Discover the Differences: UHMW vs. Delrin for Plastic Applications

Two names are likely to emerge when considering the best plastic for an industrial or engineering application: UHMW (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) and Delrin (Polyoxymethylene). These two high-performance plastics are renowned for their toughness, flexibility, and functionality, making them ideal for use in several industries, such as automotive and manufacturing. However, your decision between the two is only as good as your understanding of their respective characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks. This article outlines the major differences between Delrin and UHMW so you can make an educated selection for your use case. From exceptional wear resistance coupled with low friction to outstanding machinability, our analysis is comprehensive and practical and offers guidance for any preference and need when comparing these two materials.

What Are the Properties of Delrin?

Acetal, commonly referred to as Delrin, is a highly efficient thermoplastic with strong dimensional stability, which gives it an upper hand in stiffness, durability, and strength. Precision parts maintain their shape over time, so they are ideal for parts that need high precision. Furthermore, Delrin’s low friction and wear resistance make this thermoplastic effective in the working sliding or moving parts. In addition, Delrin is reliable in harsh environments due to its good chemical resistance to solvents, fuels, and oils. The ease with which Delrin has to change to many shapes and designs also makes him versatile.

How Does Delrin Provide Mechanical Properties?

Having a unique combination as an acetal resin allows Delrin to exhibit its mechanical properties. Its high crystallinity provides exceptional stiffness and strength in Dimensional stability. Composition reduces internal stress, which improves Delrin’s ability to resist wear and fatigue over time. Additionally, Delrin’s low coefficient of friction makes it effective in applications that require movement or sliding of components. Delrin is able to retain its exceptional properties under difficult conditions, making it a reliable material for precision parts.

Why Is Delrin an Excellent Choice for Applications?

Remarkable mechanical strength and stiffness

• Delrin has remarkable tensile strength, with typical values for different grades ranging from 9,000 to 12,000 psi. It can sustain considerable mechanical strain which makes it ideal for heavy-duty applications.

Superior dimensional stability

• Due to its high crystallinity, Delrin keeps its shape precisely within stated tolerances in spite of different environmental conditions. This makes it a great choice for parts that require tight tolerances.

Low friction and high wear resistance

• With a coefficient of friction as low as 0.1 to 0.3, Delrin can be used without great concern for wear and ensures smoother operation in repetitive motion or sliding applications.

Chemical and moisture resistance

• Delrin has superior resistance to a wide range of chemicals, such as hydrocarbons, solvents, and alcohols, while being moisture resistant, which is important in wet or humid conditions.

Excellent fatigue resistance 

• Delrin can endure repeated cyclic loading without significant degradation, as indicated by its flexural fatigue endurance limit, which is approximately 4,500 psi after 10 million cycles.

Wide operating temperature range 

• Delrin can be operated within the range of -40°C (-40°F) to 120°C (248°F) which means it performs well in extreme cold and heat.

Light and Easy to Machine

• Delrin possesses a density of 1.41 to 1.43 g/cm³, which is much lower than that of metals, and can be machined into complex precision parts, which to some degree, is made possible due to its lightweight nature.

Ability to Insulate Electricity

• Delrin’s low dielectric constant of around 3.7 at 1 MHz, coupled with its high resistivity, makes it suitable for use as an electrical component insulator.

Due to these characteristics, Delrin is a favorite thermoplastic in many industries, including automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and electronics, where high-grade materials are needed that are tough and dependable.

Are There Any Limitations to Delrin?

Despite the many benefits Delrin has to offer, it does have some limitations. Perhaps its greatest disadvantage is its UV degradation over time. If used in outdoor applications, Delrin would need to be UV-stabilized as it can be exposed to sunlight for only a limited time. Otherwise, its mechanical properties and color would suffer.

In addition, Delrin is poorly resistant to strong acids, bases, and some organic solvents. This reason alone makes it inappropriate to use in chemically hostile environments. When compared to metals, the material’s higher coefficient of thermal expansion also lowers its use in applications where precise dimensional tolerances are necessary and thermal cycling is present.

It also has a high flammability. Delrin does burn at elevated temperatures and so would need to be carefully managed in high temperature scenarios. Its creep resistance, while decent, makes Delrin unsuitable for heavy-load, long-term applications where metals or composite alternatives would justify being better.

