application is for an intimate garment. Any suggestions?

[@Nords555]

i would not use this for underwear... its more like saran wrap meets tarp...

[@ronpaul6482]

@@Nords555 does that mean its not very breathable?

[@Nords555]

@@ronpaul6482 Correct. I guess it depend son which of the thousand fabrics you mean, but many have a plastic layer

[@karthikeyan-ii8cc]

Can this be used to make heat resistant water pouch bottles?

[@AuntyLaniLee]

@@karthikeyan-ii8cc no

[@Francois_Dupont]

why is this so pricey and not readily available?

[@tejaljundare9545]

I'm from india..... Can I receive dynema fabric from you.....can I contact you..

[@RoboticusMusic]

Is there a configuration that would be good for a mouse pad surface? Would you feel the wrinkles? Could the wrinkles be avoided?

[@esaedvik]

Was expecting it to be cut with an industrial laser ;) (dammit, just got to the part in the video...lol)

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

If the taped seam is 'stronger than the material itself', what does that say about the material? : )

[@Nords555]

a taped seam has twice the strands (or layers) than a single layer does... so statement stands ;)

[@tonelie3852]

Dyneema weakest point is abrasion. (Wind blows a stick,sand into your new Zpack tent) Dyneemas second weak point: Seam failure from needle hole expansion is a common issue. Dyneemas third weak point: It shrinks Why it is so expensive: It is difficult to work with (meaning few companies know how to build quality products made from Cuben). Price is going up every day on DCF as demand is rising. Do not fear, the hype will die out. Nylon’s well-balanced characteristics make it a good choice in most outdoor applications and will always be superior. Dyneema was invented by Albert Pennings in 1963 but made commercially available by DSM in 1990, its nothing new, its just a hype.

[@Bohonk212]

So why does my dyneema tent have massive delamination? Used less than 100 times. I read on a sailing forum that it's perhaps a bad run of dyneema. But delamination seems to be one problem no one ever mentions.

[@jazzytrissy]

Thank you for this. I was really concerned about needle point expansion.

[@innadikoun6737]

@@Bohonk212 this is interesting information, could you please explain in a bit more simple language what is this delamination about? I was thinking that Dyneema is really the strongest fabric without weak points.. thank you.

[@Bohonk212]

@@innadikoun6737 The plastic covering over the loose weave of Dyneema separates from the Dyneema. At first this forms bubbles of the plastic which collect and hold water but eventually those bubbles get larger and eventually tear open and you get flapping plastic over wide open Dyneema weave. My Z-Packs tent has about 30% separated fabric now. Useless.

[@innadikoun6737]

@@Bohonk212 if you knew this upfront what type of fabric would you choose for? Nylon? and how often (how many times) did you use your z-packs before the problem occurred?

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

I didn't know snipping a scissor was called "chomping". : )

[@rigorevangelista9875]

What is the weight per square meter?

[@johnmogey4961]

P m. K

[@rudhiepozenk]

This fabric good for paraglider lol