10 Things to Consider When Buying Uhmwpe Plastics Plates

UHMW is difficult to pick out in a pile of HDPE plastics, but it is a totally different thermoplastic.

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In this article, we'll explore:

• What UHMW stands for
• Its unique qualities, and
• What makes it different from HDPE

Let's dive in.

What is UHMW?

Ultra-High Molecular Weight (UHMW) is the highest quality polyethylene (PE) available, engineered for extreme performance and a wide range of applications.

Because UHMW plastics are highly resistant to wear and tear, we use it for machining plastic components and chain guides destined for high-wear operations such as commercial and industrial conveyor systems.

Why is UHMW so resistant to wear?

Ultra High Molecular Weight is the secret of this polymer's unique properties. Its high-density polyethylene resin has a molecular weight range of 3 to 6 million, compared to 300,000 to 500,000 for high molecular weight (HDPE) resins. That difference ensures that this material is strong enough to withstand abrasion and impact better than lower level plastics.

UHMW-PE cannot be transformed and molded by conventional plastic processing techniques (injection molding, blow molding or thermoforming). Instead, it is shaped using techniques more commonly used for metals. Compression molding and extrusion are the most common conversion process used with this resin because it produces a stronger, more consistent product.

5 unique qualities of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene

All types of UHMW plastic used in our custom-fabricated parts offer the following five key characteristics:

1. Noise reduction

UHMW compounds interact as moving parts in such a way as to generate less noise through friction and contact with other components.

2. Self-lubrication

The unique molecular structure of UHMW polymers results in a self-lubricating material which exhibits excellent wear and abrasion properties as well as adding extremely high impact strength.

3. Corrosion resistance

UHMW polymers resist corrosion, making them ideal for applications that put them in contact with corrosive chemicals, such as acids.

4. Low friction

UHMW polymers feature a low coefficient of friction, well-suited for manufacturing chain channel, wear strips, belt scrapers, guides, and rollers. According to research, the co-efficient of dynamic friction of ultra high density polyethylene under dry conditions is around 0.1 (on average, which is low).

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5. Low moisture absorption

UHMW has an absorption rate of less than 0.01%, making it popular for a wide range of marine and other applications that require exposure to high levels of humidity and moisture.

The high molecular weight a UHMW material is what gives it a unique combination of high-impact strength, low co-efficient of friction and abrasion resistance that outwears carbon steel 10 to 1. That's why UHMW-PE is more suitable for many applications where lower density grades fail.

A plastic material worthy of mention that's frequently named next to UHMW is HDPE.

UHMW vs HDPE: Which is better?

HDPE stands for high-density polyethylene, and it is a petroleum thermoplastic used widely because of its appreciable moisture resistance, cost-effectiveness, and strength against chemical solvents. It's commonly used in building and construction since its short-polymer-chain molecular structure makes it a lightweight yet solid, durable plastic.

You'll find it in pipe fittings, containers for liquids like milk and alcohols, and plastic shopping bags. They even used it during World War II to shield high-frequency radar cables.

UHMW plastics' molecular structure, on the other hand, is made up of long polymer chains and a higher molecular weight than HDPE. Compared to HDPE, it doesn't absorb water at all and is a tougher, low-friction, and crack-resistant option.

This makes it ideal for sliding plates, screws, gears, and rollers. And that's why UHMW is a material of choice for custom fabrication of machining plastic components and chain guides at Slideways.

Interested in learning more about UHMW plastics?

UHMW (ultra high molecular weight polyethylene) plastic is the choice material for conveyors and packaging machinery. Its unique properties, ease of fabrication, and low-cost make it the optimal selection for this industry. Its ability to handle abrasion, impact, corrosive cleaning solutions, and wet environments enables UHMW to stand up to extensive wear and tear. Additionally, its dampening properties reduce conveyor noise and vibration. Made in large sheets for big or long parts, UHMW machines easily and can be extruded into complex profiles with thick or thin cross-sections. All these attributes make UHMW a great option for machine builders and maintenance personnel that are concerned with price, extending the life of initial installations, and repairs.

Though it seems like the perfect material, applications can cross the performance limits of Natural UHMW. Conveyor speeds are faster than ever putting more heat and stress on wear strips.  Fortunately, UHMW is a great foundation to build upon. Additives can be blended with the UHMW resin that address heat, static, speed, load, and other operating conditions. Other specialized UHMW materials can be recognized by x-ray and metal detectors to protect food manufacturers from recalls. There is even UV-resistant UHMW for outdoor applications.

Here are the most common UHMW properties found in conveyors and packaging machinery:

1. Natural UHMW

• The base material
• Color: White   
• FDA Compliant? Yes

2. Repro (Reprocessed) UHMW

• Contains 50% recycled UHMW
• Color: Black or Green, may have multi-colored flecks  
• FDA Compliant? No

3. High-Temp UHMW (HT-UHMW)

• Increases the maximum operating temperature from 180°F for Natural UHMW to 280°F
• Color: White  
• FDA Compliant? Yes

4. Oil-Filled UHMW

• Reduces friction with fluid lubricant throughout the plastic 
• Color: Gray   
• FDA Compliant? Yes

5. Lub-X® C

• Reduces friction with a dry lubricant dispersed throughout the plastic 
• Color: Light Blue   
• FDA Compliant? Yes

6. Glass-Bead Filled UHMW

• Glass-beads increase the surface hardness of UHMW 
• Color: Lime Green or Dark Blue   
• FDA Compliant? No

7. Electro-Static Dissipative (ESD UHMW)

• Relieves conveyors of static charge 
• Color: Black 
• FDA Compliant? No

8. Clean-Stat' UHMW

• This is an ESD UHMW that is food safe  
• Color: White     
• FDA Compliant? Yes

9. UV-Stabilized UHMW

• Provides 3X longer life in direct sunlight as compared to Natural UHMW
• Color: Black  
• FDA Compliant? No

Detectable UHMWs

The next three detectable UHMW properties have become commonplace for food safety applications. Detectable materials are targeted towards applications that come into direct contact with food or food packaging. All three of these UHMW materials can reduce the risk of food contaminated with plastic particles being shipped to customers eliminating a recall before it happens.

10. Blue Virgin UHMW

• For visual detection of plastic particles during food processing
• Color: Blue   
• FDA Compliant? Yes

11. Metal-Detectable UHMW

• Metal content in this UHMW allows metal detectors to sense particles as small as 3mm cubes
• Color: Dark Blue    
• FDA Compliant? Yes

12. X-Ray Detectable UHMW

• Contains x-ray detectable fillers that can be picked up by x-ray machines in particles as small as 3mm cubes
• Color: Blue    
• FDA Compliant? Yes

Typical Applications: This technology can be used to find plastic contamination even inside metal containers, so it is most often used for packaged foods. Applications for x-ray detectable UHMW include conveyor components, mixer paddles, wear strips, and belt scrapers or other parts that may break over time causing particles that can contaminate food.

UHMW properties are versatile and are well-suited for packaging machinery and conveyor applications. The next time you have a challenging application that is beyond the performance limits of Natural UHMW, consider one of the other formulations. The right choice of material will reduce friction and increase the usable life of your machinery.

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