HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) and UHMW-PE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) are both polyethylene materials, but their dramatically different molecular weights create fundamentally different properties.
The Critical Difference: Molecular Weight
HDPE has molecular weight of 20,000-500,000 g/mol, while UHMW-PE reaches 2,000,000-6,000,000 g/mol. This 10-100x difference drives all property differences between these materials.
Property Comparison
UHMW-PE offers excellent impact strength (virtually unbreakable) and 3-5x better wear resistance than HDPE with lower coefficient of friction (0.10-0.20 vs 0.20-0.30). HDPE can be injection molded while UHMW-PE cannot. For engineering applications, consider our PA6-CF Filament.
Applications
HDPE is used for chemical storage tanks, water and gas piping, and consumer packaging. UHMW-PE is preferred for truck bed liners, conveyor wear strips, marine fenders, and medical implants.
Source Polyethylene Materials
As a specialized source manufacturer, we supply both HDPE and UHMW-PE in sheet, rod, and tube forms. Contactez nous for pricing.
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