Lastly, in terms of sustainability Delrin differs from many environmental standards—being non-biodegradable is a big issue to some in the eco-friendly spectrum. These factors could deem Delrin unsuitable for the specific application needs.

How Does UHMW Compare to Other Plastics?

What Are the Key Properties of UHMW?

Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMW) is an important material that can be used in different industries due to its unique features. The following is a summary and more insights into the unique features of UHMW:

High Abrasion Resistance

• Resistant to wear and tear, UHMW plastic can withstand friction much better in comparison to other materials. While plastic and metal components are subjected to the same tough conditions, this material outlasts them in longevity.

Excellent Impact Strength

• UHMW shows impressive resistance to breakage from impacts, even during extremely cold temperatures. As such, this polyethylene material is well suited to extreme situations since it does not easily crack or break.

Low Coefficient of Friction

• The coefficient of friction for most polymers is very low compared to UHMW. This characteristic proves beneficial for parts that come together and rotate or slide against each other, such as bearings or components in a conveyor system.

Chemical Resistance

• Acids, alkalis, organic solvents, and a series of other chemicals cause almost no damage to this polymer. Because of this feature, UHMW is feasible in areas where harsh chemicals are prevalent.

High Resistance to Moisture

• Even when submerged in water, this polymer does not soak it up which helps maintain its mechanical capabilities. Marine and outdoor applications shall benefit from this feature.

Self-Lubricating

• Smoother operation with lower maintenance costs is achieved with ease because UHMW does not require external lubricants and has internal lubrication properties.

Noise and Vibration Reduction

• The ability of UHMW to dampen noise and vibrations makes it a preferred choice for liners and protective barriers for applications where quiet operation is required.

Biocompatibility

• For food grade applications non-toxic UHMW does not leach harmful substances, which makes it FDA and USDA compliant. This property is vital in food processing and medical manufacturing industries.

Temperature Stability

• UHMW has exceptional performance within certain temperature ranges of -200°C to +80°C but is unsuitable for high-temperature applications where it can lose mechanical strength.

Lightweight

• UHMW is non rigid and hence can be handled and installed with ease unlike other plastics and metals, which makes it strong and cost effective.

Resilience to UV and Weathering

• UV-stabilized grades of UHMW provide a longer service life for outdoor applications because they are exposed to sunlight, even though these grades are not inherently UV resistant.

A combination of these properties make UHMW great for use in the construction, automotive, medical, food processing, conveyor system industries. Understanding these qualities enables engineers and designers to calculate how suitable UHMW is for their purpose.

Why Is UHMW an Exceptional Choice for Applications?

UHMW is an exceptional material due to its key properties, including high impact resistance, excellent wear resistance, and low friction. These characteristics FH MH is suitable the most for tough conditions in which attention to detail and performance efficiency are needed. Also, its temperature endurance and chemical resistance add to its versatility across different industrial sectors. UHMW is strong and lightweight, which strips down on performance management and operational costs. These attributes position UHMW as a cost-friendly and effective resource for many engineering and industrial applications.

How Does the Molecular Weight of Polyethylene Affect UHMW?

The molecular weight of polyethylene defines the mechanical and physical properties of Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMW). Polyethylenes with molecular weights lower than these do not possess features unique to UHMW which range from 3.1 million g/mol to 5.67 million g/mol. The extremely high molecular weight results in exceptional wear resistance, high impact strength, and low coefficient of friction, UHMW’s unique characteristics.

Increased molecular weight results in better biological and energy absorption characteristics and the internal chain of the polymer, which enables greater resistance to deformation. For instance, current evidence indicates UHMW’s tensile strength can reach over 40 Mpa, which makes it a favorable component for conveyor systems, marine environments, and other components with high mechanical loads. Moreover, decreased material creep due to the enhanced molecular weight ensures dimensional stability under constant loads.

The increase in molecular weight saw an improvement in the thermomechanical stability of UHMW. This permits the material to operate with limited thermal contraction between -200°C and 80°C. This is beneficial for the food processing sector as well as for medical devices, which need dependability across different operating conditions. Additionally, the molecular structure provides an inherent slippery surface, resulting in a very low friction coefficient of about 0.1, which is helpful in minimizing material loss during sliding or abrasive contact.

