What is ULTREX® UHMW/PE?
ULTREX® UHMW/PE, or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, is a descriptively named plastic with exceptional properties. It is the highest quality polyethylene (PE) available and is engineered for tough jobs.
This sturdy material offers excellent abrasion resistance, meaning it can withstand wear and tear better than other materials. This makes ULTREX® UHMW/PE ideal for handles of all kinds, bearings, conveyor systems, and chutes. ULTREX® UHMW/PE is also chemical resistant and has a low coefficient of friction.
Unlike other plastics, ULTREX® UHMW/PE does not become brittle in cold weather, meaning it can be used in a wide range of applications, both indoors and outdoors.
What are ULTREX® UHMW/PE benefits?
ULTREX® UHMW/PE is a polymer with excellent resistance to stress and high resistance to cracking and wear. It also has a low coefficient of friction, making it ideal for use in many industrial applications.
What industries use ULTREX® UHMW/PE?
ULTREX® UHMW/PE is a versatile plastic that has many uses in a wide range of industries. Some of the most common applications include:
-Heavy industry: ULTREX® UHMW/PE is often used in conveyor belts, bearings, and gears because it is strong and resists wear and tear.
-Medical industry: ULTREX® UHMW/PE is non-toxic and non-allergenic, so it is used in medical devices and implants.
-Food industry: ULTREX® UHMW/PE is safe to use in contact with food, so it is often used as a coating for food processing equipment.
-Aerospace industry: ULTREX® UHMW/PE is lightweight and does not become brittle in cold weather, making it ideal for aerospace applications.
– Paper & pulp industry: The low coefficient of friction makes ULTREX® UHMW/PE ideal for paper and pulp processing.
– Packaging industry: ULTREX® UHMW/PE’s strength and durability are ideal for this industry.
– Chemical industry: ULTREX® UHMW/PE is used in the chemical industry because it is chemically resistant.
Apart from this, ULTREX® UHMW/PE is also used in other industries like the power industry, minerals and metals industry, and the transportation industry. ULTREX® UHMW/PE is a versatile plastic that has many uses. ULTREX® UHMW/PE is just one type of plastic with exceptional properties that make it ideal for a wide range of applications.
How does it compare to other materials?
Other materials can’t compare to ULTREX® UHMW/PE’s exceptional properties. This sturdy material offers excellent abrasion resistance, meaning it can withstand wear and tear better than other materials. This makes ULTREX® UHMW/PE ideal for handles of all kinds, bearings, conveyor systems, and chutes. ULTREX® UHMW/PE is also chemical resistant and has a low coefficient of friction. Unlike other plastics, ULTREX® UHMW/PE does not become brittle in cold weather. This means that it can be used in a wide range of applications, both indoors and outdoors.
Does ULTREX® UHMW/PE expand?
Some expansion occurs with ULTREX® UHMW/PE, but not as much as with other plastics. The amount of expansion that does occur is directly related to the temperature fluctuations experienced by the plastic. In general, ULTREX® UHMW/PE can dramatically change dimensions over temperature variations.
What is the temperature range of UHMW/PE?
The Spiratex Company’s standard blends of UHMW/PE are good up to an ambient temperature of 185F. We also manufacturer a high-temp blend of UHMW that is good up to an ambient of 265F.
What is mechanical grade or reprocessed UHMW/PE?
Concern for the environment is of great importance to Spiratex. UHMW/PE is one plastic that can be recycled. Here at Spiratex we collect unused and trimmed scrap for recycling into mechanical grade UHMW/PE. FDA requirements do not allow for certification of reprocessed UHMW/PE, but this mechanical grade is perfectly effective for non-food applications like chain guides or bumpers.
What is the quality of reprocessed, mechanical grade UHMW/PE?
Reprocessed UHMW/PE has the same wear characteristics as virgin UHMW/PE. It also has the same low friction characteristics as virgin UHMW/PE. There are wildly different anecdotal results noted by various end users regarding the wear capabilities of reprocessed UHMW/PE. Some people say it lasts longer; some people think it wears out quicker. However, good quality reprocessed UHMW/PE, as made by Spiratex, should have the same life as virgin UHMW/PE.
What is the molecular weight of UHMW/PE?
Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW/PE) has an average molecular weight greater than 3,100,000 as defined by ASTM D4020 standards for UHMW/PE. UHMW/PE is a linear polyolefin that is made up extremely long chains of polyethylene, which all align in the same direction. Commercially offered resins are available from 3-6 million molecular weight, with resins in the 3.1-4.5 range having the best combination of impact strength and abrasion resistance. The molecular weight of UHMW/PE must be approximated using the solution viscosity procedure found in ASTM D4020. There are several different trade names for UHMW/PE throughout the industry. Our proprietary trade name is “Ultrex”.
Can UHMW/PE be injection molded?
The different methods of molecular weight calculations from around the world have led to some claims that UHMW/PE can be injection molded. No one has proven this to be true. We have tested what is supposedly injection-molded UHMW and found it to be HDPE, which is a completely different plastic.