What is uhmw used for

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 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. Fasteners are the best way to secure UHMW to metal. The UHMW must be allowed to expand or float. Large flat head fasteners must be used. Fastener shaft holes in UHMW must be over-sized to allow for sheet expansion and contraction.

Back to Materials. Where is UHMW used? There are three tests you can perform: Burn Test — light it with a match and smell the smoke. If it smells like candle wax — that indicates polyethylene. Oven Test — place it in an aluminum dish in a degree oven. However, it could warp or distort due to built in stresses. What is the temperature range of UHMW? What are the heat characteristics of UHMW? Does UHMW degrade at higher temperatures? What chemicals affect UHMW?

How does the environment affect UHMW? Wind — no effect Rain or sea water — no effect Sun without protection — depends on thickness and location. The thicker the better. In Florida, Arizona, New Mexico, and other desert areas — less than one year. What is the flammability of UHMW? How can you tell if a sample of UHMW contains regrind? Can UHMW be used for underwater applications?. Yes, UHMW does not absorb water and is chemically inert.

How does UHMW protect metal from wearing away? Is it necessary to grease or oil UHMW? Is UHMW affected by cryogenics? Hydrogen and nitrogen don't affect it, but oxygen could. T weldable? T available in other colors? Is UHMW available in a conductive or anti-static form? Is there an alternative to coating parts? For example, HDPE and UHMW are both types of polyethylene plastic that can be used in a wide array of industries, from manufacturing to marine applications. There are many similarities between these two materials, leading some to believe that they are basically interchangeable.

However, there are some key differences that anyone purchasing either of these items should be aware of. This can help you ensure that the material you ultimately choose is well suited for your specific purpose and is able to hold up well over the long term.

Before we look at the differences between these two plastics and compare which one is more applicable to specific industries or purposes, it helps to have at least a basic understanding of the qualities of both HDPE and UHMW. HDPE stands for high density polyethylene. It is a durable plastic material that is resistant to abrasion and chemicals. When it comes to fabrication, the material can be shaped and welded using thermoplastic equipment, making it perfect for applications where a very specific shape is needed.

UHMW stands for ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. This plastic material is known for being extremely strong and abrasion-resistant. However, it is generally able to hold up better against friction and wear over time. Basically, both of these materials are known for being strong and durable.