HMPE rope: high modulus polyethylene rope
In this category, you can buy HMPE ropes, cords, and twines. HMPE stands for High Modulus Polyethylene. These polyethylene fibers have low elongation and are extremely tear-resistant, which also applies to the ropes and cords produced from them. HMPE ropes are highly resistant to abrasion, chemicals, moisture, and UV radiation. They are also very lightweight and flexible, have a long lifespan, and can be spliced easily. With these properties, HMPE ropes are highly versatile and can replace heavy steel ropes in many applications.
Material properties of HMPE fibers
- Material: HMPE (High Modulus Polyethylene), UHMW-PE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene)
- Brand names: Dyneema® (DSM), IZANAS™ (Toyobo), Spectra® (Honeywell)
- Fiber strength: 28 - 40 cN / dtex
- Specific gravity: 0.97 kg / dm³
- Water absorption: 0% (hydrophobic)
- Strength reduction due to moisture: 0%
- Knot strength: 35% - 50%
- Lightfastness / UV resistance: good
- Elongation at break: 3.8%
- Abrasion resistance: good
- Washing temperature: 30 °C
- Acids (50% concentration): no effect
- Gasoline, diesel, lubricating oil: no effect
- Solvents: slight effect
- Alkaline substances (alkalis): resistant
- Electrical properties: excellent electrical insulation capability
- Temperature limit (short-term exposure): approx. 70 °C
- Softening temperature: approx. 120 °C
- Melting temperature: approx. 150 °C
What is an HMPE rope and what are HMPE fibers?
At Kanirope, we refer to an HMPE rope as a rope that is either constructed entirely of HMPE fibers or yarns or, in the case of core-sheath constructions, a rope in which the HMPE material is used either in the core, the sheath, or both layers.
HMPE ropes are high-performance ropes: They offer superior breaking strength and low elongation with low weight. These properties are attributed to the HMPE filaments from which they are made.
HMPE stands for High Modulus Polyethylene, with "modulus" referring to the Young's modulus of elasticity. The Young's modulus is a measure of the deformability of materials. The high modulus and extreme tear resistance of HMPE are the reasons for this material's name. Therefore, you may also come across the abbreviations HTPE (High Tenacity Polyethylene) or HPPE (High Performance Polyethylene).
The material's tear resistance is due to its particularly long and minimally branched polymer structure. This means that many individual ethylene units align to form an exceptionally long-chain polyethylene, resulting in a molecule with very high mass. This is why the other commonly used abbreviation is UHMW-PE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene).
In the production process called gel spinning, several long HMPE molecules align parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction, forming filaments or fibers that are ultimately used to produce ropes. The individual molecules within a filament overlap over a part of their length and exhibit a weak mutual attraction, which contributes to the exceptionally high tear resistance. This effect is further enhanced by the so-called fiber stretching, which improves the parallel alignment and "interlocking" of the molecular chains.
The interlocking of HMPE molecules can be roughly compared to a Velcro fastener: If the overlap of the two sides of the Velcro is short, the fastener can be easily separated with little force. An "HMPE Velcro fastener" would be extremely long, requiring a considerable amount of force to separate the connection by pulling it apart longitudinally.
Properties of HMPE ropes
- Best weight-to-breaking-strength ratio: There is no lighter rope with comparable breaking strength, or no rope with a higher breaking strength at the same weight (assuming the same rope length).
- Reduced risk of injury: Unlike steel ropes, HMPE ropes pose no danger of getting injured by protruding wires. If a rope breaks, there is no risk of it lashing around.
- Compared to other high-performance fibers (such as aramid), HMPE ropes have less fatigue due to flexing and are less susceptible to kinking. However, HMPE ropes should not be knotted but spliced professionally.
- Easy to splice: Eye splices and end-to-end splices with almost the same breaking strength as the rope itself are easily made with just a few tools.
- The HMPE fibers are "self-lubricating," meaning they have a smooth surface and low friction, minimizing internal rope abrasion and extending the rope's durability and lifespan.
