Q1: Is it possible to use UHMWPE as a protection against abrasive wear (sandblasting)? The task is to protect a metal cement slurry feed nozzle from abrasion. Will an UHMWPE liner help protect the nozzle from wear? Or should we consider boron carbide?
A1: For the specified purposes, using UHMWPE is not feasible—it will wear out quickly. Few materials can compare with ceramics in terms of wear resistance.
Polyceramoplast composites are effective against adhesion/freezing and chemical-abrasive wear in mining equipment, where covering large areas with expensive ceramics is economically impractical and where the service life of ceramics would be excessive.
Q2: An answer regarding cutting with a milling cutter or waterjet was mentioned above. Would a handheld router or an electric wood planer be suitable for chamfering?
A2: Chamfering with manual tools is possible. The accuracy of the machining in this case depends on the skill of the operator.
Q3: How suitable is laser cutting for UHMWPE sheets of various thicknesses? What recommendations can you provide for laser cutting?
A3: Laser cutting is not used for UHMWPE: the laser melts the edges, causing the material to lose its properties in the cutting zone, and yellowing occurs. Milling or waterjet cutting is recommended.
Q4: What is its resistance to ultraviolet light?
A4: UHMWPE itself, without additives, is resistant to UV and thermal oxidation (unlike HDPE/LDPE). With the addition of stabilizers, its resistance increases to a level sufficient for several decades.
Q5: What is the procedure for establishing a warranty period for products (policy)?
A5: Typically, we provide a warranty for the material's compliance with the specifications in the technical data sheet (wear resistance, tensile strength, impact toughness, etc.)—this can be considered the policy and the main aspect of the warranty.
In individual cases, we provide a warranty for the performance of the lining or product in a specific unit/mechanism (for example, a "turnkey" bucket)—for up to 1 year. The decision is made based on a completed questionnaire.