What Is UHMW?
Ultra-High Molecular Weight polyethylene — molecular weight of 3.5 to 7.5 million g/mol versus 300,000-500,000 for standard HDPE. That 10-15x difference in chain length produces remarkable toughness, wear resistance, and self-lubricating properties no standard polyethylene can match.
Naturally white, odorless, chemically inert, absorbs no moisture, does not corrode, and produces no contamination risk in food and pharmaceutical contact applications.
Key Properties
Self-lubricating surface: Lowest coefficient of friction of any plastic — comparable to PTFE — requires no external lubrication.
Abrasion resistance: Outperforms carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and most engineering plastics in sliding abrasion tests.
Impact resistance: Exceptionally tough even at cryogenic temperatures — does not become brittle in cold storage.
FDA/USDA compliance: Natural (white) virgin UHMW meets FDA, USDA, and NSF requirements for direct food contact.
Chemical resistance: Resistant to a wide range of acids, alkalis, and solvents. Will not absorb moisture.
Noise dampening: Absorbs impact and vibration, reducing noise in conveyor systems.
Service temperature: ~180-200°F continuous. For higher temperatures, evaluate PEEK or nylon.
Applications
Grades
Standard for food contact, wear, and general industrial. FDA/USDA/NSF compliant. Always specify virgin for food contact — not reprocessed.
Carbon black for UV resistance. Required for outdoor, marine, and UV-exposed applications. Not for food contact.
For environments where static buildup creates ignition or contamination risks.
Blue, red, and other colors for food processing cross-contamination prevention protocols.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is UHMW FDA approved for food contact?
Yes — natural (white) virgin UHMW meets FDA, USDA, and NSF requirements. Always specify virgin natural for food contact, not reprocessed or recycled grades.
How does UHMW compare to HDPE?
UHMW has ~10-15x higher molecular weight than HDPE, translating to significantly better abrasion resistance, impact resistance, and lower friction. HDPE is stiffer and more economical for structural and tank applications.
Can UHMW be used outdoors?
Yes with black grade. Natural UHMW has limited UV resistance. Black UHMW with carbon black provides substantially better UV resistance.
Where can I buy UHMW?
Plastic-Craft Products stocks UHMW in sheet, rod, and tube at West Nyack, NY. No minimum orders. Call (845) 358-3010 or email [email protected].
Ready to Order UHMW?
Plastic-Craft stocks UHMW in a full range of grades and sizes — cut to exact dimensions with no minimum orders and in-house CNC fabrication.
(845) 358-3010