UHMW
Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW)
Ultra High Molecular Weight (UHMW) Polyethylene combines a low coefficient of friction with excellent abrasion resistance to excel in a wide variety of sliding applications. UHMW is chemically inert, absorbs virtually no moisture, and can be machined very easily.
UHMW is unbreakable even at extremely low temperatures, and is FDA and USDA compliant. Various fillers can be utilized to increase the wear resistance and surface lubricity of the material.
Formulations:
Virgin: Unfilled, food grade
Reprocessed: Similar to virgin, non-FDA
Oil Filled: Lower coefficient of friction
Dry Lubricant Filled: Internally lubricated
Glass bead filled: Improved material flow
UV Stabilized: Improved weatherability
Electrostatic Dissipative: Eliminates static build-up
Heat Stabilized: Rated to higher temperatures
Key Industries Served:
Food & Beverage Processing: FDA and USDA compliant UHMW is widely used in conveyor belt guides, side rails, sprockets, and star wheels. Its low friction surface keeps systems moving efficiently while resisting wear and bacterial growth in hygienic environments.
Agriculture & Grain Handling Equipment: UHMW excels in high-friction, abrasive environments like feed screws, chute liners, chain guides, and augers. It withstands harsh field conditions, supporting equipment used in harvesting, grain silos, and livestock care.
Material Handling & Packaging: Commonly found in bearings, bushings, rollers, and wear strips, UHMW ensures smooth, low-friction motion in conveyor systems, reducing energy consumption and equipment wear.
Mining & Bulk Material Transport: With excellent abrasion and impact resistance, UHMW performs in high-load, high-wear applications such as chute liners, hoppers, and drag flights—handling rugged conditions while extending component life.
Automotive & Heavy Equipment Manufacturing: Used in chain guides, slide pads, and bumpers, UHMW protects critical moving parts and reduces maintenance in vehicles and large-scale industrial machines.
Water & Wastewater Treatment: UHMW is chemically inert and moisture-resistant, making it ideal for slide components, and guides in wet or chemically aggressive treatment environments.
Construction & Infrastructure: UV-stabilized grades and weather-resistant formulations make UHMW suitable for outdoor wear components, forming boards, protective liners, and outrigger pads.
Recreation & Amusement Equipment: Durable, impact-resistant, and weatherable, UHMW is a go-to material for snowplow blades, playground slides, and guide rails in high-use environments.
Applications
- Augers
- Bearings
- Belt Guides
- Bushings
- Chain Guides
- Feed Screws
- Rollers
- Side Rails
- Slide Pads
- Sprockets
- Star Wheels
- Wear plates
- Wear Strips
- Wheels
Features/Properties
- Chemical Resistant
- Easily machined
- Excellent abrasion resistance
- FDA Compliant
- Impact Resistant
- Low Coefficient of Friction
- USDA Compliant