The Netherlands-based Teijin Aramid BV — manufacturer of aramids including Twaron® Sulfron®,
Teijinconex® and Technora®; and a subsidiary of the Tokyo-based Teijin Group — has launched a new
higher-performing lightweight aramid yarn that offers improved ballistic protection in body armor
for police, military and law enforcement officers.
According to Teijin Aramid, Twaron 550f1000 is the finest filament aramid-based yarn in the
world. It comprises 1,000 filaments, offering significantly better performance than comparable
yarns; and has the highest tenacity combined with breaking strength of all the yarns in Teijin
Aramid’s porfolio. Twaron 550f1000 offers improved resistance in exposure to the blast effects of
roadside bombs, good fragment resistance, and enhanced bullet protection.
The yarn will be used primarily in soft antiballistic products for the police, military and
law enforcement markets; but may also be used in a woven fabric for antiballistic and anti-stab
products.
“This new yarn is our response to the demand for lightweight ballistic protection, which
itself is the result of the increasing threat of violence in society,” said Karl Henke, business
manager, Ballistic, Teijin Aramid. “Police officers, soldiers and even private citizens who require
protection will start wearing a bulletproof vest earlier when the weight and comfort is even better
than nowadays.”
January/February/March 2012