Material testing, advanced production techniques, and regular quality control checks are some of the critical processes used by UHMWPE manufacturers to maintain a high-quality product. For example, leading UHMWPE manufacturers use various extrusion processes that produce sheets, rods, and films with molecular weights in excess of 3 million g/mol, which greatly enhance its resistance to wear and impact. These engineering plastics find their way into applications, including mining, medical devices, and even aerospace applications. To this extent, DSM and Quadrant have engaged in standard advanced technologies for extrusion in order to realize UHMWPE that is of consistent and long-lasting properties. A considerable part in the quality of UHMWPE material has to be supported by highly precise testing instruments, which establish its mechanical property verifications. Tensile strength, elongation at break, and resistance to impact are just some of the important properties that need to conform to tight standards within the industry. This could be a UHMWPE sheet required to have a minimum tensile strength of 30 MPa, thus guaranteeing that it withstands the mechanical stress experienced in such a demanding environment. Testing on a routine basis helps in the establishment of deviations in quality; thereby, manufacturers can take appropriate action before shipping products.
In addition, UHMWPE manufacturers have to be according to international standards such as ISO 9001, proving that the manufacturing processes strictly follow the quality management standards. For example, in 2021, the UHMWPE material supplier Ensinger was certified with ISO 9001 for the manufacture of components made of UHMWPE, further enhancing their reputation in the medical device and industrial sectors by ensuring the consistency and safety of products.
Supply chain management is another important strategy for quality maintenance. This quality control measure ensures that the polyethylene materials are of a high grade, sourced from only reputable suppliers, and will be up to specification when processed. The addition of additives during manufacturing, such as stabilizers and anti-oxidants, can further enhance both the durability and performance of UHMWPE products for lower wear and degradation under conditions of high stress. In industries such as offshore oil drilling, UHMWPE products are expected to last for up to 20 years with no significant wear.
As stated by Maria Johnson, chief executive officer of one UHMWPE-based manufacturing company, “The importance of product consistency in UHMWPE significantly enhances reliability for industries dependent on it, such as the aerospace and defense sector. In this context, maintaining tight quality control assures us that even under harsh conditions, the performance from any piece of material would come out as required.
To find out more about how manufacturers keep the quality of UHMWPE products, see: UHMWPE Manufacturer.