In conclusion, the most significant molecular weight of UHMW enables its superior performance and versatility in a wide range of industrial and engineering applications. The characteristics as mention above improves the service life and operating efficiency of UHMW, making it an ideal material for applications where high strength and reliability is required.

What Is the Delrin vs. UHMW Comparison?

How Does Delrin vs. UHMW Perform in Wear Resistance?

Both Delrin and UHMW exhibit strong wears resistances, nevertheless, they perform differently depending on the use case. Incorporating Delrin, which is a highly rigid and tough material, allows components to endure continuous friction while maintaining accuracy and geometric stability over time. These features make Delrin suitable for small and complex components like bearings and gears. UHMW has better resistance to impact and abrasion which makes it very useful for high wear applications like material handling and conveyor systems. UHMW excels in moist and abrasive environments, while Delrin performs better in dry conditions.

What are the friction differences between Delrin and UHMW?

The friction characteristics of both Delrin and UHMW are important to take into consideration when choosing materials suitable for particular tasks. Delrin has a low coefficient of friction, which typically ranges between 0.2 to 0.35. For items needing motion like bearings, gears, and bushings, low friction combined with high stiffness is ideal.

UHMW, on the other hand, has an even lower coefficient of friction than Delrin, which is usually between 0.10 and 0.22. This is quite effective in reducing surface resistance. In addition, the outstanding self-lubrication and excellent sliding abilities make UHMW useful in contact and movement frequently associated with conveyor belts, sliding parts, and wear strips.

Although both materials can perform efficiently, the primary difference is that Delrin does not perform as well as UHMW in abrasive, moist environments. Applying heavier loads with greater precision also makes Delrin better suited than UHMW. These differences reinforce the need to think about working conditions and required materials when alternating between the two.

How Do Delrin and UHMW Handle Chemical Resistance?

Both Delrin and UHMW have notable chemical resistance, but some of their properties may vary depending on environmental conditions. For example, Delrin is resistant to many solvents, fuels, and chemicals, especially alcohols and hydrocarbons, so its use is beneficial in cases where such exposure is prevalent. Meanwhile, UHMW excels in strong acids, alkalis, and organic solvents, which makes it applicable to more aggressive chemical environments. The two kinds of materials show strength in chemical attack, but the correct one to use depends on the specifics of the chemical nature and concentrations.

What Are the Typical Applications of UHMW and Delrin?

Where Is UHMW Used in Various Industries?

Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMW) can be used in numerous industries owing to its superlative features, such as great impact strength, low coefficient of friction, and high abrasion resistance. Some of the key industries are mentioned below, along with their applications for UHMW.

Food and Beverage Industry

• In the food and beverage industry, UHMW is widely applied in food processing equipment as cleanliness and durability are of utmost importance. Some common uses are in conveyor belting parts, guide rails, and star wheels. It is also non-stick, which helps in reducing contamination and product build-up, along with FDA compliance ensuring its safety for food contact.

Manufacturing and Material Handling

• In manufacturing industries, UHMW is useful for wear strips, chute liners, and chain guides. The regions from which materials are removed are often subjected to severe abrasion and wear. The durable nature of UHMW ensures high downtime with a low frequency of needed part replacements. It also increases the self-lubricating efficiency of the machinery. Research indicates that the life expectancy of UHMW components is significantly higher than traditional components made from steel.

Transport of Bulk Materials and Mining

• In the mining industry, UHMW is commonly used in the construction of hopper liners, dump truck bed liners, and conveyor troughs. It helps with the prevention of abrasion due to its resistance to very sharp and rough materials. Evidence indicates that liners made from UHMW can increase the lifespan of equipment by 50% in highly abrasive conditions.

Automotive Industry and Other Forms of Transportation

• In the automotive industry, UHMW is utilized to create shims, spacers, and protective pads. It is perfect for parts that face harsh mechanical stress or a corrosive environment, as it has high impact resistance and does not easily break down when exposed to harmful chemicals. Moreover, contributing to the growing need to improve fuel economy in modern vehicles, its lightweight nature enables it to be integrated into new designs.

Medical and Healthcare

• UHMW has found application in the manufacturing of medical devices since its biocompatibility coupled with low moisture absorption makes it attractive in this field. Medical grade UHMW is often used in the production of orthopedic implants such as joint replacements. They are long-lasting and stable over time. Clinical studies support the notion that using UHMW in these applications leads to less wear debris, thus improving patient outcomes.

