What is UHMW?

What is UHMW?

What is UHMW?

UHMW (ultra high molecular weight polyethylene) plastic is a highly abrasion, impact, and wear resistant plastic with a low coefficient of friction. These performance properties make UHMW ideal for applications that require surface protection, sound dampening, or a quick solution to eliminate squeaks or rattles caused by adjacent movement. UHMW can be used in several different industries and in the most unique applications. UHMW Polyethylene can be produced into rods, rectangles, sheets, molded parts, thin gauge films, or adhesive backed tape products. CS Hyde is a supplier and converter of UHMW Film & Adhesive Backed UHMW in natural and black anti-static types.

Natural Skived UHMW Film

  • 100% Unfilled Natural Polyethylene Film
  • Color: White
  • Available thickness range: .003″-.125“

Black Anti Static UHMW Film

  • 1% Carbon filled Conductive Black UHMW-PE
  • Thermal Conductivity- Test Method: (73ºF)[BTUin)/(ft²hrºF) Value: 0.44
  • Available Thickness Range: .005″-.020″

Types of adhesive backed UHMW

UHMW- with rubber adhesive (19-R Series)UHMW- with acrylic adhesive (19-A Series)UHMW- with high bond acrylic adhesive (19-HB Series)Black Anti-Static UHMW- (19-BLK Series)
  • Ideal for Indoor applications
  • Aggressive Adhesive (high initial tack)
  • moderate temp range: 120°F to + 175°F

  • Ideal for applications exposed to moisture for example: marine components 

  • Aggressive Adhesive (permanent adhesion)

  • moderate temp range: 0°F to + 180°F

  • Ideal for applications requiring adhesion to low surface energy plastics, powder coatings, and oily metals 
  • Aggressive Adhesive (permanent high-bond adhesion)
  • moderate temp range: 0°F to + 180°F
  • Ideal for applications where dust and electrical charge could be an issue. 
  • 1% carbon filled UHMW to increase level of conductivity. 
  •  temp range: 250°F to  350°F (Acrylic Adhesive) 120°F to 175°F (Rubber Adhesive)

How does UHMW compare to other plastics like PTFE?

UHMW is often compared to PTFE, in relation to their low coefficient of friction or “how slippery the surface is”. PTFE is more slippery than UHMW, and has better thermal and electrical properties. However, for applications that require both a slippery surface with wear and abrasion resistance, UHMW is utilized as a more economical and durable polymer.

What is UHMW?