UHMWPE CNC Machining
Elimold offers professional CNC machining services for ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Whether you are prototyping or producing in small batches, our team ensures tight tolerance control, a smooth surface finish, and consistent quality. Contact us now for a quote.
Looking For Professional UHMWPE CNC Machining and Manufacturing Services?
Elimold is committed to setting the industry standard in complex and precision plastic machining. We understand the unique challenges of plastic machining and manufacturing that conventional equipment cannot handle. Therefore, with over a decade of expertise in the plastics field, we ensure on-time, high-quality, and compliant solutions. Whether you provide us with complex final drawings for custom UHMWPE machining or a concept yet to be developed, Elimold’s engineering team treats every project with the same meticulous attention to detail required by our clients. If needed, we can offer modification suggestions for custom machining and manufacturing of your part design to ensure perfection.
What is Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE)?
Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) belongs to the thermoplastic polyethylene family. One of its notable characteristics is its high toughness and impact strength; it is a long-chain polymer with a molecular weight between 3.5 million and 7.5 million atomic mass units (amu). The long chains give it strong load-bearing capacity, thereby enhancing intermolecular interactions.
It is inherently very smooth and chemically stable, and shares many properties with PTFE. Both meet FDA standards, are bright white, virtually non-hygroscopic, have excellent chemical resistance, a very low coefficient of friction, and are self-lubricating. Furthermore, it exhibits excellent impact resistance (it does not crack even at low temperatures), best wet abrasion performance among all materials (including metals), and relatively low material cost. Its disadvantages include low compressive strength and limited heat resistance (up to 160°F/71°C). Its high coefficient of thermal expansion also makes tolerance control more challenging.
Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers are sold under the brands Dyneema and Spectra. Their yield strength is as high as 2.4 GPa (2.4 kN/mm² or 350,000 psi), and their density is as low as 0.97 g/cm³. High-strength steel has a comparable yield strength, while low-carbon steel has a much lower yield strength (approximately 0.5 GPa). Dyneema and Spectra have a strength-to-weight ratio eight times that of high-strength steel.
UHMWPE Grades We Work With
UHMWPE is available in several grades, each suitable for specific working environments. Below are the UHMWPE grades we commonly use:
Virgin UHMWPE
This is the standard unfilled grade, offering excellent abrasion resistance and impact strength. We use it for general-purpose parts requiring long-term durability and low friction.
UV Stabilized UHMWPE
Designed for outdoor use, this grade resists degradation caused by sunlight exposure. It is used for machined parts exposed to weather or prolonged UV radiation.
Food Grade UHMWPE
Certified for food contact applications. We process this material for customers in the food processing industry, where hygiene and compliance are paramount.
Antistatic UHMWPE
This grade has added conductive additives to reduce static electricity buildup. We use it in electronic equipment handling applications where electrostatic discharge (ESD) issues may exist.
Comprehensive UHMW-PE CNC Machining Services
As an ISO-certified company, we ensure our standards meet or exceed relevant standards and comply with various industry standards and specifications. Elimold collaborates with you to provide comprehensive manufacturing services from concept design and prototyping to production delivery, specializing in micro-turning and specialty material machining. With advanced technology and equipment, we can produce precision parts tailored to your project specifications using the UHMW-PE material you require.
Comprehensive Production Support Team
We have a team of experienced manufacturing experts working behind the scenes to fulfill your production orders. We manage the entire process and keep you updated on the latest progress.
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Application Engineers
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Quality Control
Engineering and Design Capabilities and Services for UHMWPE Materials
Our highly skilled and experienced design and engineering team monitors and analyzes design documents, providing modification suggestions as necessary. Designs are finalized only after client approval. Prototypes are provided before mass production begins. If modifications are required, the prototypes are revised, and final production only commences after client approval. Elimold’s professional team can assist you in creating or refining your designs or ideas. Upon receiving your drawings, we will evaluate them and provide the best advice and quote.
CNC UHMWPE Machining Service
We possess extensive experience and knowledge in the plastics processing industry and raw materials. We are equipped with state-of-the-art CNC machine tools, cutting tools, and 3D CAD/CAM software. We can provide suitable products for a wide range of applications across numerous industries, whether for customized single products or batches of thousands of pieces.
UHMWPE CNC Prototyping Service
We offer rapid prototyping services for UHMWPE CNC parts, helping you test your designs before full-scale production. Whether it’s custom parts for a specific application or innovative designs you want to develop, our team can bring your concepts to life with precision and efficiency.
UHMWPE CNC Parts High-Volume Production Service
Once you’ve determined your project can begin, our advanced equipment (including 3, 4, and 5-axis CNC machine tools) enables mass production, ensuring that every part meets your standards for quality and consistency. With our expertise in UHMWPE CNC machining, you can trust us to guarantee precision, even for large orders.
