About Us

In the mid-1980s, Honeywell (formerly Allied Signal Inc.) introduced Spectra® fiber. An entirely new type of synthetic yarn, it was one of the first commercially available extended chain, high-modulus polyethylene fibers. Because Spectra® fiber is a polyethylene - with a carbon-to-carbon molecular structure like that of a diamond - it creates a continuous filament yarn with incredible performance and endurance. Pound-for-pound fifteen (15) times stronger than steel yet light enough to float, Spectra® fiber is one of the world's strongest and lightest manmade fibers. Spectra® fiber applications include cut protection, ropes and cordage, vehicular and personal armor, and fishing line, as well as various specialty applications.

The Spectra Shield® family of composite products began with the development of Shield technology by Honeywell in the late 1980s. Shield technology was originally developed utilizing only Spectra® fiber, but over the years engineers have developed Shield products using other high-performance fibers such as aramid fiber in our Gold Flex® and Gold Shield® products.

In the last 15 years Shield technology and the Spectra Shield® family of composite products have revolutionized armor systems in ballistic resistant vests and hard armor applications used by law enforcement agencies and militaries throughout the world.

Honeywell manufactures Spectra® fiber and develops performance-enriched, fiber-based technologies for applications where materials are mission-critical and when success frequently means expanding the accepted limits of performance. Honeywell does this serving as a technical resource to its customers and the segments they serve.