UHMW Polyethylene Sheet.
Also known as UHMW sheet, UHMW-PE, UHMWPE and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene.
UHMW polyethylene sheet is a slick, tough plastic with very high abrasion and impact resistance and a low coefficient of friction. Plants use it for wear strips, chute and hopper liners, guide rails and conveyor parts. All Industry Supplies supplies UHMW sheet cut to your size, with a quote within 1 business day.
UHMW Polyethylene Sheet specifications
| Material | UHMW polyethylene |
|---|---|
| Grade | natural (other grades on request) |
| Also known as | UHMW sheet, UHMW-PE, UHMWPE, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene |
| Forms | Sheet |
| Density | About 0.93 g/cm³ (it floats in water) |
| Coefficient of friction | Low — about 0.1 to 0.3 against steel, depending on load and speed |
| Abrasion resistance | Among the highest of any thermoplastic |
| Max service temperature | About 180 °F (82 °C) unloaded; it softens well below that under load |
| Water absorption | Practically none (about 0.01% or less) |
| Tensile strength (typical) | About 2,800–3,000 psi (19–21 MPa) at yield; about 5,800 psi (40 MPa) at break |
| Sizes and lead time | Sizes, tolerances and lead times are quoted on request. |
Typical applications
- Wear strips and guide rails on conveyors
- Chute, hopper, bin and truck-bed liners for bulk material
- Star wheels, guides and change parts machined from sheet
- Bumpers, dock fenders and impact pads
- Slide pads and bearing pads for slow-moving loads
- Cutting boards and food-zone parts, in food-contact grades
UHMW Polyethylene Sheet vs. the alternatives
HDPE sheet
Lower in cost and easier to fabricate and weld, but it wears far faster. Choose HDPE for tanks, covers and low-wear parts. Choose UHMW anywhere parts slide or take abrasion.
Acetal sheet
Much stiffer, and it holds tight tolerances that UHMW cannot, so it suits precision parts such as gears, bushings and cams. UHMW wins on impact strength, abrasion and sliding wear, at lower cost.
Nylon 6/6 sheet
Stronger and stiffer with better heat resistance, but it absorbs moisture and swells. Choose UHMW for wet or washdown service and sliding wear, and nylon for load-bearing parts in dry service.
Machining and fabrication notes
UHMW machines easily with sharp tools but does not hold tight tolerances: it expands far more than metal with temperature and creeps under sustained load, so allow clearance in fits. Use sharp, high-rake cutters, light clamping, and air or water to keep the material cool. It cannot be glued with ordinary adhesives, so fasten it mechanically, with countersunk screws in slotted holes that let it expand.
Common questions about UHMW Polyethylene Sheet
What is UHMW sheet used for?
Mostly for parts that slide or take abrasion and impact: conveyor wear strips and guide rails, chute and hopper liners, bumpers, slide pads and machined change parts. Its low friction means bulk material slides off it rather than sticking.
What is the difference between UHMW and HDPE?
Both are polyethylene, but UHMW's molecular chains are many times longer. That makes it far more resistant to abrasion and impact. HDPE costs less and is easier to weld and form, so it suits tanks and covers. UHMW is the choice for wear parts.
How hot can UHMW get?
About 180 °F (82 °C) in continuous service for unloaded parts such as liners. It softens steadily as it warms and deflects at about 115 °F under a 264 psi load, so keep loaded parts cooler, and keep it away from steam lines, ovens and other hot surfaces.
Is UHMW safe for food contact?
UHMW is commonly made in grades that comply with FDA food-contact rules. If your part touches food, tick FDA food contact in the spec builder. Whether a compliant grade and its documentation can be supplied for your part is confirmed on the quote.
Can UHMW sheet be cut to size or into strips?
Yes. Send the thickness, width, length and quantity, or the strip size you need, and we quote within 1 business day. Holes, countersinks and shapes can be quoted from a drawing.
How do I fasten UHMW?
Mechanically. UHMW's waxy, low-energy surface gives ordinary adhesives nothing to grip. Use countersunk bolts or screws, and slot the holes along the length so the sheet can expand and contract with temperature without buckling.
Request a quote for UHMW Polyethylene Sheet
Enter the size and quantity you need. The line goes on your quote list with the full spec attached, next to any catalog parts, and we answer within 1 business day.
Related materials and services
Service
Cut-to-Size Plastic Sheet
All Industry Supplies supplies plastic and laminate sheet cut to your dimensions, from simple blanks and strips to shapes cut from your drawing.
Supplied throughUSA Industrials