UHMW Polyethylene Sheet & Rod: Wear-Resistant, Self-Lubricating Solutions

Quick Answer

UHMW (Ultra High Molecular Weight) Polyethylene is a high-performance plastic distinguished by its superior abrasion resistance, low friction, and impact strength, making it a strong choice for applications demanding long service life. This material is frequently selected for components such as conveyor guides, wear strips, and chute liners, and is particularly valued in food processing due to its self-lubricating properties and compliance with FDA, USDA, and 3-A dairy standards. UHMW differentiates itself from HDPE with a significantly higher molecular weight, which provides substantially better abrasion resistance and long-term sliding performance for tough applications. It is also ITAR and RoHS compliant.

UHMW Sheet and UHMW Rod for abrasion resistance

Why Professionals Choose UHMW plastic for wear resistance.

When Should You Choose UHMW Sheet Instead of Another Plastic?

UHMW sheet is a strong choice when your application requires excellent abrasion resistance, low friction, impact resistance and long service life.

It is commonly selected for conveyor guides, wear strips, chute liners, chain guides, rollers, food-processing components and other parts exposed to continuous sliding or abrasive wear.

Choose UHMW when wear resistance and low friction matter more than high temperature capability or tight dimensional stability. For applications requiring higher operating temperatures or greater stiffness, materials such as nylon, acetal or PTFE may be a better fit.

What Is the Difference Between UHMW Sheet and HDPE Sheet?

UHMW and HDPE belong to the polyethylene family, but UHMW has a much higher molecular weight. This gives UHMW substantially better abrasion resistance, impact strength and long-term sliding performance.

HDPE is often selected for tanks, cutting boards, fabricated parts and general-purpose applications. UHMW is usually the better choice for wear surfaces, conveyor components, guides and parts subjected to repeated friction.

Wear resistance is the primary reason manufacturers use UHMW for tough applications. The self-lubrication properties of UHMW make this an excellent choice in Food Processing and Wear applications.

What Is UHMW Plastic? – TIME BUSINESS NEWS

What Is UHMW Performance Plastic? – Tech Hive Daily

Why Food Processing Equipment Manufactures use UHMW-PE :

Very low specific gravity (floats in water)
Superior wear resistance
Very low moisture Absorption
High chemical resistance
Very low cost vs. physical properties

This material is excellent wearing and very abrasion resistant – one of the best materials made for these properties. Promotes the flow of bulk material (sand, soy beans, coal, etc). Superior material for wear strip, conveyor rails, slide plate, wear pads.

5 Important Resons to Choose UHMW-PE:

Very low moisture absorption
FDA, USDA and 3-A dairy compliantSuperior wear resistance
Chemically resistant to chlorine and caustic/acidic cleaning agents
Offers excellent strength, rigidity and machinability
UHMW is ITAR compliant, and UHMW is RoHS compliant

Frequently used in:

* Food, Dairy and Packaging equipment
* Timing screws, wear and slide machined parts
* Star wheels, idler sprockets and guide rails
* FDA and 3-A approved material for Scraper blades
* Hopper, chute lining, feeder lines and wear plates

What UHMW Materials are Available and in What Forms?

UHMW Sheet:

.125″ – 4″ in Natural (white) up to 48″ X 120″

Black available in many thicknesses

Some sheet available up to 8″ thick contact for details.

UHMW Rod:

.250″ – 8″ diameter in Natural (White) and in some diameter Black up to 120″ lengths

Larger diameter available in non-FDA grades, contact for details.

UHMW Film:

.005″ – .060″ in up to 48″ wide Natural with and without adhesive

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General Property ASTM Test Typical Value
Specific Gravity D792 .93 – .94
Tensile Strength Yield D638 6,800
Coefficient of Friction – Static D1894 .25
Izod Impact – Notched D256 No Break
Hardness – Rockwell D785 R64
Vicat Softening Temp D1525 260
Deflection Temp @ 66 psi D648 174
Co. Thermal Expansion D696 11.0X10-5

UHMW Sheet and UHMW Rod

UHMW Polyethylene material is used frequently in a self lubricating bearing surface or slide type application. In fact, many of our clients refer to UHMW as ‘machinable solid wax‘ sheet. The wear resistance of this awesome plastic will impress you, as it is the most wear resistant of any unfilled material available.UHMW Polyethylene Timing Roller

Resistant to most common chemicals. Commonly replaces aluminum, Acetals, and Nylons. Used frequently in Food and Dairy Processing, Material Handling, Fluid Handling, and Automotive. UHMW is great for wear strips, rub rails, guides, conveyor parts, feed screws, and many more applications.

UHMW Rod is machined to make pulleys, wheels, and washers. UHMW sheet is machined to produce FDA approved slip surfaces, food process fixtures, and scrapers. Some popular brand or trade names are Polystone® M, Lennite®, Tivar®, Duravar®, Gardur®, Solidur®, Polyslick®, UHMV®, Polyfend®, and Durasurf®.

We stock a very large inventory of UHMW performance plastic sheets and rods.