UHMW-PE PLASTIC MATERIALS & MACHINING

• Extremely low friction coefficient
• Exceptional wear resistance
• Low moisture absorption
• High impact strength
• Great corrosive chemical resistance
• USDA approved & FDA compliant
• Great electrical insulation properties
• Easy machinability
• Good UV resistance
• Can handle extremely low temperatures down to -269°C (-452°F)
• Low melting point at 130°C (266°F)

UHMW has several qualities that separate it from other materials. It has the highest known impact strength among any thermoplastics, making it one of the strongest plastic materials available. UHMW-PE also offers low friction and high abrasive wear resistance. With these properties, engineers notice it does not degrade or wear down as quickly as other materials and typically does not abrade its mating parts. This is where UHMW stands out the most. When a product needs intense wear resistance for components, this high-performance plastic has proven to withstand the challenge.

Additionally, the material has great chemical and water resistances. Its high chemical resistance against several types of corrosives separates it from other materials, especially those corrosives classified as acids, alkalis, or non-polar organic solvents. Along with its very low moisture absorption rate, the material works effectively during demanding operations even without lubrication or during water-involved operations. For that reason, the FDA approves this material for use in the food processing and packaging. The USDA also approves some grades of UHMW for direct contact in meat and poultry processing.

However, the one disadvantage about UHMW is its melting point at 130°C (266°F), so use in high temperature environments will cause it to deteriorate. However that low melting point means that UHMW tolerates operations in extremely low temperatures. Users have subjected the material to temperatures as low as -269°C (-452°F) without threatening the material's integrity. It may not take the heat, but it can certainly take the cold.

Despite its strength, machinists have remarked on the material's ease in machinability. Unlike some other materials that prove hard to mold, UHMW has proven its malleable nature even though it has such great strength in its molecular makeup.

While this material available in other colors, we typically find it in either white or black stock shapes. In terms of shape, the material also comes in sheets, rods, and other custom-machined forms depending on the end product.

• Food processing applications
• Packaging machinery & material handling parts
• High speed conveyors
• Wear strips, guide rails, & liners
• Bushings
• Bearings

Although UHMW-PE is an amazing plastic material, some still need to see alternatives for many different reasons. Whether that's cost, availability, or suitability for the end product's purpose, other options exist that are comparable to UHMW that teams can use. We list those below.

• Nylon 6 (aka Polyamide 6 or PA-6; generally with a glass filler when considering 3D printing)
• HDPE
• Polyurethane
• Polyethylene
• Polypropylene
• Acetal

Have questions? Reach out to our team of experts!

Transcript for UHMW video here