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Differences Between HDPE and UHMW
HDPE (high density polyethylene) is a durable, versatile, low-cost, abrasion- and chemical-resistant plastic material.HDPE is easy to fabricate and weld using thermoplastic welding equipment. It is an excellent choice for fabricated water tanks and chemical tanks.
UHMW (ultra high molecular weight polyethylene) is an extremely tough, abrasion-resistant, low-cost plastic used for a wide range of wear applications. UHMW is a popular plastic for countless industrial applications that require durability, low friction, and chemical resistance. Applications include UHMW wear strips, chain guides, and marine dock fender pads.
HDPE Material Characteristics |
UHMW Material Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Easy to machine and fabricate Good chemical resistance Impact resistant Easy to weld Good for orthotics and prosthetics |
Easy to machine and fabricate Good chemical resistance Impact resistant Good for friction and wear Good for bearings |
HDPE Applications |
UHMW Applications |
| Chemical tanks Cutting boards for food preparation Water pipe flanges (HDPE pipe grade) Outdoor and indoor playground systems Marine construction (pile guards, bumpers, anti-skid surfaces) Orthotics and prosthetics – AFOs, KAFOs Light-duty tank, chute, and bin linings Outdoor cabinetry and furniture Duct bank spacers and bore spacers |
Chute, hopper, and truck bed liners Wear strips and guide rails Star wheels and idler sprockets High-speed conveyors Packaging machinery parts Food processing machinery parts Material handling machinery parts Bumpers, pile guards, and dock fenders |
HDPE Common Brands |
UHMW Common Brands |
| Polystone® G, Sanatec®, Orthoform®, Sanalite®, Seaboard®, StarLite®, King StarBoard®, Playboard®, SIMOLIFE, Hitec® | Polystone® M, GUR®, Tivar®, LubX® |
Typical Properties of HDPE vs. UHMW
| Property | Units | ASTM Test | HDPE | UHMW-PE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specific gravity (73°F) | – | D792 | 0.96 | 0.93 |
| Tensile strength (73°F) | psi | D638 | 4,000 | 3,100 |
| Tensile elongation (73°F) | % | D638 | 600 | 350 |
| Flexural modulus of elasticity (73°F) | psi | D790 | 200,000 | 110,000 |
| Hardness (Rockwell M&R, Durometer Shore D 73°F) | scale as noted | D785, D2240 | Shore D 69 | Shore D 64 |
| Izod impact (notched, 73°F) | ft-lbs/in | D256 | – | 18.0* |
| Coefficient of friction | – | Dynamic | – | 0.10 – 0.20 |
| Coefficient of linear thermal expansion | in/in/°F × 10-5 | D696 | 7 | 11.1 |
| Heat deflection temperature (66 psi) | °F | D648 | 172 | – |
| Maximum continuous service temperature in air | °F | – | – | 180 |
| Water absorption (immersion 24 hours) | % | D570 | 0.1 | slight |