Piedmont Plastics provides plastics solutions for all significant commercial and industrial needs and has been doing so for over 50 years. Our commitment to delivering unrivaled product breadth and quality has helped us become a leader in the wholesale distribution of plastic sheet, rod, tube, and film products.
Among the wide range of plastics from Piedmont Plastics is UHMW plastics in sheet and rod form, a perfect choice for many industries, markets, and products.
What Is UHMW Plastic Sheet?
UHMW (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) is a machinable thermoplastic that makes a sensible and environmentally friendly option for multiple applications. It is highly durable, cost-efficient, and versatile with an impressive impact and chemical resistance factor. UHMW is perfect for applications where high friction levels are expected, featuring durability, an extremely low coefficient of friction, and inherent lubricity.
UHMW is available in both virgin and reprocessed form.
Made with a blend of virgin and recycled material, reprocessed UHMW is an easily machinable, versatile, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective material for any number of non-food applications. Reprocessed UHMW is used extensively in conveying, material handling, and packaging applications where durability and wear resistance are essential.
Similarly, virgin UHMW is an easily machinable thermoplastic that can be used in many of the same ways as reprocessed UHMW, but also for food and beverage, bottling and canning, and packaging. Virgin UHMW’s high molecular weight makes it highly resistant to abrasion and moisture absorption. In addition, virgin UHMW is FDA and USDA compliant, rugged, easy to machine, and features an extremely low coefficient of friction—making it an extremely versatile and cost-effective material.
What Is UHMW Plastic Used For?
Quite a lot.
UHMW plastic can serve a variety of industries and applications. For example, UHMW can be used in foodservice cabinetry, bottling lines, docks, dock fenders, conveyer systems, chutes, hoppers, silos, and bed truck liners.
Here is a breakdown of some of UHMW’s common industry uses:
Material Handling and Conveying
Supply chains rely on efficient handling and conveying of materials from one spot to another, be it a warehouse to a truck, storage tanks to barrels, and farms to shelves. Thus, UHMW can apply to many aspects of industry, including packaging and transit, food processing, medical products, and many more.
UHMW plastic applications are perfect for include chute liners, conveyor systems, star wheels, thrust washers, valves, fittings, and wear strips. In addition, UHMW plastics can be used for pretty much any need related to material handling and conveying.
Plastic and Metal Fabrication
As much as UHMW is easily machinable, it is also valuable for plastic and metal fabrication processes where it’s vital to have a material with significant impact and resistance factors—especially in situations where high levels of friction come into play.
UHMW is well-suited for a variety of industries that either construct or use machinery for material fabrication. Processes that UHMW could be useful for include line bending, precision cutting, CNC cutting, routing, and milling.
Transportation and Shipping
Piedmont plastics, including UHMV, can be used in various industries and applications associated with transportation. Uses include storage bins, seats, interior panels, trim, brackets, and mirrors. Piedmont plastic products are flexible, durable, and cost-effective, allowing them to be the perfect choice for many products. That they are also eco-friendly makes them ideal for transportation and shipping divisions concerned with environmental issues.
Food Processing and Handling
The food processing and handling industries rely heavily on efficient, sturdy equipment to meet the constant demand for goods. A reliable, safe, and eco-friendly plastic is essential for industrial facilities to meet these demands and keep operating costs manageable. A versatile plastic such as UHMW can solve many food processing and handling challenges ranging from mixing and cooking to packaging and transportation.
UHMW can be used for applications such as conveyor systems, bottling lines, food cabinetry, star wheels, thrust washers, valves and fittings, and material handling wear strips.
How Much Does a Sheet of UHMW Cost?
Piedmont Plastics works with many suppliers, so buyers have a wide range of choices. When looking at plastics, buyers can easily find pricing for UHMW in sheet and rod form.
Using Piedmont Plastic’s online pricing calculator and ordering system allows you to select your choice of length, dimensions, or thickness of individual or multiple pieces with ease. Buyers can also enter specific needs and requirements for customized quotes.
Still Have Questions About UHMW?
Let the experts at Piedmont help you find the perfect solution for your unique application.
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