Construction on the water and dockside

• Thanks to UHMW’s properties, such as not soaking up water, being saltwater friendly, and UV tolerant, the marine industry is able to make use of this material. It is used as dock bumpers, fender pads, and wear plates. This also contributes to prolonging the service life of marine equipment in difficult coastal regions.

By using its distinct characteristics, UHMW has become a key material for construction ensuring safety, performance, and durability. Most companies that use UHMW in their operations express satisfaction with reduced costs and lower maintenance due to the strong nature of the material.

In Which Applications Does Delrin Find Usage?

Delrin is a general-use acetal resin, which is considered a high-performance plastic. It is used in construction and machine parts as its mechanical strength, dimensional stability, and low friction features are unsurpassed. Below is a detailed list of applications where Delrin is frequently utilized:

Automotive Industry

• In the automotive field, Delrin is widely used for parts that are precision machined, active wearing parts like gear wheels, sliding devices, fuel system parts, and door lock components. It can endure much higher loads while not losing shape due to the stresses created by varying temperature as well as retaining durability which is ideal in automotive engineering.

Electrical and Electronics 

• Delrin as low dielectric strength and water absorpsion makes it suited for components such as switches, connectors, and terminal blocks. Its insulation is also water resistant, making it ideal to suit humid weather.

Consumer Products  

• Zippers, buttons, and ballpoint pen parts are some examples of products that have smooth surfaces, strength, and are lightweight making Delrin suitable for use. It’s durable and dependable reliability and quality ensures use in everyday applications.

Medical Devices

• Elrin is used in medical device parts like inhalers, drug delivery systems, and surgical instruments due to its resistance to sterilization processes and biocompatibility. Additionally, the material’s precision machining capabilities are of utmost importance to fulfill the strict and operational standards of the processes.

Industrial Machinery

• For industrial bushes, bearings, and cams which sustain continuous friction, Delrin is the material of choice. It has a unique combination of lubricating properties, tenacity, and low wear, which is vital for efficiency in industrial applications.

Aerospace Applications

• In aerospace fittings such as fasteners, interior fixtures, and cable ties, Delrin is used due to its high strength to weight ratio. Puppett’s ability to be repetitively stressed without permanent deformation guarantees dependable performance in harsh environments.

Sporting Goods

• For sporting equipment like bicycle gears, ski bindings, and archery parts, Delrin is known for its strength under mechanical stress. Withstanding extreme use, golf sport is wear-resistant and durable even under stress.

With reliable performance across these applications, Delrin is recognized as an important engineering and manufacturing material.

Why Do UHMW and Delrin Offer Unique Advantages?

The characteristics of UHMW (Ultra-high Molecular Weight Polyethylene) and Delrin (Polyoxymethylene) make them critically important to industrial processes. Their specific attributes stem from their distinct chemical makeup as well as their operational features that serve particular engineering requirements.

Durability and Wear Resistance

Today, the most widely known application for UHMW is in areas where heavy abrasion is experienced. This is due to its outstanding resistance to wear, which measured around 10 times lower than carbon steel in a few stringent cases. These qualities render it suitable for parts that greatly suffer from friction, such as conveyor guides, chute liners, and wear strips. Likewise, Delrin possesses high wear resistance coupled with the ability to maintain dimensions under load over long periods, making it suitable for accurate parts such as gears and bearings. Research shows that components of Delrin can withstand harsh conditions and extreme loads for prolonged periods without succumbing to wear.

Low Friction Coefficient

UHMW has amongst the lowest coefficients of friction for thermoplastics, making it very suitable for dynamic systems where the action of sliding occurs. This means that UHMW applications, such as inline systems, packaging machines, automotive components, etc., make them work with greater efficiency and less energy. Delrin also has low friction performance but combines this with great fatigue resistance, making him ideal in applications with repetitive motion.

Chemical and Environmental Resistance

Both materials excel in resisting the effects of a wide variety of chemicals, although their focuses differ slightly. UHMW demonstrates outstanding resistance to most acids, alkalis, and organic solvents paired with high-impact strength, even at cryogenic temperatures. These qualities make it suitable for harsh industrial and marine environments. Delrin offers resistance to hydrocarbons and solvents and a greater variety of chemical compounds together with thermal stability between -40°F and 180°F. This ensures its reliability in many conditions.