- The smooth surface also makes the rope feel waxy and less grippy in the hand. For better grip and additional protection of the HMPE fibers, a core-sheath rope is used, where the core is made of HMPE fiber and surrounded by a protective sheath.
- No rusting / no corrosion.
- Resistant to most chemicals.
- Good resistance to UV radiation / sunlight, making them suitable for outdoor use.
- Good abrasion resistance, particularly in the longitudinal direction. However, they are more susceptible to chafing across the rope and cutting (compared to steel ropes).
- Insensitive to water: Moisture does not reduce the rope's breaking strength, and it does not absorb water, remaining buoyant.
- Heat-sensitive: Compared to other plastics, polyethylene generally has a low melting temperature. Therefore, HMPE ropes should not be exposed to higher temperatures. They can tolerate temperatures up to 70 °C for short-term loads. It is better to stay below 50 °C. Otherwise, the rope's strength decreases, and it can be irreparably damaged.
- Creep sensitivity: HMPE has a higher tendency than other synthetic fibers to experience permanent elongation due to prolonged tension. This tendency is more pronounced when it comes to high constant tension relative to the breaking strength. However, creep is not a problem with fluctuating working loads up to approximately 25% of the breaking strength.
Areas of application and examples of use for HMPE ropes
HMPE ropes, cords, and twines are ideal substitutes for steel ropes. For heavy-duty applications or in areas with extreme requirements for breaking strength, weight, and elongation, HMPE ropes are often the better choice, especially when weight savings and handling advantages play a role in the decision-making:
- For recreational and outdoor activities, such as winch ropes for off-road and rally vehicles, paragliding and kite lines, launch winch ropes at glider airfields, traps, sheets, and control lines in sailing, sled dog sport as team and towing lines, fishing lines, or kite lines.
- In commercial shipping as mooring lines and towing lines for large cargo and cruise ships.
- In industrial applications and mechanical engineering, such as pulling and control cables in robots, crane ropes, or in large mining equipment like cable excavators and dragline excavators.
- In forestry, as recovery ropes, choker slings, assisting ropes, or winch ropes for timber extraction and forestry work.
Overview of HMPE Ropes
We offer HMPE ropes in both single braids, which are braided from multiple strands of 100% HMPE yarns, as well as double braids or core-sheath constructions (also known as "braid on braid"). In these ropes, the core is braided from HMPE yarns and is surrounded by a protective sheath braid made of a different material (usually polyester). In the following table, we have compared the different HMPE ropes for reference:
| Product | Construction | Material | Elongation 1 | Features | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kanirope® PRO | Single Braid, 12-strand braided | 100% HMPE (Dyneema® SK 78) | max. 1 % | The perfect solution for most applications. Very low stretch rope with high breaking strength and light weight. Almost universally applicable, even as a replacement for steel cables. | available from stock |
| Liros Regatta 2000 | Core-Sheath Construction, Core: 12-strand braided, Sheath: 1:1 braided2 | Core: 100% HMPE (Dyneema® SK 78), Sheath: 100% polyester | max. 1.5 % | The polyester sheath protects the load-bearing core. Additionally, the sheath provides good grip on the rope but also makes it slightly stiff. | |
| Liros Dynamic Plus | Core-Sheath Construction, Core: 12-strand braided, Sheath: 16- / 24- / 32-strand braided | Core: 100% HMPE (Dyneema® SK 78), Sheath: 100% polyester | max. 2 % | The polyester sheath protects the load-bearing core against abrasion. Compared to Regatta 2000, it is slightly smoother (less grippy) but also less stiff. | |
| Liros D-Pro-XTR | Single Braid, 12-strand braided | 100% HMPE (Dyneema® SK 99) | max. 1 % | For extreme applications with high loads. Approximately 20% higher breaking strength compared to Kanirope® PRO | delivery time: approximately 1 - 2 weeks |
| Liros D-Pro Static | Single Braid, 12-strand braided | 100% HMPE (Dyneema® DM 20) | max. 1 % | Approximately 5% lower breaking strength compared to Kanirope® PRO. However, no creep even under static tensile load. | |
| Liros Magic Surf | Single Braid, 8- or 16-strand braided | 100% HMPE (Dyneema® SK 78) | max. 1 % | Special product for windsurfers ("downhauls") for sail trimming. However, it can also be used for other purposes. | |
| Liros Dynamic Color | same as Dynamic Plus | same as Dynamic Plus | max. 2 % | Same as Dynamic Plus, but with colored sheath. |
1) Maximum elongation at working load. The working load is typically 20 - 25% of the breaking strength.
