Hoffmann Ace develops light weight air cargo net with Dyneema
27 Apr '09
3 min read
Hoffmann Air Cargo Equipment (ACE) GmbH together with DSM Dyneema have developed a new, third generation lightweight air cargo net that is one of the first worldwide to achieve a total weight of below 8 kilograms (kg).
The two companies have also been recognized by the recent Hessian Innovation Award for their developments in advancing light-weight air cargo equipment during a collaboration spanning more than five years. The award was presented to both companies at a ceremony in Frankfurt in late 2008.
Ultra high strength Dyneema fiber is the critical enabling component that achieves these weight savings by replacing polyester fiber. Traditional cargo nets made with polyester typically weigh between 15-18 kg. Thanks to the exceptional high strength and low weight of Dyneema fiber, more than 50% weight reduction can be achieved with no loss in safety or performance. Furthermore, Dyneema fiber's chemical, UV and high abrasion resistance, plus its long term durability help extend the life time of the cargo nets significantly, resulting in overall lower costs and reduced environmental impact.
The reduced weight of nets made with Dyneema can help cut aviation fuel consumption by up to 700 kg per year for each net in use. This translates to a six-fold saving in greenhouse gases from being released, equal to 4.2 tons of CO2, nitrous gases and other harmful emissions. For a typical mid-size cargo airline operating 5,000 nets, this could cut total annual greenhouse gas emissions by more than 20,000 tons.
Hoffmann ACE already has first and second generation air cargo nets made with Dyneema in regular airline flight service which hold the current world record for the lightest commercial air cargo nets. The development of a new patented light weight metal hook, custom-designed to work only with nets made with Dyneema will allow further weight savings, bringing total weight below 8 kg. The new third generation net has now completed prototype phase and will be launched commercially in October 2009 at the inter airport 2009 exhibition in Munich.
Dr. Michael Schneider, Managing Director, Hoffmann ACE GmbH commented: “This award is a great honor for Hoffmann and reflects our dedication to lighter, stronger and more environmentally beneficial products. Our technical collaboration with DSM Dyneema over the years has been a key factor in our success and we are delighted to share this industry prize with them.”
Dr. Dietrich Wienke, Business Manager, Aviation Textiles for DSM Dyneema added: “DSM Dyneema is fully committed to continuous innovation in performance materials that bring benefit to our customers and to society as a whole. Partnering with customers such as Hoffmann ACE is part of our strategy and we are delighted to see this award recognize our joint success.”
Hoffmann Air Cargo Equipment (ACE), based in Friedberg, Germany is a leading innovator and manufacturer of air cargo pallet nets. The company has a strong emphasis on research and development and has introduced a number of product innovations over the years.
Hoffmann's product-line includes knotted and knotless cargo pallet nets made of various materials with customized finishings that meet the individual requirements of its customers worldwide. Hoffmann ACE manufactures and sells light weight air cargo nets made with Dyneema, the world's strongest fiber from three locations in Germany, Turkey and China.
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