Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) are both extremely tough plastics with high wear and abrasion resistance. UHMWPE is a very hard-wearing and low-cost material. With it's resistance to corrosive materials and high impact strength, it's well-suited to wet environments and is an excellent choice of base material for a variety of industries, including energy production. Often used for simple things like chain tensioner blocks and other mechanical wear components, these physical properties make the material ideal for many sealing applications.
EXPERIENCE & CAPABILITY
As well as engineering applications, UHMWPE is the material of choice for orthopaedic implants highlighting its ability to withstand high-stress environments. In addition to common PE materials, AFT has developed a proprietary high-performance UHMWPE material, known as AF777 Extreme.
Our ability to develop polymer blends is one of our core strengths, meaning we often produce custom solutions for our customers that improve both the performance and durability of their application.
Manufacturing experts in HDPE & UHMW Polyethylene
HDPE & UHMW Polyethylene Properties
Both HDPE & UHMW Polyethylene are very tough materials, with good wear resistance and low-temperature properties, excellent electrical resistance and lightweight. HDPE is easy to fabricate and weld, whilst UHMW is easy to machine, used for countless industrial applications that require durability, low friction, and chemical resistance.
Good chemical resistance
Impact-resistant
Extremely wear-resistant
Excellent electrical resistance
Low cost
Poor weathering resistance
Flammable
TYPICAL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES UHMW Polyethylene
| Property | Test Method | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Specific Gravity | D – 792 | 0.93 g/cm3 |
| Tensile Strength | D – 638 | 40 MPa |
| Elongation | D – 638 | >200% |
| Coefficient of Friction | 0.29 | |
| Coefficient of thermal Expansion | D – 696 | 20 X 10-5 /K |
| Max Service Temperature Short Term | 130°C | |
| Max Service Temperature Long Term | 90°C |
HDPE & UHMW Polyethylene Parts
As well as engineering applications, UHMWPE is the material of choice for orthopaedic implants highlighting its ability to withstand high-stress environments.
SealsWe supply large quantities of standard and custom seals for clients all across the world.
Component Design & ManufacturingWe can design and manufacture your product, part or component in HDPE & UHMW Polyethylene. Whether developing a new part from scratch or innovating to provide a new solution for a failing component, our engineers can design and manufacture products in HDPE & UHMW Polyethylene that will meet and exceed performance requirements.
SOLUTIONS ACROSS A RANGE OF INDUSTRIES
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PTFE COATING SERVICES FOR BUTT FUSION AND HOT PLATE WELDING
Providing a rapid turnaround coating service for rental equipment providers servicing the gas and water industry.
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