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Custom UHMW-PE Machining
Professional UHMW-PE Machining Services & Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Materials
Custom CNC fabrication, precision cutting, and stock materials for UHMWPE components. From chain guides and wear strips to gears and bushings. Molecular weight ~9 million g/mol for maximum performance. FDA-compliant virgin grades available for food contact and medical applications.
Dual Solutions: Custom CNC Machining & Ready-to-Ship Stock Materials
BeePlastic delivers complete UHMW-PE solutions for industrial applications. Choose precision-machined custom components or stock materials based on your project requirements.
Custom UHMW-PE CNC Machining
Professional fabrication and precision machining of UHMWPE parts to your exact specifications. Perfect for complex geometries and tight tolerances.
- Precision CNC machining: ±0.03mm (±0.0012") tolerance
- Multi-axis capability: 3-axis, 4-axis, 5-axis CNC centers
- Complex geometries: gears, bushings, chain guides, custom profiles
- No minimum order quantity (MOQ) required
- DFM analysis and engineering support included
- Fast turnaround: 5-7 days prototypes, 10-15 days production
- All grades: virgin UHMW, standard, modified formulations
UHMW-PE Stock Materials
High-quality ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene sheets, rods, and standard components ready for immediate shipment worldwide.
- UHMW sheets: 6-100mm thick, up to 1000mm × 1220mm
- UHMWPE rods: Ø6-150mm diameter, lengths to 1000mm
- Colors available: natural, black, green, blue
- Virgin and standard grades in stock
- Precision cut-to-size service available
- Volume discounts for bulk orders
- Same-day dispatch for in-stock items
Custom UHMW-PE Machined Components & Applications
Precision-manufactured UHMWPE parts for demanding industrial applications. From conveyor systems to marine components.
Chain Guides & Wear Strips
Self-lubricating UHMW chain guides and wear strips for bottling lines, packaging machinery, and conveyor systems. Reduces friction and eliminates lubrication.
Wear Plates & Slide Pads
Custom UHMWPE wear plates, slide pads, and guide blocks for chutes, hoppers, and transfer systems. Ultra-low friction for smooth operation.
Dock Fenders & Marine Parts
Corrosion-resistant UHMW dock fenders, pile guards, and marine components. Zero water absorption, excellent saltwater resistance.
Gears, Bushings & Bearings
Precision UHMWPE gears, bushings, and self-lubricating bearings. Quiet operation, no maintenance required, extended service life.
Truck Liners & Impact Bars
Heavy-duty UHMW truck bed liners and impact bars for mining. 87% lighter than steel with superior abrasion resistance.
Food-Grade UHMW Parts
Biocompatible virgin UHMWPE cutting boards, chute liners, and food contact components. Non-toxic and easy to clean.
Need custom UHMW-PE components for your application?
Upload CAD Files & Get QuoteUHMW-PE Standard Products & Ready-Made Components
Pre-engineered UHMWPE standard parts and profiles for immediate delivery. Common sizes and configurations for quick replacement.
Chain Guide Rails
Standard profiles for conveyor chains. L-shape, U-shape profiles. Lengths: 1m, 2m, 3m.
View Chain Guides →Wear Strip Profiles
Standard wear strip extrusions. Thickness: 3-25mm. Width: 50-200mm available.
View Wear Strips →UHMW Bushings
Standard bushings and sleeves. ID: 10-100mm. OD: 20-120mm. Custom sizes available.
View Bushings →Guide Wheels & Rollers
UHMW guide wheels. Diameter: 50-200mm. Bore: 10-50mm standard sizes.
View Guide Wheels →Slide Blocks
Pre-machined slide blocks. Sizes: 50×50mm to 200×200mm. Custom drilling available.
View Slide Blocks →Wear Pads & Plates
Standard wear pads. Thickness: 5-50mm. Pre-drilled or plain versions.
View Wear Pads →Star Wheels
UHMW star wheels for bottling and packaging lines. Standard configurations.
View Star Wheels →Custom Profiles
Custom extruded and machined profiles. Any shape to your specifications.