High Strength-to-Weight Ratios

Another major advantage of both Delrin and UHMW is their remarkable strength-to-weight ratios. The lightweight structure of UHMW coupled with durability results in excellent impact resistance while being easy to handle during installation. Delrin rivals even some metals, especially for parts requiring tight dimensional tolerances. Heavily loaded with solid mechanical properties and compressive strength, he is not troubled by extreme performance claims.

Case Studies and Industry Use

Research and real-life applications support the claims for the advantages of both UHMW and Delrin. For example, UHMW components in mining operations have been shown to survive for up to three times longer than traditional rubber or steel parts when used in harsh conditions. Similarly, users of Delrin in automotive applications have noted lower wear and improved efficiency of fuel system components and brake parts.

Utilizing these characteristics, both UHMW and Delrin emerge as frontrunners for superior materials for complex applications across various industries due to their unmatched service, economy, and durability.

How to Make an Informed Decision Between These Materials?

What Factors Should Be Considered When Choosing Delrin?

The following factors are of utmost importance when Delrin has to be selected:

1. Load Requirements – Delrin is well suited to uses which have a requirement of high mechanical strength and stiffness. Ask yourself if the material in question will need to support substantial loads and will undergo repetitive strain.
2. Friction and Wear – Delrin is well suited for gears, bearings, and other sliding parts where low friction and high durability are essential. This is because Delrin has a low friction coefficient and remarkable wear resistance.
3. Chemical Compatibility – Check for Delrin’s exposure to chemicals, fuels, or other liquid substances. Many chemicals can be hostile, but Delrin is strongly resistant to most of them and is, therefore, suitable for automotive and industrial applications.
4. Moisture Resistance – Operating with Delrin is suitable for environments with moist conditions because Delrin has a low absorption rate of water. Make sure this is in line with how you operate.
5. Temperature Range – Delrin, unlike most plastics, is quite unique as it can endure a broad range of temperatures while retaining its mechanical properties.

Delrin’s choice for the application in question should be made with careful consideration of the factors highlighted above.

What Makes UHMW a Popular Choice?

Ultra-high molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW) is popular in a variety of industries because of its unique properties and versatility. Its popularity stems from several key features:

1. Outstanding Wear Resistance – UHMW has exceptional resistance to abrasive wear, making it useful in heavy contact or friction applications. Research indicates that its wear rate is lower than many other polymers, prolonging the lifespan of parts such as conveyor guides, liners, and bearings.
2. Low Coefficient of Friction – Another characteristic of UHMW is its very low friction. It is commonly referenced alongside materials like PTFE (Teflon). This promotes smoother movement within machinery parts and energy savings in dynamic systems.
3. Excellent Impact Strength – Even at low temperatures, UHMW exhibits resistance to impact. ASTM testing shows that it is more effective than many common plastics in terms of energy absorption during impact, making it ideal for chute liners and industrial equipment shields.
4. Chemical and Moisture Resistance – This material’s resistance to a wide variety of chemicals, including acids, bases, and organic solvents provides it with versatility in more harsh environments. It also contains minimal water absorption, which allows for better performance in aqueous or humid environments.
5. Temperature Tolerance – When it comes to optimal performance, UHMW is most suited to moderate temperatures (-200°F to +180°F). However, its performance stability at extremely low temperatures is equally impressive, which makes it crucial in cryogenics or outdoor applications in freezing regions.
6. FDA and USDA Compliance – Due to its non-toxicity and a surface that is simple to clean, many grade UHMW food-safe certified. This feature makes UHMW indispensable in food processing and packaging.
7. Lightweight and Cost-Effective – With a density much lower than metals and a competitive price point as advanced engineered plastics, UHMW is the most cost-effective solution for applications that require strength and lightweight at the same time.

These properties together with its strength, ability to withstand tough conditions and superb performance in many differing environments makes UHMW a popular choice in the automotive, construction, food processing, and medical manufacturing industries.

How to Choose the Right Material for Your Plastic Needs?

