New Twaron® Fabric Reduces Back Face Deformation by up to 30 Percent

ARNHEM, The Netherlands, January 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Teijin Aramid will launch its newest fabric Twaron® LFT SB1 plus at the SHOT Show in Las Vegas, 17-20 January 2012. Twaron LFT SB1 plus is suitable for the next generation of soft ballistic vests which are used as anti-ballistic protection by soldiers and policemen. Teijin Aramid offers with LFT SB1 plus an integrated solution that combines high ballistic performance with comfort, flexibility and a 30% decrease of Back Face Deformation (BFD).

The impact of a stopped bullet on a protective vest can cause injuries to the human body. Reducing Back Face Deformation (BFD) has therefore been a main priority for Teijin Aramid when designing the latest generation of Twaron materials for soft ballistic vests. Twaron LFT SB1 plus reduces BFD up to 30% while offering the same high ballistic performance as conventional systems. The new fabric is based on the high performance Twaron para-aramid fiber and integrates ballistic protection with integrated trauma control. It can be also used in combination with other Twaron ballistic products to produce hybrid protective vests that will protect against a specific threat.

Karl Henke, Business Manager Ballistic at Teijin Aramid: "The National Institute of Justice of the United States (NIJ) requires a maximum Back Face Deformation of 1.75 inch (44 mm). This means a heavy impact for a human body that we always try to minimize. By developing the new fabric with up to 30% less BFD, we have found a solution where we decrease the trauma and do not increase the weight of the vest."

The fabric consists of four layers of Twaron, arranged in 0°, 90°, +45° and -45° orientations, and laminated together with a small amount of resin. This makes it a soft and flexible material, offering wearers both protection and comfort. When used in protective vests it offers similar ballistic performance without additional weight.

In the past, BFD reduction was achieved by flexible ballistic panel systems containing special anti-trauma materials. These panel systems increased the weight and stiffness of a ballistic vest and made it much less comfortable to wear. Twaron LFT SB1 plus meets all the requirements of the NIJ 0101.04, NIJ 0101.06 and HOSDB standards.

The Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show) and Conference is the largest trade show for professionals involved with the shooting sports, hunting and law enforcement industries. Teijin Aramid produces aramid fibers and delivers the newest and latest technologies in anti-ballistic protection for soldiers and policemen. This new product will be shown at Teijin Aramids stand number 6203 in the Casanova Room at the SHOT Show.

SOURCE Teijin Aramid