2) Starting from 4 mm diameter. In smaller diameters: 16-strand braided.
In the following table, you will find the HMPE ropes available from us sorted by increasing diameter. Within each diameter class, the ropes are sorted by decreasing breaking strength. Therefore, the first entry per diameter represents the rope with the highest available breaking strength within that diameter class.
| Diameter | Product | Breaking Strength | Weight | Available Lengths | Colors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mm | PRO | 195 daN | 0.9 g / m | 100 m, 500 m | Blue, Yellow, Red, Black, Silver, White |
| 1.5 mm | PRO | 230 daN | 1.3 g / m | 100 m, 500 m | Blue, Yellow, Red, Black, Silver, White |
| 2 mm | PRO | 410 daN | 1.8 g / m | 100 m, 300 m | Blue, Yellow, Red, Black, Silver, White |
| REGATTA 2000 | 270 daN | 3 g / m | Custom length, 250 m | Steel blue with colored identification threads: Blue, Yellow, Green, Red, or White; Black (solid color); White with identification threads; | |
| 2.5 mm | PRO | 580 daN | 3.5 g / m | 100 m, 300 m | Blue, Yellow, Red, Black, Silver, White |
| REGATTA 2000 | 390 daN | 5 g / m | Custom length, 250 m | Steel blue with colored identification threads: Blue, Yellow, Green, Red, or White; Black (solid color); White with identification threads; | |
| 3 mm | PRO | 950 daN | 4.6 g / m | Custom length, 100 m, 300 m, 500 m | Blue, Yellow, Red, Black, Silver, White |
| REGATTA 2000 | 550 daN | 7 g / m | Custom length, 250 m | Steel blue with colored identification threads: Blue, Yellow, Green, Red, or White; Black (solid color); White with identification threads; | |
| DYNAMIC PLUS | 500 daN | 7 g / m | Custom length, 250 m | White with identification threads, White-Blue, White-Yellow, White-Green, White-Red | |
| 4 mm | PRO | 1,300 daN | 7 g / m | Custom length, 100 m, 300 m, 500 m | Blue, Yellow, Red, Black, Silver, White |
| REGATTA 2000 | 800 daN | 11 g / m | Custom length, 250 m | Steel blue with colored identification threads: Blue, Yellow, Green, Red, or White; Black (solid color); White with identification threads; | |
| DYNAMIC PLUS | 710 daN | 11 g / m | Custom length, 250 m | White with identification threads, White-Blue, White-Yellow, White-Green, White-Red | |
| 5 mm | PRO | 2,600 daN | 13 g / m | Custom length, 100 m, 300 m | Blue, Yellow, Red, Black, Silver, White |
| REGATTA 2000 | 1,100 daN | 15 g / m | Custom length, 250 m | Steel blue with colored identification threads: Blue, Yellow, Green, Red, or White; Black (solid color); White with identification threads; | |
| DYNAMIC PLUS | 870 daN | 17 g / m | Custom length, 250 m | White with identification threads, White-Blue, White-Yellow, White-Green, White-Red | |
| 6 mm | PRO | 4,300 daN | 23 g / m | Custom length, 100 m, 300 m | Blue, Yellow, Red, Black, Silver, White |
| REGATTA 2000 | 2,500 daN | 25 g / m | Custom length, 200 m | Steel blue with colored identification threads: Blue, Yellow, Green, Red, or White; Black (solid color); White with identification threads; | |
| DYNAMIC PLUS | 1,200 daN | 21 g / m | Custom length, 200 m | White with identification threads, White-Blue, White-Yellow, White-Green, White-Red | |
| 8 mm | PRO | 5,300 daN | 35 g / m | Custom length, 100 m, 200 m | Blue, Yellow, Red, Black, Silver, White |
| REGATTA 2000 | 3,800 daN | 42 g / m | Custom length, 200 m | Steel blue with colored identification threads: Blue, Yellow, Green, Red, or White; Black (solid color); White with identification threads; | |
| DYNAMIC PLUS | 2,300 daN | 38 g / m | Custom length, 200 m | White with identification threads, White-Blue, White-Yellow, White-Green, White-Red | |
