Machining PE-UHMW ELS black

PE-UHMW (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, also known as PE 1000) belongs to the polyolefin family and is characterised by an exceptionally low coefficient of friction, high wear resistance and very good impact strength – even at low temperatures. In the ELS version, the material is set to be electrostatically dissipative (ESD): it controllably discharges electrostatic charges and thereby reduces the adhesion of dust and the risk of electrostatic discharge. Liedtke stocks this type in black with FDA suitability for food contact.

Due to its very high molecular weight of around 9 · 10⁶ g/mol, PE-UHMW differs markedly from standard polyethylenes such as PE-HD. The exceptionally long molecular chains provide high toughness, high abrasion resistance and permanent self-lubrication, without the need for additional lubricants.

The electrostatically dissipative treatment (ELS) reduces the surface and bulk resistance to around 10⁹ Ω and Ω · cm respectively – a value within the typical ESD range of 10⁶ to 10¹¹ Ω. This controllably discharges electrostatic build-up, which reduces dust deposition on component surfaces and provides additional safety and cleanliness in dust-sensitive environments.

Advantages:

• Very low coefficient of friction and permanent self-lubrication
• High wear and abrasion resistance
• High impact strength, even at low temperatures
• Electrostatically dissipative treatment reduces dust deposition and electrostatic charging
• FDA-compliant for food contact (ELS + FDA black type)
• Good chemical resistance

Limitations:

• Lower stiffness and dimensional stability than engineering plastics such as PA or POM
• Lower permissible continuous service temperature than high-performance plastics (up to around 80 °C)
• More demanding to machine than many other thermoplastics – sharp tools required
• No transparency in the black version

PE-UHMW can be milled, turned, drilled and sawn with sharp tools suited to tough plastics; low cutting speeds and good chip removal improve surface finish. Before machining, the semi-finished product should be at room temperature and/or stored for at least 24 hours under normal ambient conditions to relieve internal stresses.

The ELS + FDA black type documented here complies with 21 CFR § 177.1520 for food contact and is also electrostatically dissipative. This makes it a popular material for chutes, guides, slide rails and hoppers in the meat, fish, poultry, baking and beverage industries, where electrostatically caused dust and product adhesion needs to be avoided.

Yes, the ELS + FDA black type documented here complies with FDA 21 CFR § 177.1520 for food contact – see the separate FDA compliance declaration for download.