MORRIS PLAINS, N.J., November 8, 2017 — Honeywell (NYSE: HON)announced today the launch of Spectra® HC1000, the newest version of its Spectra fiber that is specifically designed for challenging applications that can limit the product lifecycle of synthetic ropes. The new fiber provides the rope industry’s best cyclic bend over sheave (CBOS) performance without sacrificing other performance parameters such as abrasion, or tenacity. This combination of features provides greater lifecycle value compared with rope made with steel or other high-modulus polyethylene (HMPE) fibers.

One of the leading causes of rope failure in industrial applications is repetitive bending and loading on equipment such as winches and sheaves. Spectra HC1000 helps users meet this challenge across a range of situations such as offshore platform mooring, deep sea lifting and towing. Rope made with Spectra HC1000 is an ideal replacement for steel wire rope in applications that require manual handling or reduced weight. Since rope made with Spectra weighs significantly less than steel wire, it can reduce crew fatigue, risk of human injury and damage to customer property, while still providing similar or better performance. Also, unlike steel wire, Spectra fiber does not require lubrication, so it is easier to maintain, thus increasing its overall economic value.

“Rope users face the constant challenge of finding lightweight but highly durable ropes that can withstand the most challenging and harsh industrial applications,” said Gregory Norton, Global Industrial Business Leader at Honeywell. “We developed Spectra HC1000 to provide the rope industry with the best synthetic fiber available to meet these challenges. No other fiber has Spectra’s bending and strength performance, abrasion resistance and light weight, making it the best material to look for when purchasing a rope.”

Spectra fiber is made from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene using a patented gel-spinning process. It has up to 60 percent greater strength than alternate aramid fiber and, pound for pound, it is 15 times stronger than steel yet light enough to float. The fiber is highly resistant to chemicals and damaging ultraviolet light. Spectra’s filaments are larger in diameter than competitive HMPE products, providing superior abrasion resistance, reduced friction and improved processing during rope manufacturing.

The strength and light weight of Spectra fiber make it ideal for a wide range of rope applications including towing, lifting, mooring, and rescue ropes, and ropes used in adventure sports like sailing, kite-surfing, and parachuting. The versatile material is also used in ballistic-resistant armor, professional fishing lines and increasingly in performance textile applications.