Polyethylene HDPE UHMW Plastic Sheets
Fabricated in Canada VHMW or Very high molecular weight is an excellent choice as an interim material, fitting nicely in it’s properties between HDPE and UHMW. It provides considerable cost savings over UHMW, while offering similar performance characteristics. VHMW is a good choice when increased durability, abrasion resistance and performance is required vs. HDPE, but the properties of UHMW are more than the application requires.
There are many cases in which UHMW is specified for installations where its ultimate abrasion and impact resistance are not necessary. In many cases, the customer’s only alternative was to use standard HDPE, which lacks the durability of UHMW in most applications.
VHMW (Very High Molecular Weight polyethylene), is a unique product designed to be a perfect complement to UHMW and to bridge the wide performance gap between HDPE and UHMW. When used properly, VHMW allows distributors and manufacturers to reduce costs while suffering no performance loss. Naturally, good design practices dictate that new applications should always be tested before full-scale operations begin.
olyethylene (PE) is one of the largest volume thermoplastics used today and is available in a wide range of grades and formulations (commonly, LDPE, HDPE). The various formulations impart a wide range of properties to the polymer making it appropriate for countless applications. Generally speaking, PE is tough, chemical resistant and offers good electrical properties with a low coefficient of friction and moisture absorption. They are relatively light weight and easy to fabricate.
VHMWPE – Very High Molecular Weight Poly Ethelene
- Color: White
- Maximum Temperature: 180° F
- Tensile Strength: 3,800 psi (Poor)
- Impact Strength: No Break (Excellent)
- Hardness: Durometer 65D (Medium)
- For Use Outdoors: Yes
- Specifications Met: ASTM D4976
Prolonged outdoor exposure won’t discolor or degrade these VHMW sheets. They have excellent impact resistance and are often used as chutes, liners, and gaskets.
Very high molecular weight polyethylene (VHMW-PE) is an excellent choice as an interim material, fitting nicely in it’s properties between HDPE and UHMW. VHMW is a good choice when increased durability, abrasion resistance and performance is required vs. HDPE, but the properties of UHMW are more than the application requires.
Ultra High Molecular Weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) offers a combination of excellent properties – outstanding abrasion resistance, superior impact resistance, non-sticking and self-lubricating properties and excellent mechanical properties, even in cryogenic conditions.
UHMW Sheet, Rod, Tube and Profiles reduces noise from impact & vibration. It is a self-lubricating material that is chemical, corrosion, and wear-resistant.
HDPE Applications
- Machined Parts, Industrial Cutting Boards
- Wear Strips, Brush Blocks, Tank Linings
- Solar Collectors, Valve Bodies
- Vacuum formed parts
- Livestock Containment, material handling systems
VHMW-PE Applications
- Vacuum-formed parts
- Abrasion & Wear
- Die cut parts
- Bin and Mixer Linings, Chain
- Chain & Belt Guides
UHMW-PE Applications
- Machine Parts, Gears & Starwheels
- Conveyor Wear & Guiderails
- Dock Fenders & Snow plow blades
- Truck Bed Liners, Auto trim accessories
- Food Processing chutes