Core and Cavity for Injection Molding
Unlock the secret to flawless injection molding! The little features around the mold that ensure the most perfectly shaped parts...
UPE Injection Molding Service
Get durable, high-performance UPE parts with RapidDirect. Precise molding, fast delivery, and cost-effective solutions for your projects.
UPE in Injection Molding
UPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) has excellent durability, chemical resistance, low friction, and a wide temperature range usability. This collectively contributes to its popularity in manufacturing high-performance components.
UPE’s suitability for injection molding stems from its excellent combination of mechanical properties. As an engineering thermoplastic, it exhibits high impact resistance, even at low temperatures, making it ideal for applications requiring toughness and durability.
The material’s low coefficient of friction enhances its suitability for parts needing lubricity, reducing wear, and extending operational lifespan in various environments. Furthermore, UPE’s molecular structure and low viscosity after melting facilitate efficient flow during molding, ensuring that detailed features are accurately replicated.
| Price: | $$ | Available UPE at RapidDirect: | UPE Black, UPE White |
|---|---|
| Lead Time: | < 5 days |
| Wall Thickness: | 0.5mm |
| Tolerances: | ISO2768-C |
| Max Part Size: | 300 mm x 300 mm x 300 mm |
Plastic UPE Properties
| Properties | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.93 - 0.94 g/cm³ |
| Tensile Strength | 20 - 40 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | 200 - 350% |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.42 W/m·K |
| Melting Point | 130 - 136°C |
| Coefficient of Friction | Very low |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 150 - 200 x 10^-6 /°C |
| Impact Resistance | Very high |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent against most chemicals |
| Water Absorption | < 0.01% |
Pros and Cons of UPE Injection Molding
UPE plastic offers many benefits that make it suitable for injection molding. However, there are some of its downsides to consider before choosing it for any project.
Pros
- Durable and lightweight
- Excellent chemical resistance
- High impact resistance
- Low coefficient of friction
- Wide temperature range usability
Cons
- Higher material cost
- Limited color options
- Requires precise mold design
Applications of Injection Molded UPE Parts
Injection molded UPE parts are widely used across various industries, including:
- Medical Industry: Orthopedic implants and prosthetics
- Automotive Sector: Gears and bearings
- Food Processing: Conveyor belts and components in food processing plants
- Industrial Equipment: Wear strips, guides, and housings for machinery and equipment
- Sporting Goods: Ski bindings and skate components
FAQs
UPE injection molding benefits from precise mold design to accommodate its low thermal expansion and high impact resistance. Ensuring consistent melt temperatures and cooling rates is crucial for minimizing warping and achieving optimal mechanical properties. Proper maintenance of injection molding machines and adherence to recommended processing parameters further enhance quality and yield.
UPE injection molding supports various part sizes and complexities, from small intricate components to larger structural parts. Common applications include gears, bearings, and housings across industries like automotive, electronics, and medical devices. You can achieve complex geometries, sharp details, and thin walls by ensuring precise mold manufacturing.
Cycle times for UPE injection molding are typically shorter compared to high-temperature plastics like PEEK or PPS due to their lower melting point and excellent flow characteristics. Production rates are efficient, with rapid cooling times contributing to shorter overall processing durations, making UPE suitable for high-volume manufacturing.
What are the common post-processing or secondary operations required for UPE injection molded parts?
Post-processing of UPE parts may involve trimming excess material, surface finishing to achieve desired textures or gloss, and assembly if required. Secondary operations such as machining for tighter tolerances, welding, or applying coatings for enhanced properties like UV resistance are common. Quality inspection for dimensional accuracy and mechanical integrity ensures final part compliance.
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