I’ve been doing some research into dyneema fabric in anticipation of a project I’m starting soon. As you guys probably know, dyneema fabric is expensive! But I found a possible substitute that is about four times cheaper than the normal stuff for sale.

A little background: Dyneema fabric is a composite fabric made primarily from Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethelene (UHMWPE) fibers sandwiched between a flexible laminate. UHMWPE is a high-tech plastic that is incredibly abrasion resistant and strong (pound-for-pound, 15 times stronger than steel), and is used in a variety of industrial applications such as climbing rope, bulletproof vests, cut-resistant clothing, etc.

Dyneema (and Spectra) are specific brand names of UHMWPE (just like Bayer is a brand name of generic aspirin). Although Dyneema and Spectra are licensed by American companies, many other companies around the world also manufacture various forms of UHMWPE.

I was searching Ebay and found a sheet of “UHMWPE UD Ballistic Laminated Polyethylene Cloth 110 gsm Weight 62" x 62" for $30 (including shipping), sold by a company that manufacturers bulletproof vest and ballistic armor.

The product description—if I interpreted it correctly—seems to indicate that this UHMWPE cloth is manufactured in a fashion that is similar to dyneema fabric (perpendicular threads of UHMWPE sandwiched between a flexible laminate). The weight (110gsm) is equivalent to about 3oz dyneema fabric. If you crunch the numbers, this equates to about $8 per half yard (versus the going rate of about $22 per half yard of dyneema fabric, see https://ripstopbytheroll.com/product...t5k-18-wov-32c)

I’m curious how this UHMWPE compares to dyneema fabric? Are they similar in terms of look, feel, strength, and performance? Wouldn’t it be great to find a cheaper, generic source of dyneema fabric?

Here’s a link to the listing on eBay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/UHMWPE-UD-B...oAAOSwqMBc5HG1