Why use Compression Molded ULTRA III™ UHMW-PE?

Pride Engineered Plastics' Ultra III™ UHMW PE is made exclusively from the highest grade of poly resin available. That's what gives parts manufactured from this polymer long-lasting, superior quality, in both replacement parts and components on original equipment. ULTRA III™ helps manufacturers to reduce downtime, improve performance, eliminate the need for lubrication, replace steel parts and lower their operating costs.

Advantages

Endurance and resistance to impact, abrasion, corrosion and chemicals
These main characteristics make UHMW polyethylene so effective in a wide range of applications for high-performance, durable products. It has exceptional impact resistance, even at cryogenic temperatures. Follow this link for info on notched and double notched izod impact tests.
Weight Reduction of Parts
With a specific gravity of .94, UHMW is lighter than water, weighing seven times less than steel. Its cubic-inch cost is one-third the price of steel. That, combined with reduced long-term maintenance, makes UHMW especially cost-effective. It is easier to machine and therefore cheaper. It can be milled, drilled, sawed or planed to conform to many uses.
Abrasion Resistance - Its high impact strength and notched impact strength give Ultra III™ strong friction and wear characteristics and a high resistance to stress cracking. It has the highest abrasion resistance of any thermoplastic polymer. Follow this link for detailed info on the abrasion resistance of ULTRA III™ UHMW-PE.
Coefficients of Sliding Friction - Ultra III's UHMW outperforms steel in sliding applications because of its low co-efficient of friction. Its high lubricity factor minimizes heat-generating friction that wears down steel parts. Does not require lubrication, allowing for easier maintenance, and makes equipment operations smoother and noiseless. Virtually eliminates the gradual wear associated with metal parts. Follow this link for a detailed chart outlining ULTRA III's performance.
Sound (Acoustic) Impedance - Because it is durable, less susceptible to friction and has a high impact resistance, ULTRA III is much quieter than metals and won't absorb fluids.
Electrical Insulator - It's a good electrical insulator because of its bulk resistivity.
Corrosion Resistance - UHMW's unique properties make it effective in resisting abrasion from other materials and environmental elements like sub-zero temperatures, grit and sand.
Zero Water absorption - Because UHMW's water absorption is virtually nil, there is no dimensional change when it is used in aqueous environments. It is nonporous and contains no organic plasticizer additives, discouraging growth of fungus and bacteria.
Meets FDA Regulations - FDA and USDA sanctioned for use in food, meat and poultry-related applications. It is produced in compliance to the FDA Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Section 121.2501 covering the safe use of polyolefin articles and components of articles intended for food-contact use.
Chemical Resistance - Follow this link for a detailed chart.
Embedded Capability - Threaded inserts and attachments are easily embedded in the molding process.

Compression Molding produces a strong, tough, homogeneous part
UHMW-PE's high molecular weight means it will not melt or flow as a molten liquid. Processing methods are therefore derived from those of powder metal technology. Compression molding is the most common conversion process used with this resin, producing a stronger, more consistent product. Heat and hydraulic pressure are used to fuse the polymer powder inside a mold between large platens. UHMW-PE cannot be transformed and molded by conventional plastic processing techniques (injection molding, blow molding). Pride Engineered Plastics uses a higher tonnage of pressure per square inch than other manufacturers. This increases the compression of the molecules for a higher density product.

Bondable
Compression molding ULTRA III™ UHMW-PE. It can be bonded to rubber, stainless steel, aluminum and other metals - increasing the diversity of applications. It can be bonded to stainless steel, aluminum and other metals. There is no need for fasteners or prep work on the steel part. This reduces the number of required parts, cost and assembly time.

Insert Capability
It also allows for insert capability when molding. An insert can be added when molding, accepting other parts when completed. This reduces the cost of fastening an insert after molding that requires more parts and reduces the change of loosening the inserted part and prevents it from spinning apart.

Compression Molded vs. Machining

ULTRA III™ UHMW-PE is processed by automated compression molding which is less labor intensive than machining individual parts.
Excess waste material from machining a part from an extruded sheet, bar or rod can be eliminated by using only the amount of UHMW-PE powder needed for the compression molded part. There is no waste in production.
Compression molded UHMW-PE parts provide longer wear than machined parts.