UHMW Polyethylene properties
UHMW is ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, a tough, slippery plastic with outstanding wear and impact resistance and very low friction. It is the standard material for wear strips, liners, and sliding surfaces.
Mechanical properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 5,800 psi (40 MPa) |
| Flexural modulus | 110,000 psi (0.76 GPa) |
| Elongation at break | 350% |
| Hardness | Shore D 65 |
Physical properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.034 lb/in³ (940 kg/m³) |
| Melting point | about 130 to 135 °C |
Thermal properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Max service temperature | about 80 °C continuous |
| Thermal expansion | 200 µm/m·°C |
| Thermal conductivity | 0.41 W/m·K |
Values are typical for the grade and condition shown. Actual properties vary with temper, heat treatment, and product form, so use these for comparison and preliminary design and confirm against material certificates for final work.
Compare with other materials
See the Material Properties Comparison, Yield Strength, and Density charts.
Typical uses
UHMW is used for wear strips, conveyor and chute liners, guide rails, bearings, and sliding surfaces. Its slick, abrasion-resistant surface lets bulk materials slide without sticking, and it shrugs off impact and many chemicals, often outlasting metal in wear service.
How it compares
UHMW is far tougher and more abrasion resistant than ordinary HDPE and far slicker than Delrin or nylon, but much softer and less stiff. It is the wear and sliding specialist, chosen for liners and guides rather than load-bearing structural parts.
FAQ
What is UHMW used for?
Wear strips, liners, guide rails, and sliding surfaces. Its low friction and abrasion resistance make it ideal where materials must slide without sticking.
Is UHMW stronger than HDPE?
It has far higher abrasion and impact resistance than standard HDPE thanks to its very long molecular chains, though stiffness is similar.
Does anything stick to UHMW?
Very little. Its slippery surface resists sticking and is hard to bond or paint, which is exactly why it works as a sliding liner.