UHMW-PE stiffnes

Yes, it will bend, but it will not hold it's shape on it's own. If you intend to form this material, I would suggest you heat the material in a

400 degree transfer oil bath for about 20 minutes, then place the material in your form. The part will cool off in a half hour or so. If you want to speed up the cooling process, direct a couple of air lines toward the material and the form; if done correctly, your part will cool down in about 10 minutes. Note: After heating, your material will *grow* somewhat, but will return to original dimensions after cooling.

Rick

I intend to use UHMW bar as a linear guide rail. It'll be attached by the bar ends. So most of it will be "in the air" not supported. There will be a 1 lb. slide driven by hands. I am trying to find the bar dimension that will be rigid without flexing more than 1/4" in the center.

Thanks

I can guarantee you will be MUCH happier in the long run if you attach some sort of steel stiffener to the UHMW. Also, make sure you plan for expansion of the UHMW material in your environment. This is one of those materials that doesn't always act as the book says. Amazingly strong in some applications and like a wet noodle in others.

Koz

Alex wrote:

y_max = -Wl^3/192EI

W = 1 lb l = 13" E = 72,500 to 123,000 psi I = bh^3/12 (depends on how you orient the beam)

I understand UHMW PE has some creep problems, so you con't want to leave the slide on the beam all the time.