UHMW

Extremely tough abrasion resistant, low cost plastic, used for a wide range of wear applications

About UHMW

stacked sheets of UHMW in various colorsUHMW (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 stripschain guides, packaging machinery parts, and marine dock fender pads.

Is UHMW right for your next project? Our plastics 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 Properties and Material 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 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.

UHMW Grades– Several grades of UHMW are available, including reprocessed, enhanced bearing and wear, and FDA compliant.

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 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.

We're Here to Help

Can’t find what you need? Have a technical question?

Related Materials

hdpe-sheet-bw

HDPE

Durable, versatile, low cost, abrasion and chemically resistant plastic material.

acetal-sheet-rod-tube-bw

Acetal

High strength, stiff, low friction engineering plastic with good wear properties.

nylon-group-castnylon

Nylon

Strong, stiff engineering plastic often used to replace metal bearings and bushings.

polycarbonate-sheet-clear

Polycarbonate

Transparent, strong and stiff thermoplastic with outstanding impact resistance.

hdpe-sheet-bw

HDPE

Durable, versatile, low cost, abrasion and chemically resistant plastic material.

acetal-sheet-rod-tube-bw

Acetal

High strength, stiff, low friction engineering plastic with good wear properties.

nylon-group-castnylon

Nylon

Strong, stiff engineering plastic often used to replace metal bearings and bushings.

polycarbonate-sheet-clear

Polycarbonate

Transparent, strong and stiff thermoplastic with outstanding impact resistance.

CONTINUE YOUR RESEARCH

UHMW AVAILABLE ONLINE

Buy UHMW now with our easy, secure checkout. Enter custom cuts or cut-to-size when ordering. No minimums required. Volume discounts available for large commercial orders.

stacked sheets, rods, and tubes of acetal in various colors

Materials

We carry an extensive inventory of plastic sheets, rods, tubes, film, tapes, adhesives and more from highly qualified manufacturers.

Engineer technician designing drawings of mechanical parts

Specialized Services

We provide value for our customers with inventory programs, troubleshooting, traceability, process efficiencies, and more.

Acrylic sheet carving machine with a Flatbed cnc machine

Fabrication & Machined Parts

Curbell supplies fabricated and machined plastic parts manufactured via CNC routing, milling, vacuum forming, die cutting, and more.

PRODUCT DISCLAIMER
Curbell Plastics, Inc. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. All other trademarks, service marks and logos used herein are property of their respective owners. All rights hereto are retained by Curbell Plastics and any third party owners of such rights. All statements, technical information and recommendations contained in this publication are for informational purposes only. Curbell Plastics, Inc. does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information contained herein and it is the customer's responsibility to conduct its own research and make its own determination regarding the suitability of specific products for any given application.

©2023 Curbell Plastics, Inc. All rights reserved.

California Transparency in Supply Chains Act | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy