UHMW-PE

UHMW-PE – Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene for Wear Strips and Food Processing

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) combines extraordinary wear and abrasion resistance, very low coefficient of friction, and excellent impact toughness at the lowest density of any engineering plastic (0.94 g/cm³). Its FDA-compliant nature and resistance to most cleaning chemicals make it the standard material for food processing wear components, conveyor guide rails, and marine fender systems.

Key Properties

• Wear Resistance: Outstanding — approximately 10× better than carbon steel in abrasion testing
• Coefficient of Friction: Very low (~0.1–0.2)
• Density: 0.94 g/cm³ — lightest engineering plastic
• FDA Compliance: Yes — food and beverage contact approved
• Impact Resistance: Excellent
• Standard: ASTM D4020

Common Applications

Conveyor wear strips and guide rails, cutting boards, food processing slides, star wheel liners, chute and hopper linings, dock fenders, and marine pile guards where abrasion and impact resistance are the primary requirements.