What is UHMW tubing?
UHMW tubing is a hollow cylindrical extrusion made from Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene, a durable plastic known for its exceptional wear resistance, low friction, and impact strength. It’s commonly used in applications that involve abrasion, chemical exposure, or sliding components.
What are the benefits of UHMW tubing?
UHMW tubing offers several key benefits:
- Excellent wear and abrasion resistance
- Low coefficient of friction (self-lubricating)
- High impact strength
- Strong chemical and moisture resistance
- FDA and USDA compliance for food contact applications
- Excellent performance in both dry and wet environments
These properties make it ideal for demanding industrial applications.
What industries use UHMW tubing?
UHMW tubing is used across a variety of industries, including:
- Food and beverage processing
- Material handling and packaging
- Agriculture
- Automotive manufacturing
- Industrial automation
- Mining and bulk material transport
Its durability and chemical resistance make it especially valuable in environments with abrasive materials or aggressive cleaning protocols.
Can UHMW tubing be customized?
Yes! As a custom plastic extrusion company, Spiratex offers fully custom UHMW tubing solutions. You can specify inner and outer diameters, wall thickness, length, and even additives like UV stabilizers or colorants. Our team can also assist with custom fabrication and post-extrusion finishing as needed.
Is UHMW tubing FDA compliant?
Spiratex offers FDA-compliant UHMW tubing that meets the requirements for direct food contact. This makes it a popular choice for food processing equipment, fluid transport lines, and protective barriers in sanitary environments.
How does UHMW tubing compare to other plastic tubing materials?
Compared to materials like PVC or nylon, UHMW tubing offers significantly better wear resistance and impact strength. It’s also more chemically resistant than many other plastics and operates effectively across a wide temperature range. Its self-lubricating properties also reduce the need for maintenance in high-friction applications.
What sizes are available for UHMW tubing?
Spiratex manufactures custom tubing, so size options are nearly limitless. We can produce tubing in a wide range of diameters and wall thicknesses to meet your specific application requirements. Contact us to discuss your project needs.
Can UHMW tubing be used outdoors?
Yes, but it’s best to specify UV-stabilized UHMW tubing for extended outdoor use. Standard UHMW may degrade over time with prolonged UV exposure, but UV additives can significantly extend its lifespan in outdoor environments.
How do I request a quote for custom UHMW tubing?
You can request a quote by contacting Spiratex directly through our website or by phone. Provide us with your desired tubing dimensions, performance requirements, and application details, and our engineering team will help you develop the ideal custom UHMW tubing solution.
