UHMW-PE Extruded Profiles - Moving Into New Markets

Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW-PE) is extruded into a wide variety of standard and unique profile shapes. The polymer itself offers a number of physical characteristics that make it a favorite for material handling equipment – excellent wear and impact resistance, low coefficient of friction and outstanding corrosion resistance. The self-lubricating surface virtually eliminates the wear experienced with metal parts.

For years, conveyor and packaging equipment manufacturers have used these profiles for guide rails, wear strips and chain guides. The exceptional wear properties and low coefficient of friction reduce chain wear and tension, resulting in quieter and more efficient systems. The limits of UHMW-PE profiles are yet to be seen as new markets and applications outside of the traditional are becoming increasingly popular. For instance:

• wear strips for ball returns in bowling alleys
• door glides in commercial dishwashers
• protective wear strips for tires in car washes
• tracks for sail masts on boats
• protective edges for insulating buns in refrigerated trailers

Extruded UHMW-PE profiles are available in a variety of standard shapes such as simple L-angles or C-channels. However, custom designs, whether they are to be used for material handling equipment, or in other specialized, non-traditional markets, can be manufactured into complex and unique shapes that best fit the desired application.

Occasionally when custom profiles are still in the design stage, engineers may wish to purchase a machined version of the shape. Although certain shapes are not easily machined, when it is possible, it allows them to test their design. Then, once the design, dimensions and tolerances are fine-tuned and decided upon, a die is built to extrude the custom shape. Generally, there are engineering and design charges that are shared by the manufacturer and the purchaser. Once the die is complete, prototypes are supplied to check the fit and the tolerances. Then, when all is approved, production is ready to begin. Technical assistance is available from the manufacturer throughout the process to assist in developing a shape that will work best for the application.

Most customers realize a quick return on their investment for the “engineering and design costs” associated with a custom profile. If compared to a machined version – which includes additional material and machining costs – it is easy to see the difference. A good rule of thumb to justify the cost of building a die is based on the volume, or usage per year. Generally, 10,000 feet per year for most profiles, or 5,000 feet per year for larger, heavier designs, is a good indicator that it would be more efficient to extrude than to machine.

UHMW-PE profiles are available in natural, which is FDA/USDA approved, as well as special colors and grades such as anti-static and oil-filled. Technical assistance is available to determine the best grade for the application.

For more information, contact Tim Brown, Röchling Engineered Plastics, P.O. Box 2729, Gastonia, NC, 28053. 800-541-4419, Fax: 704-922-7814, E-mail: rep@roechling.com, Web: www.roechling.com.