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

Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW-PE) is a low friction engineering plastic with excellent chemical resistance and abrasive wear resistance. Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (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. Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW-PE) is 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) Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (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

Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW-PE) – FDA compliant (natural) • Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW-PE) – 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