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Ultra-high Molecular Weight Polyethylene, or UHMW Polyethylene and UHMW-PE for short, is a subset of HDPE (high-density polyethylene) compounds with some additional advantages. The material’s extremely long polymer chains help improve its overall toughness. It has a friction coefficient comparable to Teflon, but with better abrasion resistance. CNC machining in UHMW-PE is similar to machining other engineered plastics.
UHMW-PE is an advanced engineering plastic with exceptional toughness, chemical resistance, and wear-resistance characteristics that are even better than steel. UHMW-PE is widely used in the automotive and marine industries. Its low porosity and chemical inertness also make it food-safe.
CNC PlasticsUHMW machining produces tough and abrasion-resistant parts, making it ideal for applications that are exposed to impact loads and abrasive materials. Common applications include wear plates and seals. UHMW-PE is susceptible to creep and is not ideal for applications in which the parts are under continuous stress.
Generic UHMW-PE Properties
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Rockwell M) | Heat Deflection Temperature (°C) at 0.46 MPa | Melting Point (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20-30 | 300-600 | 60-70 | 160-169 | 130-146 |
UHMW-PE’s low friction coefficient makes it inherently resistant to coatings since the slick surface is difficult to bond to. We recommend leaving UHMW-PE in its as-machined state; however, FlagShip can accommodate media blasting and custom finishes if desired.
