UHMW
Extremely tough abrasion resistant, low cost plastic, used for a wide range of wear applications
About UHMW Plastic
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.
Is UHMW material right for your next project? Our experts can answer your questions and advise on material applications, and machined or fabricated parts.
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.
UHMW Material Properties and Options
UHMW Liners– UHMW sheet is often used for lining chutes and hoppers to protect metal surfaces and to keep solid materials like sand, wood chips, or coal moving smoothly.
UHMW Parts– Easy to fabricate, UHMW is also used for packaging, conveyor, and food processing machinery parts including star wheels, idler sprockets, and under-chain wear strips.
UHMW Wood Replacement– UHMW offers very low moisture absorption and is a popular choice for marine construction applications like dock fender pads, pile guards, and anti-skid walkways. UHMW does not corrode, rot, or splinter like wood.
X-ray Detectable UHMW– Polystone® M XDT is an FDA compliant detectable UHMW material designed to be visible to x-ray inspection technology. It has excellent impact and wear resistance, and low sliding properties for food and beverage processing.
Reprocessed UHMW– Polystone® M Reprocessed offers an economical UHMW solution with a low friction coefficient and superior wear resistance, perfect for applications demanding high durability and smooth performance.
UHMW Grades– Several grades of UHMW plastic are available, including grades with enhanced bearing and wear, and FDA compliance.
Tech Tip– Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene has a relatively high coefficient of thermal expansion. This may make it difficult to hold tight tolerances on UHMW parts that will be exposed to changing temperatures.
Typical UHMW Properties
Physical Properties
Mechanical Properties
Thermal Properties
Electrical Properties
Optical Properties
Other Properties
Values may vary according to brand name. Please ask your Curbell Plastics representative for more specific information about an individual brand.
FAQS ABOUT UHMW
Get answers to frequently asked questions about UHMW
What is UHMW material?
What is Virgin UHMW?
What is Reprocessed UHMW?
Is UHMW FDA Compliant?
Can UHMW be used as a wood replacement?
What is UHMW plastic used for?
Which is stronger, HDPE or UHMW?
Are there different grades of UHMW?
Does UHMW swell in water?
What are the disadvantages of UHMW plastic?
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Fabrication & Machined Parts
Curbell supplies fabricated and machined plastic parts manufactured via CNC routing, milling, vacuum forming, die cutting, and more.
Research Materials
We carry an extensive inventory of plastic sheets, rods, tubes, film, tapes, adhesives and more from highly qualified manufacturers.
Specialized Services
We provide value for our customers with inventory programs, troubleshooting, traceability, process efficiencies, and more.
Fabrication & Machined Parts
Curbell supplies fabricated and machined plastic parts manufactured via CNC routing, milling, vacuum forming, die cutting, and more.