Several factors must first be assessed before determining the optimal plastic material needed for your project, as detailed below:

1. Requirements for Application – Determine the specific application, for example, in circumstances where resistance to abrasion and low friction are required, UHMW plastic materials are appropriate. In instances when high temperatures are involved, consider materials that are heat resistant.
2. Condition of the Environment – Assess the environment in which the material will be used. Is it exposed to very high or low temperatures, moisture, and chemicals? Material selection must be made in order to ensure adequate performance and durability.
3. Regulatory Approval – Settle if the material needs to comply with FDA, USDA, or other certifications like food and medical grade standards.
4. Physical Properties – Determine the physical characteristics that must be impacted like strength, ability to resist impact, and flexibility.
5. Materials Costs and Weights: Achieve a desired level of performance while keeping the material costs within economical bounds, adhering to the project’s weight restrictions.

All these aspects can help decide the most efficient and adequately economical plastic material suitable to the task.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the key differences between UHMW and Delrin?

A: The properties of UHMW and Delrin are quite different. Its unique characteristics include exceptional impact resistance, low friction, and excellent wear resistance for UHMW. With defined boundaries, Delrin provides higher tensile strength, stiffness, and dimensional stability. Toughness and abrasion resistance are suited for UHMW, and Delrin better serves precision and rigidity.

Q: How does UHMW compare to Delrin with regard to mechanical properties?

A: When considering the comparison of UHMW and Delrin, one thing to remember is that Delrin possesses higher tensile strength and stiffness. While providing outstanding impact resistance and low friction properties for Delrin, UHMW also possesses excellent wear resistance which makes it ideal for high-abrasion applications. It’s suitable for precision mechanical parts like gears, which is why Delrin’s dimensional stability allows it to maintain being staff.

Q: In which applications is UHMW preferred over Delrin?

A: Unlike other polymers, UHMW is preferred for highly impact-resistant applications with low friction requirements and excellent wear properties. Conveyor systems, material handling equipment, and food processing machinery are common uses. Its low coefficient of friction, low toughness, and outstanding impact resistance make UHMW ideal for applications where sliding or impact is involved. UHMW is also used in corrosive environments because of its superior chemical resistance.

Q: When is Delrin a better choice than UHMW?

A: Delrin is commonly used for precision mechanical parts where the rigid materials are dimensionally stable. For parts with higher tensile strength, stiffness, and dimensional stability, Delrin is the preferred choice. Some of the applications in which Delrin is preferred include gears, bearings, bushings, and other components in automotive, consumer electronics, and industrial machinery. Delrin is also easy to machine, making it suitable for complex, precise parts.

Q: What is the difference between copolymer acetal and homopolymer acetal (Delrin)?

A: Unlike Delrin (homopolymer acetal), copolymer acetal has superior chemical resistance and is less likely to have center-line porosity. On the other hand, Delrin excels in mechanical strength, stiffness, and creep resistance. The choice between the two comes down to the requirements of the specific application. Delrin, as a homopolymer, tends to have better overall mechanical properties, so it is more suitable for most applications.

Q: What are Delrin’s limitations compared to UHMW?

A: Although Delrin is known to be tough and rigid when benchmarked to UHMW, it has certain weaknesses. For example, Delrin has a tendency to suffer from brittle failure during high-impact loads and is also known to have a lower abrasion resistance. Its coefficient of friction is also known to be higher than that of UHMW. In addition, Delrin is known to experience stress cracking under certain chemical environments. One aspect to consider with Delrin is its cost, which is higher than that of UHMW; this can pose issues for large-scale applications.

Q: What is Delrin’s machinability compared to UHMW?

A: Delrin is considered easier to machine than UHMW and is both softer and more brittle. It boasts exceptional machinability, allowing it to be cut, drilled, and milled to tight tolerances and complex shapes. It is easily the best to work with. UHMW, on the other hand, is also machinable but poses its own unique challenges. Due to its softness and tendency to deform under pressure, UHMW is far more difficult to work with. That said, UHMW’s characteristics allow it to be thermoformed and welded far more easily than Delrin.

Q: Are there any particular factors that would influence a decision to choose Delrin over UHMW or vice versa?

A: Selecting either Delrin or UHMW requires consideration of many factors, including budget, cost restraints, desired mechanical attributes such as impact resistance, stiffness, and strength, operating environment in terms of chemicals and high temperatures, and the need for stable dimensions. The strength of each material differs based on its specific application. In some scenarios, evaluating Delrin against UHMW may be essential to make the right choice.

Reference Sources

Plastic

Thermoplastic

Polyethylene