ORDER UHMW / UHMW-PE
Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene, or as it is abbreviated UHMW or UHMW-PE, is a thermoplastic in the polyolefin family. Sometimes it is called, high modulus polyethylene, and it is an extremely strong thermoplastic material. Among thermoplastics it has the highest impact strength currently available on the market.
UHMW is a type of polyolefin and features extremely long chains all aligned in the same direction. It was first synthesized in the 1950s. It is available in Sheet, Rod, and Tube, consolidated form. We offer the following sizes and options. Call us for custom orders.
Sheet Dimensions: 12″ x 12″ to 60″ x 120″
Thickness: 0.060″ – 6″
Rod Diameter: 0.25″ – 10″
Length: 1′ – 10′
Tube Outside Diameter: 0.875″ – 9.5″
Length: 5′ – 10′
Color: Sheet and Rod: Natural, Black, Blue, Green
Tube: Natural, Black, Blue, Green
Grades: Bearing Grade, Ceramic Filled, FDA, Virgin, Glass Filled, Reprocessed, Oil Filled, Static Dissipative, UV Resistant, Anti Skid, Flame Retardant, High Temperature, Metal Detectable
Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene has most all of the same characteristics of HDPE, with the additional traits of being inherently tough against concentrated acids and alkalis, and corrosive chemicals except for oxidizing acids. UHMW has a low moisture absorption and is self-lubricating. Compared to Acetal and Nylon, Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene in some forms, has a significantly lower coefficient of friction and is comparable to another product you can order from Polymershapes, polytetrafluoroethylene, also known as PTFE or Teflon. However, UHMW features improved abrasion resistance when compared to PTFE.
QUICK FACT: Ultra High Molecular Weight Poly, in some forms is 15x more resistant to abrasion than carbon steel!