[TowerTalk] Dyneema ropes from china

[Richard (Rick) Karlquist]

On 5/12/2019 10:17 AM, Steve Maki wrote:
> Yale Cordage, in some of their high strength ropes, uses what they call 
> UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene), which they do NOT 
> identify as Dyneema. They have manufactured these ropes for a long 
> time...I'm guessing they make the fiber themselves, or they would call 
> it Dyneema.
> 

Although Dymeema may be made from UHMWPE, it is considerably different
from run of the mil UHMWPE.  UHMWPE has a coefficient of thermal
expansion (CTE) of 220 ppm, and machines easily.  Dyneema has a NEGATIVE
CTE (very rare), and is very difficult to machine.  These
characteristics don't necessarily translate to good rope, but they
at least differentiate it from ordinary UHMWPE.

Rick N6RK