UHMW-PE
✓ Food Safe
⬡ Chemical Resistant
Overview
Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene — the most slippery machining plastic with excellent wear resistance. Common in food processing and conveyor applications.
Properties
Difficulty
intermediate
Pros
- Extremely low friction, self-lubricating, impact resistant, FDA approved grades available
Cons
- High thermal expansion, difficult to bond/glue, can deflect under clamping pressure
Best For
- Wear strips
- guides
- cutting boards
- bearings
- food processing equipment
Avoid For
- Precision dimensioned parts in temperature variable environments
Brands
McMaster-CarrCraftechOnline Metals