| 10 mm | PRO | 9,000 daN | 60 g / m | Custom length, 100 m, 200 m | Blue, Yellow, Red, Black, Silver, White |
| REGATTA 2000 | 5,000 daN | 61 g / m | Custom length, 200 m | Steel blue with colored identification threads: Blue, Yellow, Green, Red, or White; Black (solid color); White with identification threads; | |
| DYNAMIC PLUS | 3,100 daN | 69 g / m | Custom length, 200 m | White with identification threads, White-Blue, White-Yellow, White-Green, White-Red | |
| 12 mm | PRO | 11,900 daN | 72 g / m | Custom length, 100 m | Blue, Yellow, Red, Black, Silver, White |
| REGATTA 2000 | 7,200 daN | 88 g / m | Custom length, 200 m | Steel blue with colored identification threads: Blue, Yellow, Green, Red, or White; Black (solid color); White with identification threads; | |
| DYNAMIC PLUS | 4,800 daN | 89 g / m | Custom length, 200 m | White with identification threads, White-Blue, White-Yellow, White-Green, White-Red | |
| 14 mm | PRO | 14,500 daN | 95 g / m | Custom length, 100 m | Blue, Yellow, Red, Black, Silver, White |
| REGATTA 2000 | 9,500 daN | 132 g / m | Custom length, 150 m | Steel blue with colored identification threads: Blue, Yellow, Green, Red, or White; Black (solid color); White with identification threads; | |
| DYNAMIC PLUS | 6,500 daN | 119 g / m | Custom length, 150 m | White with identification threads, White-Blue, White-Yellow, White-Green, White-Red | |
| 16 mm | PRO | 19,200 daN | 131 g / m | Custom length, 100 m | Blue, Yellow, Red, Black, Silver, White |
| REGATTA 2000 | 12,800 daN | 150 g / m | Custom length, 100 m | Steel blue with colored identification threads: Blue, Yellow, Green, Red, or White; Black (solid color); White with identification threads; | |
| 18 mm | REGATTA 2000 | 15,300 daN | 180 g / m | Custom length, 100 m | Steel blue with colored identification threads: Blue, Yellow, Green, Red, or White; Black (solid color); White with identification threads; |
| 20 mm | REGATTA 2000 | 18,500 daN | 236 g / m | Custom length, 100 m | Steel blue with colored identification threads: Blue, Yellow, Green, Red, or White; Black (solid color); White with identification threads; |
| 22 mm | REGATTA 2000 | 20,000 daN | 282 g / m | Custom length, 100 m | Steel blue with colored identification threads: Blue, Yellow, Green, Red, or White; Black (solid color); White with identification threads; |
| 24 mm | REGATTA 2000 | 23,000 daN | 321 g / m | Custom length, 100 m | Steel blue with colored identification threads: Blue, Yellow, Green, Red, or White; Black (solid color); White with identification threads; |
Custom Made
Your desired product is not listed in our online shop? We can offer you a customised solution. In this case, we have the required rope manufactured specifically according to your requirements. The prerequisite is the purchase of at least one machine set per desired variant of the product. The delivery time for these customised orders is usually approximately two to three weeks.
We happily take care of your need for manual assembly as well. We can cut the rope to the lengths you require and provide additional ropework. Decorative knots, individual splices and whippings, special packaging and labelling can also be ordered from us. These services can be provided even in large quantities.
Please feel free to send us your enquiry now! We take the time to listen to you and answer your questions. We see each individual request of our customers as a challenge which we seek to meet. Through established partnerships with selected rope manufacturers, our many years of experience, efficiency, and flexibility, we are able to deliver on that promise.
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