UHMW or UHMW-PE (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. UHMW is easy to fabricate and machine.
Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW) comes in a variety of thicknesses, sizes, cut-to-size strips, blocks, grades, and colors. Grades include virgin, reprocessed, anti-static, FDA compliant, glass-filled, oil-filled, enhanced bearing and wear, x-ray, and metal detectable. UHMW tape is also available.
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For a glossary of terms, see our Plastic Properties Descriptions.
TYPICAL PROPERTIES
| |
UNITS |
ASTM TEST |
|
| Tensile Strength |
psi |
D638 |
3,100 |
| Flexural Modulus of Elasticity |
psi |
D790 |
110,000 |
| Izod Impact (notched) |
ft-lbs/in of notch |
D256 |
* |
| Heat Deflection Temperature (66psi / 264psi) |
°F |
D648 |
- |
Water Absorption
(Immersion 24 hours) |
% |
D570 |
slight |
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
| |
UNITS |
ASTM TEST |
|
| Specific Gravity |
- |
D792 |
0.93 |
Water Absorption
(Immersion 24 hours) |
% |
D570 |
slight |
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
| |
UNITS |
ASTM TEST |
|
| Tensile Strength |
psi |
D638 |
3,100 |
| Tensile Modulus of Elasticity |
psi |
D638 |
- |
| Tensile Elongation |
% |
D638 |
350 |
| Flexural Strength |
psi |
D790 |
- |
| Flexural Modulus of Elasticity |
psi |
D790 |
110,000 |
| Compressive Strength |
psi |
D695 |
- |
| Hardness |
scale as noted |
D785, D2240 |
Shore D 64 |
| Izod Impact |
ft-lbs/in |
D256 |
* |
THERMAL PROPERTIES
| |
UNITS |
ASTM TEST |
|
| Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion |
in/in/°F x 10-5 |
D696 |
11.1 |
| Heat Deflection Temperature (66psi / 264psi) |
°F |
D648 |
- |
| Max Continuous Service Temperature In Air |
°F |
- |
180 |
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
| |
UNITS |
ASTM TEST |
|
| Dielectric Strength |
V/mil |
D149 |
- |
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
| |
UNITS |
ASTM TEST |
|
| Light Transmittance |
% |
D1003 |
- |
| Haze |
% |
D1003 |
- |
OTHER
| |
UNITS |
ASTM TEST |
|
| Coefficient of Friction |
- |
Dynamic |
0.10 - 0.20 |
Values may vary according to brand name. Please ask your Curbell Plastics representative for more specific information about an individual brand.
Still Not Sure if You Need UHMW? Research UHMW or Ask a Plastics Expert.