What type of plastic is this?

[Nuttsy]

Howdy,
I'm looking for the name of a certain type of REALLY HARD plastic and maybe where to find it. I read a while back on here that someone was using this stuff in place of the tensioner wheel! Since I don't know the name, a search was useless. One of its uses is also artificial ice skating rinks. I think it was maybe an acronym type name--maybe not.
If anyone knows, please post. A source would be good too.
Thanks

 

[HoughMade]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultra_high_molecular_weight_polyethylene

http://www.amazon.com/Ultra-Molecular-Weight-Polyethylene-Sheet/dp/B000ILLNKC

 

[Flapdoodle]

I think I remember the post you are referring to. If so, it was Delrin. Machines beautifully.

 

[jon scott]

If you are looking for delrin or nylon stock go to mcmaster carr online quick shipping and smaller stock

 

[SimpleSimon]

Delrin, I imagine.

Ultra High Molecular Weight plastics typically are not hard, they just wear like iron because they are self lubricating and the degree of polymerization is very high indeed.

 

[Nuttsy]

Thanks guys, its the UHMW stuff. After searching (way too) many threads on chain tensioners, I found the thread.
http://www.motoredbikes.com/showthread.php?t=20641

 

[SimpleSimon]

You can work UHMW plastics on a wood lathe with wood turning tools. Just run the lathe at its lowest speed, don't get the tool hot. It is good stuff for wear points and such - in the wood industry it is used as wear plates under carrier chains on lumber sorting tables, has been for 20+ years now. For obvious reasons you cannot lubricate the chains themselves.