Extremely tough abrasion-resistant, low-cost plastic, used for a wide range of wear applications
UHMW (ultra high molecular weight polyethylene) is an extremely tough plastic with high abrasion and wear resistance. The versatility of polyethylene has made it a popular plastic for countless industrial applications that require durability, low friction, and chemical resistance. Applications include UHMW wear strips, chain guides, packaging machinery parts, and marine dock fender pads.
UHMW IS WIDELY USED FOR:
- Chute, hopper, and truck bed liners
- Wear strips and guide rails
- Star wheels and idler sprockets
- High-speed conveyors
- Packaging machinery parts
- Food processing machinery parts
- Bumpers, pile guards, and dock fenders
PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS:
- Extremely tough and durable
- Low friction
- Excellent abrasion resistance
- Good chemical resistance
- Low moisture absorption
- Easy to fabricate
COMMON BRANDS:
- Polystone®M
- Tivar®
- GUR®
STANDARD SIZES
| SHEET | Dimensions: 12 in x 12 in – 60 in x 120 in Thickness: 0.062 in – 7 in |
| POLYSTONE® MEGASHEET | Dimensions: 96 in x 240 in |
| ROD | Outside Diameter: 0.250 in – 10 in |
| COLOR | Sheet: White (Natural), Black, Green, Lime Green, Grey, Blue, Dark Blue Rod: White (Natural), Black |
| GRADES | Virgin, Reprocessed, Anti-Static, Oil-Filled, Glass-Filled, Enhanced Bearing and Wear, FDA Compliant, X-Ray and Metal Detectable. |
Length, width, thickness, and diameter tolerances vary by size, by manufacturer, brand, and grade. Custom sizes and colors available upon request. Also available as a tape.
TYPICAL PROPERTIES OF UHMW
| UNITS | ASTM TEST | UHMW-PE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | psi | D638 | 3,100 |
| Flexural modulus | psi | D790 | 110,000 |
| Izod impact (notched) | ft-lbs/in of notch | D256 | 18.0* |
| Heat deflection temperature @ 264 psi | °F | D648 | – |
| Maximum continuous service temperature in air | °F | 180 | |
| Water absorption (immersion 24 hours) | % | D570 | slight |
| Coefficient of linear thermal expansion | in/in/°Fx10-5 | D696 | 11.1 |
Values may vary according to brand name. Please ask your Curbell Plastics representative for more specific information about an individual brand. *Double-15° notch
POPULAR PLASTIC MATERIAL COMPARISONS:
- HDPE vs. UHMW — Both are abrasion resistant, but which is right for your specific application?