UHMWPE CNC Machining Factory
Elimold’s over 136,000 square meter in-house CNC machining factory in Shenzhen, China, boasts over 100 state-of-the-art machines of various types, a spotless machining workshop, and a team of quality control experts. This enables us to achieve exceptional custom processing of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), capable of handling the most challenging tasks. However, what truly sets Elimold apart is our team’s unwavering pursuit of excellence. We are a group of experienced craftsmen, each meticulously refining the quality and craftsmanship of our custom-processed UHMWPE products.
Quality Control in UHMWPE Machining
Strict quality control is crucial for ensuring the reliability of CNC-machined UHMWPE parts. Measures cover the entire production process. Our team selects the appropriate UHMWPE grade based on application requirements. Pre-machining UHMWPE raw materials are inspected to prevent problems in subsequent processing. During machining, cutting parameters and tool condition are monitored in real time to prevent overheating or stringing. Mid-term inspections are performed using precision tools such as calipers to verify dimensional and surface quality during UHMWPE machining. Final inspections are conducted using coordinate measuring machines (CMM) or other advanced tools during and after part manufacturing to confirm tolerances, surface finish, and material integrity. Application-specific testing validates the machinability of UHMWPE.
Why Choose Elimold?
Our CNC machining services are specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) parts. Whether your project requires simple shapes or complex geometries, we have the capability to produce high-precision UHMWPE components to your specific specifications.
Furthermore, Elimold’s staff works closely with each client from the initial consultation to the delivery of finished parts to ensure your parts meet or exceed your specifications. Our in-house factory utilizes the latest technology and the highest quality standards, and we provide exceptional customer service to ensure that every client receives finished products that meet or exceed expectations, delivered on time and within budget.
FAQ
Yes, our team of experts can assist you with design optimization, ensuring your custom parts are not only feasible but also capable of the most efficient production. We will work with you to continuously refine the design, ensuring the final product is both cost-effective and of superior quality.
The typical tolerance for machining UHMW-PE is ±0.005 inches (0.127 mm). However, for critical applications, tighter tolerances can be achieved using precision equipment and careful handling.
UHMWPE and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) are very similar, but there are key differences. PTFE is more expensive than UHMW and has only about 20% of the load-bearing capacity of UHMW. Both have a low coefficient of friction, but PTFE is smoother. UHMWPE has significantly better abrasion resistance than PTFE, but PTFE can withstand four times the temperature of UHMWPE during continuous operation.
UHMWPE has sufficient flexibility and performs well in both humid and dry environments. UHMWPE can be bent to the flexibility required for component installation.
Yes. We undertake detailed UHMWPE designs and provide a quick quote after reviewing your CAD drawings. The exact price depends on the complexity of the design and the processing requirements of the UHMWPE plastic.
In my experience, UHMWPE is not difficult to process, but its high flexibility and coefficient of thermal expansion (~1.5×10⁻⁴/°C) require precise fixtures, sharp cutting tools, and controlled cutting speeds to prevent warping and stringing.
For higher precision and structural rigidity, I prefer polyoxymethylene (POM, also known as acetal resin). For extremely high chemical resistance, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) performs better. UHMWPE offers balanced performance but is not the optimal choice for high-precision parts.
Yes, HDPE is easier to process due to its lower molecular weight (approximately 500,000, compared to 3-6 megawatts for polyethylene). It generates less frictional heat and deforms less, making it more suitable for high-speed or high-volume processing.
Yes, UHMW-PE has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for food contact applications, making it ideal for food processing applications where abrasion resistance and non-toxicity are critical.
Yes, UHMW-PE is resistant to UV degradation, moisture, and extreme temperatures, making it suitable for outdoor environments.
Yes, UHMW-PE can be welded by heating and pressurizing, but this process requires specialized equipment. Depending on the application, it can also be joined using adhesives or mechanical fasteners.
PTFE offers excellent chemical resistance and high-temperature resistance, while UHMW-PE performs better in terms of abrasion resistance and impact strength. Nylon offers greater rigidity, while UHMW-PE retains flexibility and self-lubricating properties, making it suitable for high-friction applications.
UHMW-PE has a melting point of approximately 130°C (266°F), making it unsuitable for extremely high-temperature environments. For applications requiring higher heat resistance, materials like PEEK or PTFE may be more appropriate.
UHMW-PE parts are widely used across various industries. These applications include the manufacture of food processing parts, conveyor belts/rails, chemical tank parts, chute linings, and more.
UHMW-PE is a rigid plastic, known for its high tensile strength, impact resistance, and hardness. Despite being a rigid plastic, it also possesses a degree of flexibility and is not easily broken.
Yes, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has successfully replaced metals in many applications, offering superior abrasion resistance, self-lubricating properties, and weighing only one-seventh as much as steel. It is particularly effective in abrasion-resistant applications, conveyor systems, and food processing equipment. Our engineering team can analyze your specific application to determine the suitability of UHMWPE and help you optimize the design of your plastic materials.
Need CNC Machined Parts in UHMW-PE?
Are you looking to purchase durable UHMW-PE CNC machining services and parts? Leverage our expertise and extensive experience to help you succeed on your next project.