UHMW (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) provided by Interstate Plastics is a common machinable plastic known for durability, versatility and cost-effectiveness as well as abrasion, impact and chemical resistances. FDA compliant natural virgin UHMW is used in applications where high levels of friction are likely to arise including conveyor guard rails, augers and wear strips, belt scrapers, chain guides, and idler rollers. Due to an extremely low coefficient of friction, its inherent lubricity minimizes heat-generating friction that tends to gradually destroy steel parts, and ensures smooth, noiseless operation. UHMW is also known by brand names including IPX®, Polystone®, Tecafine®, Dyneema®, Tivar®, Polysteel®, GUR®, Utec® and Mipelon®.
Known for an extremely high molecular weight, UHMW features an unsurpassed combination of slickness, toughness and chemical resistance. UHMW-s molecular weight ranges from 3.1 million to 100 million grams per mole, with an abrasion resistance that continues to improve as molecular weight increases. UHMW is easy to machine with common woodworking tools, making it extremely cost effective, and outperforms metal in many applications. High durability, low friction and wear resistance are key reasons why UHMW is the material of choice for many applications. UHMW can be machined into virtually anything from small gears and bearings to huge sprockets. Interstate Plastics is proud to carry four specialized grades of UHMW: reprocessed, anti-static, IPX 2000 and Tivar® 88.
Reprocessed UHMW
Reprocessed UHMW is an eco-friendly and economical alternative to standard virgin UHMW that uses a blended version of virgin and recycled UHMW. Reprocessed UHMW is excellent for non-food applications and offers all the benefits of standard UHMW at a much more cost effective price. Reprocessed UHMW features the same low coefficient of friction as standard UHMW while also offering a slightly better wear resistance. Reprocessed UHMW is used extensively for chain guides, wear rails, chute liners, truck liners, hopper liners and many other applications where excellent wear properties are required. The standard color of reprocessed UHMW is black.
Anti-Static UHMW Sheet
UHMW anti-static sheet is the ideal product for applications where static electricity tends to pose problems in manufacturing environments. With a surface resistance of 105 to 109 (ohms/cm2), anti-static handles tough conditions where dust and static electricity tend to arise, including those in grain elevators and munition plants, effectively safeguarding your materials against static discharges. With high levels of heat and corrosion resistances, UHMW anti-static sheets protect robotics and other products that are sensitive to dust accumulation and electrical charge buildup.
UHMW anti-static sheet is self-lubricating, features no moisture absorption and is available in sheet, rod, board and profiles.
IPX Advanced Wear Technology UHMW
First developed by Interstate Plastics, IPX 2000 UHMW is a machinable advanced engineer polyethylene compound manufactured to retain the high qualities of traditional UHMW but with increased abrasion resistance and UV stability. IPX 2000 advanced wear technology is UV stabilized for long term exposure in outdoor applications, which increases product life as well as high quality performance.
IPX 2000 is known for high resistance to corrosive chemicals (except oxidizing acids), low moisture absorption and high resistance to friction. Due to a specialized self-lubricating formula, the coefficient of friction of IPX 2000 is significantly lower versus traditional UHMW, nylon and acetal. IPX 2000 is naturally red in color and not approved for FDA contact. IPX 2000 is commonly used to improve performance in existing plastic applications and replace metals in more demanding solutions. Applications for IPX 2000 are virtually the same as UHMW and include gears, springs, plates, bushings and housings.
Tivar® 88
Interstate Plastics is proud to carry Tivar® 88, a specialized grade of UHMW recognized as the worldwide leader of premium lining material for bulk material handling, Due to its especially low coefficient of friction, Tivar® 88 is known for its performance in ensuring flow of bulk solids. Tivar® 88 liners are the ideal solution when you need to reduce or eliminate arching, ratholing, and erratic material flow challenges in bins, bunkers, hoppers, chutes, railcars and more.
Self-Lubricating Formula
High durability, low friction and wear resistance are key reasons why UHMW is the material of choice for a myriad of applications. UHMW offers an extremely low coefficient of friction due to a specialized built-in lubricant that replaces unwanted grease and oil. It also enhances efficiency and productivity in many applications. UHMW-s self-lubricating formula helps to extend part life because the internal lubricant ensures that parts will not break or need replacement.
