Description

UHMW polyethylene rod is round stock for machined wear parts, bushings, rollers, guides, and other components that need toughness and a low-friction surface. UHMW, also called UHMW-PE, resists abrasion, impact, moisture, and many chemicals.

It is often used in place of metal for parts that slide, take repeated contact, or handle abrasive movement, where lower weight, corrosion resistance, or quieter running helps. Common uses include packaging, food processing, material handling, and agricultural equipment.

The natural (white) rod is virgin UHMW, and the black rod is a reprocessed grade. For food processing parts, choose the natural virgin grade and confirm that it meets your compliance requirements.

Advantages

Low friction: self-lubricating surface helps parts slide and can reduce the need for added lubrication
Wear resistance: for components exposed to sliding, scouring, and abrasive contact
Impact strength: suited to parts that take repeated contact, vibration, or mechanical shock
Chemical and corrosion resistance: resists many common chemicals and will not rust; confirm compatibility for the specific chemical and conditions
Low moisture absorption: practical in damp and washdown areas
Machinability: can be cut, drilled, turned, and milled with sharp tooling and good chip clearance
Lightweight: easier to handle than many metal alternatives

Applications

Bushings, bearings, washers, and spacers
Rollers, idlers, shaft sleeves, and conveyor parts
Sprockets, gears, pulleys, and augers
Guide rails, wear guides, and wear strips
Packaging, food processing, material handling, and agricultural equipment parts
Custom machined parts where abrasion resistance and low friction matter

Fabrication and Handling Notes

UHMW rod turns, drills, and mills on conventional woodworking or metalworking equipment. Sharp carbide-tipped tools give a clean finish, and clearing chips often keeps heat from building up.

UHMW expands and contracts noticeably with temperature, so allow for movement in fitted parts, bearing surfaces, and components with tight clearances. Continuous service is generally limited to about 180°F, and these rods are not UV stabilized. Confirm that the material suits the operating conditions before machining finished parts.

Cut tolerance: +0.0″ / −0.2″