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UHMW PE Plastic Material Overview
UHMW PE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) is a high-performance thermoplastic engineering plastic.
With a molecular weight ranging from 1.5 million to 9.2 million, it offers superior wear resistance, impact strength, and self-lubricating properties compared to standard plastics.
It is widely used in industries requiring anti-wear, low friction, and impact-resistant materials.
Key Features of UHMW PE
- Extremely low friction coefficient
- Outstanding abrasion resistance
- High impact resistance even at low temperatures
- Excellent chemical stability and corrosion resistance
- Low water absorption
- Self-lubricating properties
- Working temperature range: -150°C to 85°C
Due to thermal expansion, dimensional changes may occur at elevated temperatures, and design allowance is recommended for high-temperature applications.
Available Forms
We supply UHMW PE in multiple forms:
- UHMW Sheet
- UHMW Rod
- UHMW Tube
- UHMW Flake
All products can be customized according to your size and application requirements.
Applications in Material Handling Systems
UHMW PE is widely used in conveyor and bulk material handling industries:
- Conveyor flights (e.g. arc flights and flat flights)
- Drag conveyor chain components
- Slide tube lining plates
- Elevator bucket buffer liners
- Silo lining and bulk material discharge areas
- Impact and wear-resistant protection panels
UHMW PE Sheet in Production
Technical Data of UHMW PE Sheet
| Item | Unit | Test Method | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | g/cm3 | ASTM1505 | 0.94 |
| Tensile Break | Mpa | D638 | 42 |
| Elongation at Break | % | D638 | 350 |
| Izod Impact | Kj/m2 | D256 | ≥100 |
| Vicat softening temp | ℃ | ASTMD1512 | 134 |
| Linear Expansion Coefficient | 10-4/℃ | ASTMD648 | 1.5 |
| Maximum Operating Temp. (4.6kg/㎡) | ℃ | ASTMD648 | 90 |
| Ordinary type surface resistivity | Ω | ASTMD257 | 1013 |
| Antistatic type surface resistivity | Ω | ASTMD257 | 107 |
| Breakdown Voltage | KV/mm | ASTMD149 | 90 |
UHMW PE Rod
Specifications of UHMW PE Sheet, Rod, Tube and Flake
| Name | Length(mm) | Width(mm) | Thickness(mm) | Outside diameter(mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheet | 3060 | 1260 | 6.5-200 | |
| Rod | 300-1000 | 30-200 | ||
| Tube | 3000-5000 | 3-20 | 120-800 | |
| Flake | 110 | 3 |
UHMW PE Sheet Manufacturing Process (Press Machine)
How to Choose UHMW PE Sheet
Standard Size and Customization
The standard sheet size is 3060 × 1260 mm, with thickness ranging from 6.5 mm to 30 mm.
Custom cutting and machining are available according to your requirements.
Material Types
We offer different UHMW PE sheet types for various applications:
- White UHMW PE → Standard industrial use
- Black UHMW PE → Anti-static applications
- Grey UHMW PE → Reinforced type with higher strength
Molecular Weight Selection
The commonly supplied UHMW PE has a molecular weight of around 5 million (PE1000).
Higher molecular weight provides:
- Better wear resistance
- Longer service life
👉 UHMW PE is different from HDPE, which has a much lower molecular weight (around 200,000).
Application Photos of UHMW PE Products
UHMW PE vs Nylon – Material Comparison
UHMW PE is often the preferred choice for applications requiring extreme wear resistance and low friction in bulk material handling systems.
If you are currently using nylon materials, UHMW PE can be a more durable and longer-lasting alternative in high-wear environments.
| Property | UHMW PE | Nylon (PA / Oil Nylon) |
|---|---|---|
| Friction | Very low (excellent self-lubrication) | Low |
| Wear Resistance | Excellent | Good |
| Impact Resistance | Outstanding | Good |
| Weight | Very light | Light |
| Moisture Absorption | Very low | Higher |
| Noise | Very low | Low |
| Best Application | Liners, chutes, conveyors | Bearings, gears, bushings |
PU vs UHMW PE vs Nylon – Material Selection Guide
| Property | PU Polyurethane | UHMW PE | Nylon (PA / Oil Nylon) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wear Resistance | Excellent (up to 4× UHMW) | Very good | Good |
| Friction | Medium | Very low (best) | Low |
| Impact Resistance | Excellent | Outstanding | Good |
| Elasticity | High | Low | Medium |
| Moisture Absorption | Low | Very low | Higher |
| Noise | Low | Very low | Low |
| Best Application | High wear & heavy impact | Low friction & smooth flow | Mechanical parts & load-bearing |
- Choose PU → for extreme wear and high-impact conditions
- Choose UHMW PE → for low friction and smooth material flow
- Choose Nylon → for mechanical components like gears and bearings
Not sure which material is suitable for your application? Send us your working conditions, and we will recommend the best solution.
3 Quick Questions to Choose the Right Material
- Is your application facing heavy wear or strong impact?
→ Choose PU Polyurethane for maximum durability - Do you need smooth material flow and low friction?
→ Choose UHMW PE to reduce sticking and improve efficiency - Are you making mechanical parts like gears or bushings?
→ Choose Nylon (PA) for strength and machinability
Still not sure? Send us your application details, and we will recommend the best material for you.
When to Choose UHMW PE
- When high wear resistance is required
→ Ideal for applications with continuous abrasion such as chutes, hoppers, and conveyor systems - When low friction and smooth material flow are critical
→ Helps prevent material sticking and improves discharge efficiency - When working in wet or corrosive environments
→ Suitable for applications with moisture, chemicals, or outdoor conditions
Typical UHMW PE Applications in Material Handling Systems
Chute Liner (Conveyor Transfer Point)
UHMW PE sheets are widely used as chute liners to reduce wear and improve material flow at conveyor transfer points.
The low friction surface helps prevent material sticking and minimizes maintenance.
Hopper and Silo Lining
UHMW PE is commonly installed inside hoppers and silos to improve discharge performance.
It reduces material build-up and ensures smooth flow of bulk materials such as grain, coal, and powders.
Conveyor Wear Liner
Used as a wear liner in conveyor systems, UHMW PE protects steel structures from abrasion and impact.
This significantly extends equipment service life and reduces downtime.
UHMW PE is an ideal solution for wear protection and smooth material handling in bulk processing systems.
Get the Right UHMW Material for Your Application
Not sure which type or thickness is suitable for your project?
Send us your drawings or application details, and we will recommend the most suitable UHMW solution.











