Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE)
What is Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE)?
Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a thermoplastic in the polyethylene family, valued for its wear resistance, toughness and low friction. Orthoplastics manufactures medical-grade UHMWPE used in orthopaedic implants, including hip and knee applications.
Alongside material supply, Orthoplastics offers component machining and Direct Compression Moulding for orthopaedic device manufacturers.
Our UHMWPE products
Our UHMWPE range is manufactured from Celanese GUR 1020, 1050 and 1020-E polymers. Material is supplied in rods, sheets and blocks, with sizes selected to suit the intended component and manufacturing route.
Specifying an appropriate starting size can reduce the material that needs to be removed during machining. Discuss your required grade, dimensions and production requirements with our team.
Material selection and technical support
The appropriate UHMWPE specification depends on the intended application, wear requirements, component design and subsequent processing. Our team can help you discuss these requirements before selecting a material and supply format.
Explore our UHMWPE material properties, Vitamin E-stabilised UHMWPE and crosslinked polyethylene information as a starting point for your technical review.
Quality and traceability
Material quality and traceability are central to our medical-grade UHMWPE manufacturing. Orthoplastics uses inspection and batch testing to assess material against customer specifications, supported by its laboratory capabilities.
Read about our quality systems and traceability and testing and laboratory services. Discuss the test reports, certification and supporting documentation required for your project with our team.
Discuss your UHMWPE requirements
To discuss UHMWPE supply, share your intended application, preferred grade, required dimensions and quantity, together with your planned manufacturing route. This helps our team understand the material and production requirements for your project.
Contact Orthoplastics about your UHMWPE requirements. If you are evaluating a moulded component, explore our Direct Compression Moulding capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve answered some of the most common queries about our materials including performance, processing, applications and more.
Which UHMWPE grades does Orthoplastics manufacture?
Orthoplastics manufactures UHMWPE from Celanese GUR 1020, 1050 and 1020-E polymers. Contact our team to discuss the grade required for your project.
What UHMWPE supply formats are available?
Orthoplastics supplies UHMWPE in rods, sheets and blocks. These can be moulded and cut into requested shapes and sizes.
Which orthopaedic applications use Orthoplastics UHMWPE?
Orthoplastics UHMWPE is used in orthopaedic implants for hips, knees, shoulders, elbows, ankles and fingers.
Does Orthoplastics offer UHMWPE component manufacturing?
Alongside UHMWPE material supply, Orthoplastics offers component machining and Direct Compression Moulding for orthopaedic device manufacturers.
How can the supplied UHMWPE size affect machining time?
Producing specific UHMWPE sizes in advance can reduce the machining time required for components. Discuss your required shapes and sizes with Orthoplastics.
What quality inspection and testing does Orthoplastics use?
Orthoplastics uses visual inspection, non-destructive ultrasonic testing and product batch testing against customer specifications. Read more about our quality systems and testing and laboratory services.
