RepRap and UHMW PE

Hi,

we are planning to use 3D printers for making UHMW PE parts for our projects in Russia. Dimension 500 mm x 600mm x 150mm. Please inform us, is it posible to reprap with UHMW PE ? I saw information as below:


New Innovations

The Buko framework introduces a couple of new engineering components rarely seen in 3D printers. A new material used on the Bukobots is Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE). This special polyethylene material has some amazing properties and is actually not hard to find. This material is used in some parts on the Z axis to reduce components, increase longevity and to help make things quieter. The other new component being used is the stainless steal Syncromesh Cable. This new type of cable will replace all belts to lower costs while reducing space needed and increasing strength of the axis

Is it possible today to make with RepRap ?



Thanks,


Alexander

As far as I can tell, printing UHMW-PE is impossible.

UHMW is made using a special annealing process where it is cast and kept at a very specific temperature for an annealing cycle of sorts while in the presence of a catalyst. This causes the polymer to do a lot of linking and go from standard PE to what we call UHMW.

If you heat up UHMW-PE you kill those super long chains and end up with plain old PE again - which is a bit rubbish.

You might look into one of the Taulman Nylon grades as an alternative.