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Similar (less expensive) materials to UHMW plastic
thread334-265949 Forum Search FAQs Links MVPsForum
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(Materials)
(OP)
24 Feb 10 00:38We use some 18" diameter x 1/2" width UHMW plastic plates as lightweight training plates for weightlifting. They're insanely strong, but the ones we got aren't available anymore. We'd like to have some new ones made, but need something strong, yet not quite as expensive as UHMW.
Any suggestions as to what we should be looking at? We were quoted almost $100 per plate, which isn't going to happen, we were thinking on the order of $25 would be ideal, cheaper if possible and bought in bulk.
(Mechanical)
24 Feb 10 08:48Ask for 'polyethylene' or 'polypropylene', which are similar plastics of lower molecular weight and likely lower price.OR, call your local plastic supplier, and ask him to suggest a material that would be cheap in 1/2" plate form.OR, with a modest tooling charge, you could get the plates cast from polyurethane. This also presents an opportunity, in that the plates can be cast to finished size, and can have markings, e.g. "Property of ____" cast in.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
(Materials)
(OP)
24 Feb 10 12:20I may be showing my ignorance on the topic here, but wouldn't polyurethane flex relatively easily under even light weight?
I got a quote for around $47 for UHMW and $38 for HDPE. The info on broad general types of plastics I just can't find anywhere easily accessible.
(Mechanical)
24 Feb 10 12:25Polyurethane has two precursors; their relative proportion governs whether it's rubbery or hard. Some is compounded with fillers and sold as tool/fixture material.
The company is the world’s best MEG Plant supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
(Mechanical)
24 Feb 10 13:14If you're willing / able to make your own donuts, here's a link to a 36" square, 1/2" thick UHMW plate for about $100:Yes, your plate will end up slightly under 18" diameter when you turn a plate of this size into four smaller ones. That may not matter to you, or it may be a deal breaker.McMaster-Carr is probably not going to be your lowest cost option for material so you should be able to find a better price elsewhere.
(Materials)
(OP)
24 Feb 10 22:01That's a pretty good deal, we might just do that, we've got a place that can do the labor for us for probably fairly inexpensive. $25/plate is pretty good. One of the other owners used a plastic pizza serving dish (I think), just cut off the handles and drilled a hole, might try that too, but I like the 36x36 square price.
(Materials)
25 Feb 10 13:11You could buy a sheet of PE from a company that makes synthetic ice. It's sheets of PE that slot together so you can ice skate on the plastic floor you make. They are big square sheets of PE 1/4, 3/8 or 1/2 inch thick.Look here for an example:Not sure if they'll sell a single sheet but worth a try.
Chris DeArmitt PhD FRSC CChem
www.phantomplastics.com
Consultant to the plastics industry
(Materials)
25 Feb 10 13:33Here's another place that does HDPE sheets in custom sizes:
Chris DeArmitt PhD FRSC CChem
www.phantomplastics.com
Consultant to the plastics industry
(Materials)
25 Feb 10 17:49Do little searching on reprocessed UHMW for sites like the link below. For your purpose this material should be adequate and cheaper than virgin material. We use a lot of this material around the fish house and docks. We use it for fenders and rub rails and guides on the conveyors and sorters.
(Materials)
26 Feb 10 11:57That Cutting Board Factory link includes recycled UHMWPE as well as PE and PP.
Chris DeArmitt PhD FRSC CChem
www.phantomplastics.com
Consultant to the plastics industry
(Materials)
(OP)
26 Feb 10 12:49Thanks, I've got an eMail into them last night, I'll call them now that they're open this morning.
(Materials)
23 Mar 10 08:33I am now working with a company specialised in making such plates. I will put you in contact if you like.
Chris DeArmitt PhD FRSC CChem
www.phantomplastics.com
Consultant to the plastics industry
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UHMW vs HDPE
Both UHMW and HDPE, are types of polyethylene plastic that can be used in various industrial applications. It’s important to understand the similarities and differences before purchasing to distinguish which material is more suitable for your needs.
At a molecular level, HDPE has a high-density makeup, meaning it doesn’t absorb much liquids. It can also be easily shaped and welded using thermoplastic equipment. It’s a low-cost, durable, abrasion, and chemical-resistant plastic material. HDPE is often used as a vessel or container, or for marine applications.
On the other hand, UHMW is also low-cost and primarily used for applications that require extreme strength and abrasion resistance. This is an extremely popular plastic for wear industrial applications that require constant friction between moving parts over time. It’s also easy to fabricate and machine, but it's more difficult to form specific shapes or to weld.
There isn’t one choice that’s better suited to every application, but more about choosing which option is a better fit for your specific scenario. If you are unsure what plastic sheet to use for your application, please contact us.
UHMW vs Acetal
The primary difference is machining the two materials. UHMW is soft and more difficult to machine compared to Acetal due to its slippery form and it also suffers from thermal expansion. Acetal is a harder material with high mechanical strength and rigidity. It machines close to tolerance and performs better in precise (typically small) parts. They are both good alternatives to metal, with UHMW being the more economical option.
There isn’t one choice that’s better suited to every application, but more about choosing which option is a better fit for your specific scenario. If you are unsure what plastic sheet to use for your application, please contact us.
For more formaldehyde plantinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.