Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene, or UHMW/PE, is one of the most versatile and efficient polyethylene plastics manufactured in today’s industrial marketplace.
Qualities that make UHMW/PE a popular thermoplastic choice
UHMW/PE has a number of exceptional qualities that make it a desirable part component. They include:
- high impact strength
- high abrasion resistance
- self-lubricating
- low friction
- chemical resistant
- water repellent
- excellent dielectric and insulating properties
- stress-crack resistant
- biologically inert
- available in a variety of colors and blends that are acceptable for use in FDA food contact applications
Unlike most common thermoplastics, UHMW/PE can’t be injection molded. However, UHMW/PE parts can be machined out of sheet or extruded. Extrusion is a high-volume manufacturing process where raw material is melted and formed into a continuous profile.
Spiratex is the exclusive manufacturer of ULTREX™ UHMW/PE, which is The Spiratex Company’s registered trade name for Ram Extruded Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW/PE).
Custom ULTREX™ extrusions have virtually no ram lines, and have many advantages over machined parts including:
- Better Finish: ULTREX™ Extrusions provide a smooth, silky finish on ALL surfaces.
- Better Value: Extrusion is a better value proposition. Less waste! Less Labor. Use only the material that you need.
- Intricate/Complex Shapes: Items can be extruded into shapes that are not easily machined.
- Environmentally Friendly: No excess plastic drops and shavings to end up in oceans or landfills.
- Longer Lengths: Extrusion is a continuous process, parts lengths are virtually unlimited.
- No Minimums. We extrude by the inch or mile!
ULTREX™ UHMW/PE applications
The applications for ULTREX™ UHMW/PE are many and varied. It’s hard to go through a day without using or coming into contact with a product with UIHMW/PE as a component. That includes guide rails in car washes, snow blower scraper blades, commercial refrigerators, walkway handrails at airports, forklifts and waterway gates. The list of uses for ULTREX™ extruded UHMW/PE is endless.
Among the places you’ll find ULTREX™ UHMW/PE in use is:
- Material Handling (e.g. UHMW Roller Covers)
- Food Conveyor Components
- Wine Manufacturing
- Dairy Conveyors
- Industrial
- Geophysical
- Marine
No matter the application or end-user, our engineers are committed to bringing you excellent service with the utmost confidentiality.
What to look for when buying extruded UHMW/PE for your parts
If you’re searching for the very best UHMW/PE for your parts you want to find an experienced manufacturer expert in extruding the plastic to your exact specifications. You’ll also want a company that can build any part shape or size and who can take on complicated, customized projects. From design to development, Spiratex will be your partner throughout the process. Contact us for a quote today.