Request Custom →Advanced UHMW-PE Processing & Manufacturing Capabilities
State-of-the-art equipment and specialized expertise for precision UHMWPE machining, cutting, and fabrication.
CNC Machining & Milling
- 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC machining centers
- CNC milling for complex UHMW geometries
- CNC turning for rotational parts
- Precision tolerances: ±0.03mm achievable
- Surface finish: Ra 0.8μm for critical applications
- Large format: up to 3000mm parts
Precision Cutting Services
- Water jet cutting for intricate shapes
- CNC router cutting for profiles
- Laser cutting for detailed designs
- Saw cutting for blanks and straight cuts
- Cut-to-size from stock material
- Fast turnaround: 1-3 days
Welding & Assembly
- Hot gas welding for UHMW components
- Friction welding for strong joints
- Ultrasonic welding capabilities
- Tank and liner fabrication
- Large assembly services
- Quality testing and leak detection
UHMW-PE Technical Specifications & Material Properties
Complete technical data for ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene based on virgin grade with molecular weight ~9 million g/mol.
| Molecular Weight | ~9,000,000 | g/mol |
| Density | 0.93 | g/cm³ |
| Water Absorption (24h) | <0.01 | % |
| Humidity Absorption | 0.01 | % |
| Yield Stress | 20 | MPa |
| Tensile Strength at Break | ≥40 | MPa |
| Elongation at Break | >200 | % |
| Impact Strength (Notched) | No Break | kJ/m² |
| Shore D Hardness | 63-67 | - |
| Ball Indentation Hardness | 38 | MPa |
| Coefficient of Friction | 0.05-0.10 | - |
| Tensile Modulus | 680-760 | MPa |
| Melting Temperature | 130-135 | °C |
| Vicat Softening Point | 80 | °C |
| Maximum Service Temp | 90 | °C |
| Continuous Service Temp | -250 to +80 | °C |
| Short-Term Maximum | 130 | °C |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.40 | W/(m·K) |
| Thermal Capacity | 1.90 | kJ/(kg·K) |
| Linear Thermal Expansion | 150-230 | 10⁻⁶/K |
| Volume Resistivity | >10¹⁴ | Ω·cm |
| Surface Resistivity | ≥10¹³ | Ω |
| Acid Resistance | Excellent | - |
| Alkali Resistance | Excellent | - |
Self-Lubricating
Ultra-low friction (0.05-0.10) eliminates external lubrication. Zero maintenance and no contamination risk.
Impact Resistant
Highest impact strength among thermoplastics. No-break performance even at -250°C.
Chemical Inert
Excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, and most organic solvents. Unaffected by moisture.
Zero Absorption
Virtually no water absorption (<0.01%). Maintains dimensional stability in wet environments.
UHMW-PE vs Alternative Engineering Plastics Comparison
Performance comparison of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene against common engineering plastics and metals.
| Property | UHMW-PE | HDPE | Nylon 6 | POM | PTFE | Steel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wear Resistance | Outstanding (15× steel) | Good | Good | Good | Fair | Good |
| Impact Strength | Highest (No Break) | Good | Good | Good | Poor | Excellent |
| Friction Coefficient | 0.05-0.10 | 0.29 | 0.15-0.25 | 0.20 | 0.04 | 0.6 |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Outstanding | Poor |
| Water Absorption (%) | <0.01 | <0.01 | 1.5-2.5 | 0.2-0.4 | <0.01 | N/A |
| Density (g/cm³) | 0.93 | 0.95 | 1.14 | 1.41 | 2.2 | 7.85 |
| Temperature Range (°C) | -250 to +80 | -50 to +80 | -40 to +110 | -40 to +110 | -200 to +260 | -40 to +400 |
| Food Contact Safe | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Why UHMW-PE Outperforms Alternative Materials
UHMW-PE Applications by Industry Sector
Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene serves critical functions across diverse industrial sectors.
