UHMWPE Rope

UHMWPE, short for ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, is a polyolefin fiber known for its incredible strength and durability. Composed of extremely long overlapping polyethylene chains aligned in the same direction, UHMWPE ropes are among the strongest ropes available. UHMWPE cord is an extremely strong, lightweight, heat-treated option that has become a cost-effective alternative to traditional steel wire ropes.

Thanks to UHMWPE’s molecular structure, it is resistant to a wide range of chemicals, including detergents, mineral acids, and oils. Its lightweight nature allows UHMWPE ropes to float, and their hydrophobic quality means they repel water, remaining tough even at low temperatures. This makes UHMWPE mooring lines and cords suitable for a variety of industries, including marine, commercial fishing, mountaineering, and aquaculture. UHMWPE ropes and cords are widely used in the yachting, sailing, and rigging industries in particular, where their strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness are highly valued.

Features of UHMWPE Rope:

• It has a high melting point of over 144°C, ensuring durability at high temperatures.

• Its low density allows it to remain buoyant in seawater and is overall lightweight.

• This material outperforms traditional steel wire ropes with its linear fracture pattern, improving safety.

• Its performance is unparalleled and it absorbs very little water, making it resistant to moisture.

• UHMWPE is chemically stable and resistant to a wide range of substances, except strong oxidizing acids.

• It is extremely strong, surpassing hardened steel, and is UV resistant to extend its lifespan.

• Due to the low coefficient of friction, the rope is self-lubricating and has excellent wear resistance.

• The stretch is minimal, only 3-4% at break, making it a more economical option compared to steel wire rope.

• Its low dielectric constant means it is virtually undetectable by radar and effectively dampens vibrations.

• It requires minimal maintenance, has low electrical conductivity, and offers excellent flexibility and resiliency.

Advantages of UHMWPE Rope:

1. High strength:

   They are significantly stronger than steel but only 1/8 the weight of comparable steel wires. In other words, they are at least 8 times stronger than steel wire ropes.

2. More secure:

   They are also safer, with less backlash than wire ropes. When a wire rope breaks, the wires can quickly unravel, leaving sharp edges that can fly around in unpredictable ways. When the UHMWPE rope breaks, there is much less recoil. Because of its structure of long polyethylene chains aligned in the same direction, if it breaks (which is unlikely due to the strength of its bond), the rope will exhibit linear, predictable recoil.

3. Smoother and more wear-resistant:

   UHMWPE self-lubricating fibers have a waxy handle and smooth surface, and even though they are smooth, they are still at least 15 times more wear-resistant than steel wire rope.

4. Small size:

   UHMWPE rope is smaller and easier to store than wire rope or other polyester ropes.

Conclusion:

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) ropes are thinner, lighter, and self-lubricating, making them more practical than traditional steel wire ropes. Our 12 strand uhmwpe ropes and double braided uhmwpe ropes offer high abrasion resistance and low stretch capabilities making them suitable for many industrial operations.