Description
What is UHMWPE?
UHMWPE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) is a tough, low-friction plastic with high wear resistance, impact strength, and chemical resistance. It’s self-lubricating, moisture-resistant, and widely used in industrial applications like chute liners, wear strips, and conveyor components. Lightweight and easy to machine, it reduces friction and withstands extreme conditions.
What are the properties of UHMWPE?
- Durability: UHMWPE is highly durable, offering exceptional wear resistance, impact strength, and chemical resistance, making it suitable for harsh environments and heavy-duty applications.
- Chemical Resistance: UHMWPE has excellent chemical resistance, withstanding most acids, alkalis, and solvents, but it can be affected by strong oxidizers like nitric or sulfuric acid.
- Weather Resistance: UHMWPE has good weather resistance, being UV-stable to some extent, but prolonged sun exposure can cause degradation without additives.
- Versatility: UHMWPE is highly versatile, used in industries like mining, food processing, marine, and material handling due to its durability, low friction, and chemical resistance.
- Low Moisture Absorption: Yes, UHMWPE has extremely low moisture absorption, making it ideal for wet environments and applications requiring dimensional stability.
- Lightweight: UHMWPE is lightweight, with a density lower than water, allowing it to float and making it easy to handle and install.
Can UHMWPE handle heat?
UHMWPE has moderate heat resistance, with a continuous use temperature of around 80–100°C. It softens above this range and melts at approximately 130–140°C. While it can handle brief exposure to higher temperatures, prolonged heat weakens its structure.
Unlike high-temperature plastics like PTFE or PEEK, UHMWPE is not ideal for extreme heat applications. However, it performs well in cold environments, remaining tough and impact-resistant even at -200°C. For applications requiring higher heat resistance, alternative materials or UHMWPE blends with heat stabilizers may be needed.
Is UHMWPE Plastic suitable for Food Grade applications?
Yes, UHMWPE is suitable for food-grade applications due to the following reasons:
- FDA & EU Compliance – Meets food safety regulations for direct contact with food.
- Non-Toxic & Odorless – Does not contaminate food products.
- Low Moisture Absorption – Prevents bacterial growth and maintains hygiene.
- Chemical Resistance – Withstands cleaning agents and sanitizers without degradation.
- Low Friction Surface – Reduces sticking and eases material flow in food processing.
- High Wear Resistance – Durable for conveyor systems, cutting boards, and food equipment.
- Temperature Limits – Suitable for cold and moderate heat applications but not for high-temperature cooking.
- Easy to Machine & Maintain – Can be cut, shaped, and cleaned efficiently.
Common uses include conveyor components, cutting boards, wear strips, and food processing machinery parts. However, always verify specific grade compliance with industry standards.
How strong is UHMWPE?
UHMWPE is a strong and durable plastic with the following key properties:
- High Impact Strength – Absorbs heavy impacts without cracking or breaking.
- Excellent Wear Resistance – Outlasts many other plastics in abrasive environments.
- Tensile Strength – Typically ranges from 20–40 MPa, lower than metals but sufficient for heavy-duty applications.
- High Energy Absorption – Can withstand repeated stress and deformation without failure.
- Self-Lubricating – Reduces friction and wear in moving parts.
- Good Fatigue Resistance – Maintains strength under repeated load cycles.
- Low Notch Sensitivity – Less prone to cracking or breaking under stress.
Commonly used in conveyor systems, chute liners, marine fenders, and impact-resistant parts. While strong for plastic, it is not as rigid as metals and may deform under excessive load.
Uses of UHMWPE Rod:
- Conveyor components (guides, wear strips, rollers)
- Chute and hopper liners
- Cutting boards (food-grade applications)
- Marine fenders and dock bumpers
- Sprockets and chain guides
- Gears and bushings
- Bearings and wear pads
- Material handling equipment (slides, rollers)
- Truck bed liners
- Snowplow and scraper blades
- Medical implants (joint replacements)
- Bulletproof vests and armor panels
- Mining equipment (liners, guides)
- Pulp and paper industry components
- Chemical-resistant tank linings
What colour is UHMWPE Engineering Rod?
UHMWPE Rod is available in Natural (White), Black, Blue and Green
Why choose BB Engineering Plastics as your Plastic Rod Supplier?
With 25+ years’ experience in the supply of engineering plastic sheet and rod, Busy Bee is proud of our ability to source and supply small batch quantities quickly and efficiently to the Australian market. So, if you are looking for cut to size engineering solid plastic rod supplier, Busy Bee is your one stop shop.
Check out our other Plastic options online:
Not sure which option is best for you? Please Contact Us and our friendly team will be happy to help.
DISCLAIMER: It’s always the clients decision to ensure that the materials are right for the specification.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.