Food & Beverage
- Conveyor chain guides
- Star wheels for bottling
- Wear strips for packaging
- Cutting boards
- Chute liners
- Hopper liners
Material Handling
- Conveyor wear strips
- Guide rails and tracks
- Roller chain guides
- Sliding plates
- Belt scrapers
- Transfer pads
Marine & Offshore
- Dock fenders
- Pile protection
- Bearing pads
- Ship wear plates
- Mooring components
- Saltwater-resistant parts
Mining & Aggregate
- Truck bed liners
- Ore chute liners
- Screen panels
- Impact bars
- Bunker liners
- Skid shoes
Industrial Machinery
- Precision gears
- Self-lubricating bushings
- Wear-resistant bearings
- Guide wheels
- Seal faces
- Wear blocks
Chemical Processing
- Tank liners
- Valve seats
- Pipe supports
- Pump components
- Gaskets
- Storage components
Pharmaceutical
- Processing equipment
- Cleanroom components
- Biocompatible parts
- Sterile equipment
- Medical devices
- Lab equipment
Automotive
- Wear pads
- Protective guards
- Noise reduction parts
- Self-lubricating bushings
- Seat components
- Cargo protection
UHMW-PE Material Grades & Selection Guide
Choose the appropriate ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene grade for your application requirements.
Virgin UHMW-PE
100% virgin resin with maximum molecular weight (~9 million g/mol). Highest performance for demanding applications.
- Biocompatible for medical use
- Food contact safe
- Maximum wear resistance
- Best chemical resistance
- Critical high-performance use
Standard UHMW-PE
High-quality UHMWPE for general industrial applications. Excellent performance-to-cost ratio.
- Most industrial applications
- Outstanding wear resistance
- Self-lubricating surface
- Good chemical resistance
- Cost-effective solution
Modified UHMW-PE
UHMWPE with specialized additives for specific requirements. UV-stabilized or reinforced formulations.
- UV-stabilized for outdoor use
- Anti-static grades available
- Metal-detectable versions
- Glass-filled for rigidity
- Custom formulations
Colored UHMW-PE
Multiple colors for identification and coding. Same mechanical performance as natural UHMW.
- Natural white (translucent)
- Black (UV-resistant)
- Green (standard for conveyors)
- Blue (metal-detectable)
- Custom colors on request
UHMW-PE Customer Success Stories
Real-world performance results from industrial clients implementing UHMWPE solutions.
European Food Processing Plant Reduces Maintenance by 73%
A major beverage bottling facility replaced metal conveyor chain guides with virgin UHMWPE components. The self-lubricating properties eliminated weekly lubrication schedules, reducing maintenance labor by 73%. Component life increased from 6 months to 30+ months, resulting in fewer line stoppages and improved OEE. Annual savings of $48,000 in maintenance and parts.
Marine Terminal Eliminates Corrosion with UHMW-PE Components
A North Sea shipping terminal struggled with rapid corrosion of steel dock fenders in saltwater. Steel components required replacement every 18-24 months. After installing marine-grade UHMW-PE fenders and pile guards, the terminal experienced zero corrosion issues over 6+ years. Zero water absorption and excellent chemical resistance eliminated corrosion-related maintenance.
Mining Company Achieves 5:1 Wear Life Improvement
An Australian mining operation replaced AR400 steel truck bed liners with custom UHMW-PE liners. The UHMWPE liners demonstrated 5:1 superior wear life in abrasive iron ore applications. The 87% weight reduction increased payload capacity per trip and reduced fuel consumption by 12%. Substantial ROI within the first year.
UHMW-PE Materials & Machining Gallery
Visual showcase of UHMWPE stock materials, precision machining capabilities, and finished components.
UHMW-PE Frequently Asked Questions
Comprehensive answers about ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene properties, machining, and applications.
What is UHMW-PE and why is it superior to other plastics?
UHMW-PE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene), also known as UHMWPE, UPE, PE-UHMW, or PE1000, is an engineering thermoplastic with molecular weight ranging from 3 to 9 million g/mol - significantly higher than standard polyethylene (50,000-500,000 g/mol).
