Advanced Polymer Tape Inc.
UHMW Tape
UHMW Tape
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APT UHMW tape uses ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) film with permanent acrylic adhesive for low-friction sliding surfaces and abrasion protection. Choose 5 mil or 10 mil backing, then check the total tape thickness against the available clearance.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Backing | 5 Mil/10 Mil |
| Adhesive | Acrylic |
| Total thickness Mil (mm) — 5 Mil Backing | 7 (0.177) |
| Total thickness Mil (mm) — 10 Mil Backing | 12 (0.304) |
| Adhesion to Steel oz/in (N/cm) | 60 (6.72) |
| Tensile Strength lbs/in (N/cm) — 5 Mil Backing | 30 (50) |
| Tensile Strength lbs/in (N/cm) — 10 Mil Backing | 60 (105) |
Our UHMW Tape may be used as an alternative to:
| APT Product | Comparable Products |
|---|---|
| UHMW 5 mil (0.005") | · 3M 5430 · DeWAL 423-5 · Specialty Tape Mfg S882 · Taconic 6311-05 · Lanmar 622-5 |
| UHMW 10 mil (0.010") | · 3M 5423 · DeWAL 423-10 · Saint-Gobain 2300-10 · Specialty Tape Mfg S884 · Taconic 6311-10 · Lanmar 622-10 |
Product suitability may vary depending on application requirements.
Applications
Sliding Contact Noise Reduction
UHMW tape can help reduce friction-related squeaks where surfaces rub together. Check the contact area and test under actual movement and load.
Low-Friction Sliding Surfaces
Use adhesive-backed UHMW tape as a low-friction surface layer on suitable guides, slides and plain drawer runners, subject to clearance and adhesion checks.
Adhesive-Backed Surface Protection
Permanent acrylic adhesive holds the UHMW film against the supporting surface. Test adhesion on the actual metal, coating or plastic before full application.
Abrasion and Wear Protection
UHMW film provides a protective contact layer where parts slide against a supporting surface. Evaluate wear life under the actual load, movement, opposing surface and operating conditions.
Choose 5 mil or 10 mil UHMW tape
- 5 mil backing: 0.005-inch film with 7 mil (0.007-inch) total tape thickness.
- 10 mil backing: 0.010-inch film with 12 mil (0.012-inch) total tape thickness.
The thickness selector describes the backing, not the full installed tape. Include the adhesive thickness when checking clearance; an overlap or a layer on each opposing surface adds to the space required. Twice the backing thickness does not establish twice the service life or load capacity.
Both options are offered in 0.5-inch, 1-inch and 2-inch widths. The 0.5-inch options have 18-yard rolls; the 1-inch and 2-inch options have 36-yard rolls. Check the selected variant for current price and availability.
Application checks and technical guidance
Check the substrate and finish, available gap, load, speed and environment before selecting a tape. Adhesion-to-steel values do not predict adhesion to every surface. Request product-specific guidance for temperature, chemical exposure, food contact, tolerances or other requirements; the material name alone does not establish approval.
Read UHMW tape thickness: choosing 5 mil vs 10 mil for a clearance example and application checklist. For custom sizes or help with your application, contact APT with your dimensions and operating requirements.
UHMW tape questions
What is UHMW tape used for?
UHMW tape provides a low-friction, abrasion-resistant surface layer for sliding and wear-protection applications. It can be evaluated for guides, slides and plain drawer runners where surfaces rub together. Check clearance, adhesion and operating conditions before use.
Is UHMW tape the same as UHMWPE tape?
UHMW tape, UHMW-PE tape and UHMWPE tape refer to tape made with ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene film. Products can still differ in adhesive, backing thickness and total thickness, so compare the complete specifications.
Should I choose 5 mil or 10 mil UHMW tape?
Start with the available clearance and the sliding contact. APT’s 5 mil backing option has a 7 mil total tape thickness; the 10 mil backing option has a 12 mil total thickness. The thicker backing adds more UHMW material but does not guarantee twice the wear life or load capacity. Test the selected option in your application.
Does the listed UHMW tape thickness include adhesive?
The 0.005-inch and 0.010-inch thickness options describe the UHMW backing only. Including adhesive, the listed total tape thicknesses are 0.007 inch and 0.012 inch respectively. Use total tape thickness when checking installed clearance.
Can UHMW tape be used on drawer runners?
It can be considered for suitable plain sliding drawer runners after checking the surface, finish and available gap. Tape adds thickness and may worsen a tight fit. Test a small area first, and do not apply it inside ball-bearing tracks or over moving hardware.
What is the difference between UHMW and PTFE tape?
UHMW and PTFE are different backing materials used in low-friction tapes. Compare the full tape construction, including adhesive, total thickness, wear requirements and operating conditions. Do not assume a temperature rating or other property for a solid plastic also applies to an adhesive-backed tape.
What does UHMW stand for?
UHMW stands for ultra-high molecular weight. In UHMW tape, it refers to ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, also written UHMW-PE or UHMWPE. APT combines this film with permanent acrylic adhesive for a low-friction contact surface.
How is UHMW tape different from sheet or wear strip?
UHMW tape is a thin adhesive-backed film applied to a supporting surface. UHMW sheet and machined wear strips are different product forms, with their own thicknesses, grades and fastening requirements. Tape does not replace the structural support of a solid component. Check total tape thickness and available clearance before choosing it for a sliding interface.
Can adhesive-backed UHMW tape be recycled?
Check with the receiving recycler before placing used tape or offcuts in recycling. A facility that accepts polyethylene packaging may not accept industrial UHMW with adhesive, release liner or contamination from use. Keep clean offcuts separate where practical and follow the facility's acceptance instructions; local recyclability is not guaranteed.
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