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UHMW Machining Services

  • 11 years of working in the field of CNC machining of engineering plastics.
  • Using 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC technology that is ideal for cutting soft and fibrous materials.
  • ISO 9001:2015 certification helps us ensure the quality of our products is always reliable.
  • You receive help from choosing suitable materials to processing the parts after finishing.

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    TOPS Precision offers high-quality, highly precise machined parts made out of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW-PE). In the medical, food, packaging, or heavy machinery fields, TOPS’ UHMW machining is proven to offer superior toughness, resistance to shocks, along with the top-level precision and high quality that TOPS is renowned for.

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      UHMW Machining Services
      What is UHMW Machining?

      What is UHMW Machining?

      It means the process of producing custom components from Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW-PE) with CNC machinery. UHMW-PE has polymer chains that are much longer than other types of polyethylene. Besides this, it possesses high strength after being impacted, it lasts much longer when rubbed, and it is especially smooth.

       

      You cannot use most metals or other plastic-specific tools to machine UHMW because it is unique and has both soft attributes and a unique structure. Proper management of it allows it to become complex, high-performance parts for smooth and busy operations.

      How is UHMW Machined?

      Here are some steps that are part of the UHMW machining.

      • Material choice: We select the best UHMW grade for your job (natural, black, anti-static, etc.).
      • CNC Programming: CAM software creates paths for tools that minimize tool scratches and heating effects.
      • Machining:The use of special cutters on high-speed CNC routers or mills helps avoid any burrs.
      • Deburring and finishing: Manual and automated ways of polishing can enhance both the look and the stability of a part.

      We inspect the parts with CMM, calipers, and by looking at them to confirm the part accuracy and surface condition. At TOPS, adjustments to feed, speed, and tools are made to handle UHMW’s soft melting point and stretching qualities for good results.

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        Why Is UHMW-PE Unique?

        This type of plastic is unique in many ways. Its uniqueness comes from the following features:

        • It has a very strong impact resistance compared to carbon steel.
        • It contains its own lubricant, this is a good pick for easing sliding parts in any kind of environment.
        • Five times more able to resist scratches and scuffs than steel.
        • Excellent properties that make it resistant to most forms of acidic and alkaline liquids.
        • The lowest coefficient of friction, besides that of PTFE (Teflon).

        Due to these features, UHMW works well for parts that experience tough mechanical stress and must be protected from harsh chemicals.

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          Why Is UHMW-PE Unique?

          Can UHMW Machining Handle Tight Tolerances Easily?

          It is hard to maintain tight tolerances when working with UHMW.

          • High thermal expansion means that plastics get bigger when heated up.
          • Ability to bend and grow
          • Ambition to change post-machining

          However, because of our advanced systems, specialized methods, and UHMW experience, we can make precision parts to a ±0.005” (or higher upon request) tolerance. We use stress relief and split up our machining process to maintain high accuracy for both simple and difficult designs.

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            How to Apply Finishing Operations in UHMW Machining

            UHMW polish isn’t necessary for it to function well, but we offer our finishing services just in case.

            • Deburring & Edge Rounding
            • CNC Surface Grinding
            • Engraving /Part Marking
            • Threaded Insets
            • Machine-made Textures or Grooves
            • Polishing (May be omitted)

            Reach out to us about your goals or needs for the finish, and we can adjust our treatments to serve your purpose.

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              How to Apply Finishing Operations in UHMW Machining

              Applications of UHMW Machining

              Many industries make use of UHMW parts.

              Agriculture: Remember to wear pads and auger flights, and use bin liners as well.

              Tools for Industries: Chain guides, slide plates, rollers

              Food Processing: You can find cutting boards, special wheels, and blades here.

              Conveyor Systems: Use guides, paddles, transfer strips

              Medical & Pharma: Trays for sterile products, lab furniture

              Marine: Fender pads, dock bumpers, wear strips

              We can supply custom UHMW parts, from design to full production, that meet the performance expected for our project needs.

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                Advantages of Performing UHMW Machining

                Let’s discuss the pros of performing UHMW Machining.

                • Long life under rough and abrasive situations
                • Non-stick pans are very easy to clean.
                • It doesn’t require any lubrication because it is self-lubricating.
                • It can be used safely in places that follow FDA guidelines.
                • Minimal impact on the environment because everything can be recycled.
                Advantages of Performing UHMW Machining

                Challenges Arise During UHMW Machining

                Let’s discuss some of its challenges.

                • Machining UHMW is quite hard, despite its positive qualities.
                • Due to flexibility, the material deflects when it is being cut.
                • The metal may deform if it gets too hot during the forming process.
                • Fibrous chips often dull cutters very quickly.
                • In thin or unbalanced pieces, warping frequently occurs after machining.

