Self-lubricating plastic with waxy surface, UHMW stands out with very low friction, remarkable abrasion and impact resistance, and virtually zero water absorption. In operation, it slides quietly against metal or plastic, sheds dirt well, and stays tough in cold.
Its chemical resistance is solid against many salts, acids, and bases. Less rigid than metals, it can creep under sustained load: plan for thermal expansion and large bearing areas. Bonding and painting are ineffective—mechanical fastening is preferred. Colors offered: Natural (white) and black. Stock thicknesses: 3/8" and 1/2".
Service Environment
Temperature: Usable below zero to approx. 80°C continuous service; beyond, stiffness drops and creep increases.
Moisture/chemistry: Non-hygroscopic; resists many aqueous acidic, basic, and saline environments. Some hydrocarbons can swell it—validate specific exposures.
UV/weather: Natural UHMW can chalk outdoors; black masks aging better and generally holds up better in sun.
Mechanical Behavior
Friction and wear: Very low coefficient, excellent notch and sliding wear resistance in conveyors, guides, and chutes.
Impact: Absorbs energy without cracking, useful for bumpers and deflectors.
Stiffness and creep: Modulus lower than many engineering plastics; avoid large unsupported spans and prefer broad bearing areas.
Fabrication and Assembly
Cutting/machining: Sawing and CNC machining deliver smooth edges; use sharp tools and positive chip evacuation to limit smearing.
Forming: Limited; parts generally flat or slightly curved.
Fastening: Prefer through-bolts, rivets, and mechanical retainers. Use large washers/backing plates and provide oversized holes/slots for expansion over long lengths.
Bonding/painting: Generally not recommended without specialized surface treatments.
Appearance and Maintenance
Natural (white): Clean utility appearance; wear marks show moderately.
Black: Masks handling marks and aging better; uniform visual finish in industrial context.
Common Applications
Wear strips, chain and belt guides, slide pads, and rails.
Chute and hopper liners, slide panels for aggregates, grains, and parts.
Protection and impact: Bumpers, dock fenders, scraper shoes, and wear plates.
Fixtures and tooling: Non-marring bearing pads, sliding nests, and spacers in wet environments.
Thickness Guide
3/8" (≈9.5 mm): Wear strips, small to medium liners, guide rails, and pads when moderate stiffness suffices.
1/2" (≈12.7 mm): Heavy liners, impact panels, bucket/hopper wear faces, and larger bumpers where thickness reduces deflection.
Design Tips
Use radii/fillets at internal corners, avoid sharp notches, and plan "retain-and-float" mounts with clearance for movement.
For large panels, add ribs or frames to limit bowing; with metal, consider compatible hardware and broad clamping surface to minimize impressions.
Process and Tabs
In CNC machining (and waterjet as needed), small tabs may hold parts during cutting for optimal precision; plan for light deburring after separation.
In Brief
UHMW offers very long wear life, quiet sliding, and robust impact resistance for liners, guides, and protective parts, in 3/8" and 1/2", natural or black.