Superior properties include:
- Wear Resistance: 15× better than carbon steel
- Impact Strength: Highest among all thermoplastics
- Low Friction: Self-lubricating with coefficient of 0.05-0.10
- Chemical Resistance: Unaffected by acids and alkalis
- Temperature Range: -250°C to +80°C continuous operation
- Zero Water Absorption: Less than 0.01% moisture absorption
What machining tolerances can you achieve with UHMW-PE?
Our CNC machining centers achieve precision tolerances of ±0.03mm (±0.0012") when processing UHMWPE components through:
- Specialized carbide tooling optimized for UHMW-PE
- Controlled feed rates and cutting speeds
- Advanced temperature management systems
- Multi-axis CNC equipment (3/4/5-axis)
Surface Finish Options: Ra 3.2μm standard, Ra 1.6μm fine, Ra 0.8μm precision finish achievable.
Is UHMW-PE suitable for food contact applications?
Yes, virgin-grade UHMW-PE is biocompatible and suitable for direct food contact. Our food-grade UHMWPE meets hygiene and safety standards.
Benefits for food industry:
- Non-toxic and non-contaminating
- Self-lubricating eliminates oil contamination
- Easy to clean and sanitize
- Resists bacterial growth
- Withstands hot water sterilization up to 90°C
- Won't absorb moisture, odors, or flavors
What stock sizes of UHMW-PE do you maintain in inventory?
UHMW-PE Sheet Stock: Thickness 6-100mm, Width 620mm-1000mm, Length 1220mm standard. Common size: 620×1220mm.
UHMWPE Rod Stock: Diameter Ø6-150mm, Length 1000mm standard.
Colors: Natural (white), Black, Green, Blue available.
Grades: Virgin UHMW-PE, Standard grade, Modified grades in stock.
Precision cut-to-size services available to minimize waste.
What are typical lead times for custom UHMW-PE parts?
Standard Production Lead Times:
- Prototype (1-10 parts): 5-7 business days
- Small runs (10-100 parts): 10-15 business days
- Medium production (100-500 parts): 15-20 business days
- Large volume (500+ parts): 20-25 business days
Rush Service: Expedited production available for urgent projects.
Stock Material: Same-day or next-day shipment for in-stock items.
Can UHMW-PE be welded or bonded?
UHMWPE can be successfully joined using specialized plastic welding techniques:
Recommended Methods:
- Hot Gas Welding: Most common method using heated nitrogen with UHMWPE rod
- Friction Welding: Excellent for strong bonds between components
- Ultrasonic Welding: Suitable for specific geometries
Note: Adhesive bonding is NOT recommended due to UHMW-PE's ultra-low surface energy. Mechanical fastening (bolts, screws) or welding preferred.
What's the difference between virgin and standard UHMW-PE?
Virgin UHMW-PE: 100% virgin resin, maximum molecular weight (~9M g/mol), biocompatible, food-safe, best mechanical properties, higher cost, recommended for critical applications.
Standard UHMW-PE: May contain reprocessed content, excellent properties for industrial use, more economical, not recommended for food/medical applications, best value for high-volume projects.
Selection: Choose virgin for demanding applications, food/medical compliance, or safety-critical use. Standard works excellent for general industrial applications.
5-Step Process: From Design to Delivery
Streamlined workflow for precision-machined UHMWPE components with professional engineering support.
Submit Design
Upload CAD files (STEP, DWG, DXF, PDF) or technical drawings with specifications.
Material Selection
Choose UHMW-PE grade: virgin, standard, or modified. Engineering recommendations provided.
Quote & DFM
Receive detailed quotation within 8-24 hours with DFM feedback to optimize design.
Production & QC
Precision CNC machining with strict quality control. Real-time production updates.
Inspection & Ship
Final dimensional inspection and verification. Worldwide shipping with tracking.
Ready to start your UHMW-PE project?
Upload CAD Files & Request QuoteRelated Keywords & Search Terms for UHMW-PE:
Transform Your Industrial Applications with UHMW-PE Excellence
Join thousands of engineers and manufacturers worldwide who trust BeePlastic for precision UHMWPE machining and high-quality stock materials. From prototypes to high-volume production, from sheets and rods to finished precision components.
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