Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW-PE)

MATERIAL DATA SHEET The information contained herein is typical and intended for REFERENCE USE ONLY. This information should NOT be used as a basis for design, manufacturing or quality assurance purposes. Please contact us for complete, manufacturer-approved material property data sheets. All values below are at 72°F (23°) unless otherwise noted.

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Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW-PE) Specifications

Description

UHMW-PE is a low friction engineering plastic with excellent chemical resistance and abrasive wear resistance. UHMW-PE is widely used in conveyors, packaging machinery, and food processing machinery since it is inherently low friction, wears well, and is not abrasive to mating parts. UHMW-PE can be manufactured with extremely low levels of residual stress so that it can be machined into complex parts with minimal deformation. It is often used to line or replace abrasion-resistant steel plate in bulk material handling applications when low friction, corrosion resistance, and excellent wear properties are essential. Natural (white) UHMW-PE is FDA compliant for use in food processing machinery.

Applications

Packaging and food processing machinery components • Star wheels and guide rails • Idler sprockets • Timing screws • Hopper, chute, truck bed, and railcar liners • Conveyor components • Bearings and bushings • Under-chain wear strips

Advantages of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW-PE)

Excellent abrasive wear resistance • Low friction • Promotes the flow of bulk material (sand, soy beans, coals, etc.) • Low moisture absorption • High impact strength – even at cold temperatures • Excellent chemical resistance • FDA and USDA compliant (natural only), 3A Dairy, NSF Standards 51, 61 on specific resins • Low cost

Manufacturing Capabilities

Sheet: 1/8” to 6” thick • Tube: 11/8” to 31/2” O.D.

Color/Grades

Lennite – FDA compliant (natural) • Lennite II – non-FDA (natural, gray and black) • Custom colors available in both FDA compliant and non-FDA grades.

Typical Properties of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW-PE)

	Units	ASTM Test	Result
Mechanical Properties
Hardness-Shore D	-	D2240	D61
Izod Impact Strength Dbl Notched @ 73°F	ft•lbs/in	D256	18
Tensile Elongation @break	%	D638	>350.0
Tensile Elongation @yeild	%	D638	-
Tensile Strength @break	psi	D638	6,00
Tensile Strength @yeild	psi	D638	2,800
Thermal Properties
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion	in/in/°F	D696	11.0x105
Heat Deflection Temp @66 psi	°F	D6488	203
Electrical Properties
Dielectric Constant @ 60Hz	-	D150	2.30
Dielectric Strength	kv/cm	D149	900
Dissipation Factor @50Hz	-	D150	0.00019
Dissipation Factor @100Hz	-	D150	0.00025
Volume Resistivity	ohm·cm	D257	>1016
Other Properties
Specific Gravity	-	D792	0.930
Water Absorption @24 hrs	%	D570	Nil