UHMW Plastic | UHMW-PE | Piedmont Plastics

Common Properties

Common Brand Names Tivar®, Polystone®, Proteus®, Ultra - Slide
Typical Thickness Size 0.003 to 6 in
Typical Lengths 24 to 120 in
Typical Widths 12 to 48 in
Friendly Names Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene, UHMW - PE, UHMW Polyethylene
Common Profiles Rod, Sheet, Film, Tube
Typical Rod Diameters 0.250 – 6 in
Common Colors White, Black, Green, Blue

Physical Properties

Density 0.9g/cm³
Water Absorption 0.01%
Moisture Absorption at Equilibrium 0.2%
Linear Mold Shrinkage 0.005mm/mm
Melt Flow 10g/10 min

Electrical Properties

Dielectric Strength 48kV/mm
Dielectric Constant 2.3unitless
Dissipation Factor 0.0004unitless
Volume Resistivity 10^17ohm·cm
Surface Resistivity 10^16ohm/sq
Arc Resistance not specifiedseconds
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) not specifiedvolts
Thermal Coefficient of Dielectric Constant not specifiedunitless
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Sensitivity not specifiedunitless
Breakdown Voltage not specifiedvolts

Mechanical Properties

Hardness, Rockwell R 60Scale
Tensile Strength, Ultimate 40MPa
Tensile Strength, Yield 21MPa
Elongation at Break 350%
Elongation at Yield 10%
Modulus of Elasticity 690MPa
Flexural Yield Strength 21MPa
Flexural Modulus 650MPa
Compressive Yield Strength 21MPa
Bearing Yield Strength 21MPa
Shear Strength 28MPa
Izod Impact, Notched No Break-
Izod Impact, Unnotched No Break-
Gardner Impact >182J
Falling Dart Impact No Break-
Instrumented Impact Total Energy High-

Thermal Properties

CTE, linear 20010^-6 in/in/°F
CTE, linear, Transverse to Flow 20010^-6 in/in/°F
Deflection Temperature at 0.46 MPa (66 psi) 80°C
Deflection Temperature at 1.8 MPa (264 psi) 50°C
Vicat Softening Point 90°C
Flammability, UL94 HB
Max Continuous Operating Temperature in F 180°F
Minimum Operating Temperature in F - 150°F
Thermal Conductivity 0.41W/m·K

Regulations

FDA
ASTM/Mil-Spec
USDA
NSF
USP Class VI
Canada AG
RoHS Compliant
REACH Compliant

UHMW at Piedmont Plastics

Virgin UHMW, also known as UHMW-PE (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) is an unfilled grade of UHMW known for its toughness. It is a plastic material used across countless industries, including food and beverage, bottling and canning, conveying, material handling, and packaging.

This machinable thermoplastic is extremely versatile and has become a popular choice for industrial applications. UHMW is exceedingly useful, and will outwear alternative materials like metals, wood, and nylons. Let our plastic experts guide you through the selection process to find the right UHMW material for your application.

Featured Benefits of UHMW

Known for its extremely high molecular weight, UHMW boasts a unique set of characteristics that allow it to flourish in even the harshest environments. Virgin UHMW is a highly durable and cost-efficient material with superior impact and chemical resistance.

Its toughness, extremely low coefficient of friction, and inherent lubricity make UHMW ideal for applications where high levels of friction are likely to arise. As a result, this specialized internal lubrication feature helps reduce maintenance costs and energy consumption, while simultaneously extending the life of the equipment.

In addition, the continuous-use temperature range of UHMW is up to 180°F (82°C), and it maintains its physical properties at temperatures as low as -22°F (-30°C).

UHMW’s extremely high molecular weight makes it extremely resistant to abrasion and moisture absorption. Its molecular weight ranges from 3.1 million to 100 million grams per mole, with abrasion resistance improving as the molecular weight increases.

We also supply virgin UHMW that is FDA and USDA compliant and very easy to machine.

What is UHMW Used For?

Common Applications

UHMW Standard Material Size Options

We work with the world’s best suppliers to offer a wide range of UHMW materials to meet any need. Natural virgin UHMW is available in sheet, rod, and tube, and can be made to serve a variety of sizes and thicknesses. Ask about our cut-to-size services when you speak with us!

UHMW Sheet Dimensions	12″ x 12″ – 60″ x 120″
UHMW Sheet Thicknesses	0.060″ – 7″
UHMW Rod Diameter	0.25″ – 10″
UHMW Rod Length	1′ – 10′
UHMW Tube Outside Diameter	0.875″ – 9.5″
UHMW Tube Length	5′ – 10′
UHMW Colors	Natural, Black, Blue, Green, and other colors available upon request.

Have Questions About UHMW?

At Piedmont Plastics, we offer industry-leading solutions across countless industries. Our team of dedicated industrial specialists are ready to identify the best materials, so let our experts help you find the perfect UHMW product for your unique application.

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