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Rigid Plastic Tubing
HDPE & LDPE
Uncategorized
Conveyor Guide Rails
UHMW/PE
Flexible Plastic Tubing

Why UHMWPE Is the Material of Choice Across Industries

Engineered for Performance Across Demanding Environments

Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a high-performance thermoplastic known for its exceptional abrasion resistance, low coefficient of friction, and impact durability. At Spiratex, we custom extrude UHMW/PE profiles and tubing for a wide range of industries across the United States—delivering precision-engineered solutions built in Romulus, Michigan and trusted nationwide.

 

Material Handling & Conveyor Systems

Reducing Downtime, Noise, and Wear in High-Throughput Environments

In fast-paced facilities like packaging plants, fulfillment centers, and food processing lines, equipment uptime is everything. UHMWPE has become a staple in these environments due to its unmatched wear resistance and low friction surface. Components like wear strips, guide rails, and chute liners made from UHMWPE allow products to glide smoothly across conveyors without sticking, jamming, or generating excessive noise.

Unlike metal or lower-grade plastics, UHMWPE doesn’t require external lubrication and resists abrasion from repeated contact with cartons, totes, or bulk materials. This translates to longer equipment life and fewer maintenance cycles. Spiratex’s ability to extrude custom profiles tailored to specific conveyor geometries means clients can optimize flow paths and reduce bottlenecks—whether they’re handling frozen foods, pharmaceuticals, or industrial parts.

By offering custom UHMWPE extrusions and fabricated components, Spiratex helps facilities across the U.S. streamline operations with durable, low-maintenance solutions built for continuous use.

 

Automotive & Transportation

Precision Components for High-Impact, High-Volume Manufacturing

In automotive assembly plants and transportation equipment manufacturing, UHMWPE has carved out a niche as a reliable material for sliding, impact-resistant, and protective components. It’s commonly used in robotic assembly lines, jigs and fixtures, and underbody shielding—anywhere durability and dimensional stability are critical.

UHMWPE’s resistance to oils, greases, and harsh cleaning agents makes it ideal for environments where chemical exposure is routine. Its ability to absorb impact without cracking or deforming ensures that parts like bumpers, guides, and protective panels maintain their shape even under repeated stress.

Spiratex works closely with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to deliver custom tubing and extrusions that meet tight tolerances and integrate seamlessly into automated systems. Whether it’s a sliding rail for a robotic arm or a protective sheath for wiring harnesses, UHMWPE offers a lightweight, long-lasting alternative to metal or brittle plastics—helping manufacturers reduce weight, improve safety, and cut costs.

 

Food Processing & Agricultural Equipment

FDA-Compliant, Easy-to-Clean, and Built for Harsh Conditions

In food processing, hygiene and durability go hand in hand. UHMWPE is widely used for cutting boards, conveyor guides, hopper liners, and scraper blades due to its non-stick surface, resistance to moisture, and FDA compliance. It doesn’t absorb bacteria or odors, making it ideal for direct food contact and easy sanitation.

In agriculture, UHMWPE components are used in seed handling systems, irrigation setups, and harvesting equipment. Its toughness allows it to withstand abrasive materials like soil, grain, and fertilizer without degrading. Farmers and equipment manufacturers rely on UHMWPE for parts that won’t rust, swell, or crack—especially in outdoor or high-moisture environments.

Spiratex’s ability to incorporate additives like lubricants or colorants ensures that each UHMWPE solution is tailored for performance and branding. Whether it’s a color-coded scraper for a poultry line or a wear-resistant liner for a grain chute, Spiratex delivers custom-engineered profiles that meet both regulatory and operational demands.

 

Mining, Marine & Geophysical

Built to Endure Harsh Environments and Heavy Impact

In industries where abrasion, corrosion, and environmental exposure are constant threats, UHMWPE has proven itself as a material that thrives under pressure. In mining operations, it’s used for chute liners, dragline components, and slurry transport systems—areas where steel or rubber would wear out quickly. Its resistance to gouging and impact means fewer shutdowns and lower replacement costs.

Marine applications benefit from UHMWPE’s buoyancy, saltwater resistance, and UV stability. It’s commonly used in dock bumpers, fender facings, and dredging wear pads. Unlike PVC or rubber, UHMWPE doesn’t degrade in sunlight or swell in water, making it ideal for long-term outdoor use.

Spiratex offers UV-stabilized UHMWPE profiles specifically formulated for these demanding environments. Whether you’re outfitting a coastal facility or a remote mining site, Spiratex’s extrusions are engineered to perform in the most unforgiving conditions—delivering durability where it matters most.

 

Electronics & Explosive Environments

Anti-Static UHMWPE for Safety-Critical Applications

In electronics manufacturing, cleanrooms, and explosive handling zones, static discharge isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a hazard. UHMWPE with anti-static additives has become a trusted solution for packaging trays, conveyor guides, and protective housings that require both mechanical strength and electrostatic dissipation.

Traditional plastics can build up charge and pose risks to sensitive components or volatile materials. UHMWPE, when modified with conductive fillers, safely dissipates static while maintaining its core benefits: impact resistance, chemical stability, and low friction.

Spiratex customizes anti-static UHMWPE extrusions for clients in semiconductor, aerospace, and defense sectors—helping them meet strict ESD standards without compromising on durability or design flexibility. Whether you’re building a cleanroom fixture or a transport system for explosive goods, Spiratex delivers peace of mind through precision-engineered safety.

 

Aerospace & Defense

Lightweight, Impact-Resistant, and Mission-Ready

In aerospace and defense applications, every ounce matters—and every component must perform flawlessly under stress. UHMWPE is increasingly used for protective panels, cable guides, and structural supports where weight reduction and impact resistance are critical.

Its ability to absorb shock without cracking, combined with resistance to chemicals and extreme temperatures, makes it ideal for ground support equipment, aircraft interiors, and ballistic applications. UHMWPE’s low friction also supports moving parts in tight assemblies, reducing wear and extending service life.

Spiratex collaborates with defense contractors and aerospace engineers to deliver custom UHMWPE profiles that meet mission-specific requirements. Whether it’s a lightweight guide rail or a rugged protective sheath, Spiratex’s solutions are built in Michigan and trusted across the U.S. for performance, reliability, and precision.

 

Pharmaceutical & Medical Equipment

Clean, Compliant, and Chemically Inert

In pharmaceutical manufacturing and medical device production, UHMWPE is valued for its biocompatibility, chemical resistance, and ease of sterilization. It’s used in fluid handling systems, lab equipment, and diagnostic devices where contamination control is paramount.

Unlike porous materials that can harbor bacteria, UHMWPE offers a smooth, non-stick surface that resists microbial growth and withstands repeated cleaning cycles. Its stability in the presence of acids, solvents, and disinfectants makes it ideal for sterile environments.

Spiratex provides FDA-compliant UHMWPE extrusions tailored for pharmaceutical and medical use—ensuring that every component meets regulatory standards while delivering long-term performance. Whether you’re designing a fluid transfer system or a diagnostic housing, Spiratex helps you build with confidence.

Built in Michigan. Trusted Nationwide.

Every UHMWPE solution from Spiratex is proudly manufactured in Romulus, MI, using proprietary tooling and extrusion expertise developed over nearly 70 years. Whether you’re in aerospace, agriculture, or industrial automation, our team collaborates closely to deliver custom-engineered products that meet your exact specifications—built to perform and built to last.

 

Ready to Design Your UHMWPE Solution?

Contact Spiratex to discuss your industry-specific extrusion needs. Our engineers will help you select the right UHMWPE formulation, profile geometry, and fabrication options to optimize performance in your application.

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