The "1000" refers to the molecular weight of the polymer. UHMWPE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) has extremely long molecular chains, with a molecular mass usually between 4 and 9 million g/mol. PE1000 is the highest grade of standard polyethylene, offering significantly better wear resistance and impact strength than lower grades like PE500 (HMWPE) or PE300 (HDPE).

Yes. PE1000 is generally FDA and EU compliant for food contact. It is physiologically inert, tasteless, and odourless. Because it does not absorb water and resists deep scratching, it is a preferred material for cutting boards, food conveyors, and bottling plant components where hygiene is paramount.

In many abrasive environments, PE1000 actually outlasts carbon steel and other hard metals.
While steel is harder, PE1000 is more elastic under abrasive impact. Instead of wearing away, the surface tends to deflect and recover. In sand or slurry abrasion tests, UHMWPE often demonstrates a life span up to six times longer than steel.

Yes, it can be machined using standard woodworking or metalworking equipment (e.g. CNC milling, turning, and drilling).
However, because PE1000 has a low melting point, sharp tools and high speeds with low feed rates are required to prevent the material from "smearing" or melting. It is not suitable for complex laser cutting due to the risk of melting.

Bonding PE1000 is notoriously difficult because of its extremely low surface energy; it is essentially non-stick like PTFE. Standard adhesives will typically fail.
For a successful bond, the surface usually requires specialised chemical etching or plasma treatment. Mechanical fastening (bolts, screws, or rivets) is the industry-standard method for securing PE1000.

Yes. PE1000 has a relatively high Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion (CLTE). It will expand and contract much more than metals when temperatures change.
When installing long wear strips or liners, it is vital to use slotted holes or floating fixings to allow the material to move without buckling.

Standard (natural/white) PE1000 has moderate resistance to UV radiation but will eventually become brittle and discolour if exposed to direct sunlight for years.
For outdoor applications, it is recommended to use Black PE1000, which is UV-stabilised with carbon black additives to provide a much longer outdoor service life.

PE1000 is designed for durability, not heat resistance. Its maximum long-term service temperature is approximately 80°C. Beyond this, the material begins to soften significantly. However, it excels at the opposite end of the spectrum, remaining ductile and impact-resistant at cryogenic temperatures as low as -200°C.

It is used primarily because of its low coefficient of friction and "anti-stick" properties. Materials that usually clog or "bridge" in steel chutes (such as wet sand, coal, or clay) slide easily over PE1000. This prevents downtime and eliminates the need for manual clearing or vibratory systems.

While they look similar, you can often distinguish them by their density and "feel." PE1000 is slightly less dense than water (it floats). In a professional setting, a burn test can help: it smells like candle wax (paraffin) when burned.
However, the most reliable method is checking the material certification, as the difference between PE500 and PE1000 is found in the molecular weight, which isn't visible to the naked eye.