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UHMW-PE
Material Type
Plastic
Material Name
UHMW-PE
Alternative Names
Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene | High-Modulus Polyethylene | HMPE
Process Compatibility
CNC Machining, Injection Molding
introduction
UHMW-PE in CNC Machining and Injection Molding
Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW-PE) is a type of polyethylene with a very high molecular weight
UHMW-PE has minimal moisture absorption, excellent wear resistance, low friction, and high impact strength. It is known for its self-lubricating properties due to its low coefficient of friction. It is a thermoplastic material which softens when heated and hardens when cooled. UHMW-PE tends to melt rather than chip during machining, so we control the heat using higher cutting speeds and lower feed rates. Cooling is important to prevent overheating and melting, so we use coolants or air blasts during machining.
This material is lightweight, odorless, tasteless, and non-toxic. It shares properties with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and offers additional benefits, such as resistance to concentrated acids, alkalis, and various organic solvents. It is highly resistant to corrosive chemicals, except for oxidizing acids. Furthermore, it has excellent abrasion resistance—up to 15 times more resistant than carbon steel in certain forms. Although its friction coefficient is similar to polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon), UHMW-PE has greater abrasion resistance.
Properties
Properties Table of UHMW-PE
| MECHANICAL PROPERTIES | |
|---|---|
| Ultimate Tensile Strength(UTS) | 38.6-48.3 MPa |
| Yield Strength(0.2% offset) | 21.4-27.6 MPa |
| Young's Modulus(Elasticity) | 0.894-0.963 GPa |
| Elongation at Break | 200-500% |
| Hardness | 3.4-8.3 HV |
| Physical Properties | |
| UV Resistance | Good |
| Ductility and Flexibility | Excellent |
| Density | 0.93 g/cm³ |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent |
| Porosity | Low |
| Thermal Properties | |
| Maximum Service Temperature | 80-110°C |
| Thermal Expansion Coefficient | 234-360 x 10^-6/°C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.19-0.197 W/(m·°C) |
| Electrical Properties | |
| ESD Safety | No |
TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW
Basic Knowledge of UHMW-PE
What is UHMW-PE?
Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) is a type of polyethylene, a thermoplastic material. It has exceptionally long molecular chains, typically ranging from 3.5 to 7.5 million atomic mass units (amu). The extended chain structure enhances load transfer within the material, leading to outstanding toughness and the highest impact strength among thermoplastics.
This material has high abrasion resistance, low friction, self-lubrication, non-stick surface, chemical fatigue and impact resistance, and effective noise dampening. It is highly resistant to wear and abrasion, performing well even at extremely low temperatures (as low as -259 degrees C). However, it starts to lose its abrasion resistance around 185 degrees F. Due to its significant expansion/contraction rate when temperatures change, UHMW is not recommended for close tolerance applications in environments with frequent temperature variations.
Advantages of UHMW-PE
- Low friction coefficient
- High chemical resistance
- Excellent impact strength
- Low moisture absorption
- Self-lubricating
- Lightweight
- High wear resistance
- FDA-approved for food contact
- High tensile strength
- Abrasion-resistant
Applications of UHMW-PE
- Bulletproof vests
- Conveyor belts
- Medical implants
- Bearings and bushings
- Chute liners
- Ice rink barriers
- Marine fender pads
- Cable sheathing
- Cutting boards
- Gear wheels
- Synthetic ice surfaces
- Defense vehicle components
- Food processing equipment
- Automotive components
- Wear strips
- Pump components
- Rollers and pulleys
- Insulators
- Aerospace components
- Textile industry parts
FAQ
Machining UHMW-PE Buying FAQ
UHMW-PE has a much higher molecular weight, making it more wear-resistant, durable, and able to withstand impact better than HDPE. UHMW-PE also has a lower coefficient of friction and is self-lubricating.
UHMW-PE is a hard plastic. It is known for its high tensile strength, impact resistance, and hardness. Despite being a hard plastic, it also exhibits some flexibility and is not brittle.
Yes, UHMW-PE typically floats in water. Its low density and molecular structure make it buoyant, allowing it to float on water's surface.
HDPE is cheaper than UHMW-PE. The increased molecular weight and specialized manufacturing processes make UHMW-PE more expensive to produce. HDPE is a cost-effective option for many applications where extreme wear resistance and other specific properties of UHMW-PE are not required.
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