                To deal with these difficulties, TOPS uses optimized settings, sharp cutting tools, and stress relief before and after machining.

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                  Properties of UHMW

                  Properties of UHMW-PE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene)

                  High Impact Strength

                  Out of all thermoplastics, UHMW-PE retains the toughest resistance to impact, even compared to hard types of steel. So, it is commonly used when the material is exposed to repeated shocks or heavy loads.

                  Low friction coefficient

                  Because it has a very low friction coefficient of 0.10, UHMW-PE does not stick and reduces friction by itself. It suitably protects conveyor systems, wear strips, and parts made to slide with only a minimum amount of friction.

                  Top-Notch Abrasion Resistance

                  UHMW is five times more resistant to wear and abrasion than steel is. That is why polyurethanes are often used in bulk processing, mining, and packaging lines.

                  Chemical Resistance

                  Chemicals like acids, alkalis, alcohols, and organic solvents are not able to harm UHMW-PE. It is stable and doesn’t decay in tough industries.

                  Resistance to Water and Moisture

                  UHMW stays the same size even when exposed to water, since it hardly absorbs moisture. Neoprene won’t become bigger, degrade, or get weaker when used in humid or underwater conditions.

                  Meeting FDA and USDA Requirements

                  It is possible to choose UHMW-PE that has been approved for use with food and beverages. As a rule, it is found in manufacturing for food processing, bottling, and medical packaging equipment.

                  Effective Electrical Insulation

                  Because it has both excellent dielectric strength and insulating abilities, UHMW is used in electronic and electrical insulation.

                  Reasonable Tensile Strength

                  It might lack the strength of metals, but UHMW still has a strong tensile strength of between 21 and 30 MPa. It has enough tolerance to pressure and retains flexibility.

                  Elongation and Flexibility

                  The material can be stretched very far (between 300% and 500%) before it breaks. With this property, asphalt separates the road from any unwanted vibrations and shocks.

                  Low Density

                  Because it weighs ~0.93–0.94 g/cm³, UHMW is lighter than most plastics as well as water. The advantage of lightweight aluminum is that it is simple to handle and eliminates extra weight in engineering projects.

                  Low Melting Temperature

                  UHMW-PE is said to have a melting point of about 130–136°C (266–277°F). As it can’t do high-temperature tasks, thermoforming and machining these materials are simple.

                  UV Resistance that includes Stabilizers

                  Since natural UHMW is not UV-resistant, it can suffer damage after long exposure to the sun. Nonetheless, paint makers offer UV-stabilized models (which are often black) for those using paint outdoors.

                  Choosing and Designing Your Color

                  Besides natural (white) UHMW-PE, you can also buy it in black (UV-protected), blue (complies with FDA standards), and custom colors to match your needs.

                  The following table gives a summary of the properties and details of UHMW material.

                  Property

                  Value / Description

                  Density

                  0.93–0.94 g/cm³

                  Melting Point

                  130–136°C (266–277°F)

                  Impact Strength

                  Exceptionally high

                  Coefficient of Friction

                  ~0.1 (very low)

                  Tensile Strength

                  21–30 MPa

                  Water Absorption

                  Virtually zero

                  Chemical Resistance

                  Excellent against acids, alkalis, and alcohols

                  FDA/USDA Compliant Grades

                  Available

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                    Get Your UHMW Machined Parts From TOPS Precision

                    Need parts that are dependable, inexpensive, and of good quality? No matter if you require prototypes or a large number of products, TOPS can handle it.

                    • Expert assistance and reliable CAD support
                    • Inspection and keeping records
                    • Delivery of products all around the world at the agreed times

                    We support sectors that ask for only the best solutions, such as safe food and impressive automation. Feel free to submit your drawings, or we can have a conversation about any design plan you have for free.

                    You Can Trust Our Guarantee on UHMW Machining Services

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                      TOPS Guarantees

                      We’re here to serve you with:

                      1- Traceability and certificates of the material can be provided when needed

                      2- The parts comply with all your required tolerances

                      3-  When experiments are repeated, the results come out consistently the same.

                      4- We always make sure delivery happens on time and that the costs are clearly shown.

                      You will either be satisfied, or we will fix the issue.

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                        FAQs About ABS CNC Machining

                        While we usually hold defects to ±0.005”, we can make them smaller if we use suitable fixtures and design.

                        We can apply machine threads or install metal inserts to boost the strength and prolong the life of the bearing.

                        Absolutely. We make natural and black FDA/USDA-compliant UHMW available upon demand.

                        Yes. We can produce just one sample or a huge order as required by you.

                        Most lead times are from 5 to 15 days based on the challenge and the volume of the project.

                        You can either send your drawings and specifications to us via email or fill out our instant quote form.

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