What is UHMWPE?
2025/11/6
UHMW-PE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene), also known as U-PE or by the trade name “Newlight,” is a lightweight yet extremely durable engineering plastic valued for its excellent wear resistance, impact absorption, and low friction properties.
Compared to PTFE, UHMW-PE offers a more cost-effective balance of performance and machinability, making it a popular choice for components used in food processing and industrial machinery.
While it provides outstanding sliding characteristics and toughness, it has a relatively high thermal expansion and lower dimensional stability, which makes it less suitable for high-precision machining. Additionally, burr removal can be challenging during processing.
Other applications include:
Guide rails
Chain guides
Chain conveyors
Rollers, screws, and related mechanical parts
Appearance
UHMWPE may show subtle lines along the extrusion direction, but overall, it has a smooth surface finish. The natural material color is a translucent milky white, although green shades are also available.
Available Specifications for Sheet / Round Bar
Thickness (mm) | Width × Length (mm) | Outer Diameter (φ) | Length (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
3 | 1,000 × 2,000 | 10 | 1,000 |
5 | 1,000 × 2,000 | 15 | 1,000 |
6 | 1,000 × 2,000 | 20 | 1,000 |
8 | 1,000 × 2,000 | 25 | 1,000 |
10 | 1,000 × 2,000 | 30 | 1,000 |
12 | 1,000 × 2,000 | 35 | 1,000 |
15 | 1,000 × 2,000 | 40 | 1,000 |
20 | 1,000 × 2,000 | 45 | 1,000 |
25 | 1,000 × 2,000 | 50 | 1,000 |
30 | 1,000 × 2,000 | 55 | 1,000 |
35 | 1,000 × 2,000 | 60 | 1,000 |
40 | 1,000 × 2,000 | 65 | 1,000 |
45 | 1,000 × 2,000 | 70 | 1,000 |
50 | 1,000 × 2,000 | 80 | 1,000 |
60 | 1,000 × 2,000 | 90 | 1,000 |
70 | 1,000 × 2,000 | 100 | 1,000 |
80 | 1,000 × 2,000 | 110 | 1,000 |
90 | 1,000 × 2,000 | 120 | 1,000 |
100 | 1,000 × 2,000 | 130 | 1,000 |
120 | 1,000 × 2,000 | 140 | 1,000 |
150 | — | — | 1,000 |
160 | — | — | 1,000 |
180 | — | — | 1,000 |
200 | — | — | 1,000 |
Manufacturers / Brands
Mitsuboshi Belt Co., Ltd.
Sakushin Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials Co., Ltd.
Other Grades
Newlight U-PE / UHMW conductive grade (black)
This conductive grade still offers a low specific gravity, excellent wear resistance, and sliding characteristics. It features drawing marks in the extrusion direction and a smooth surface feel. Typical uses include guide rails, star wheels, chain conveyors, rollers, etc.
Step Up Your Project with Yumoto Electric
Yumoto Electric delivers high-quality components fast, worldwide. We provide precision machining for a wide range of engineering plastics, including PEEK, PPS, MC Nylon, and POM.
If you’re unsure about material selection or machining methods, we offer complimentary consultations to help optimize your design and production. For any questions, please feel free to contact us.
