ASTM D6712-17

Standard Specification for Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMW-PE) Solid Plastic Shapes

ABSTRACT
This specification focuses on the classification, and requirements and test methods for the material and properties of solid plastic shapes manufactured from ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE), both virgin and recycled. The properties included in this specification are those required for the compositions covered and are derived from molded samples or fabricated from sheet, rod and profiles. The mechanical properties for which the materials shall be tested on and shall accordingly adhere to are elongation stress, elongation at break, and Izod impact strength.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers requirements and test methods for the material and properties of solid plastic shapes manufactured from UHMW-PE.  
1.2 The properties included in this specification are those required for the compositions covered and are derived from molded samples or fabricated from sheet, rod and profiles. Requirements necessary to identify particular characteristics important to specialized applications are described by using the classification system given in Section 4.  
1.3 This specification allows for the use of recycled plastics (as defined in Guide D5033).  
1.4 The values are stated in SI units and are to be regarded as the standard in all property tables. For reference purposes, English units are also included in Table S-UHMW-PE and Table A and are not necessarily exact equivalents.  
1.5 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test method portions of this specification. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.
Note 1: There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 28-Feb-2017
• ICS: 83.140.99 - Other rubber and plastics products
• Technical Committee: D20 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: D20.15 - Thermoplastic Materials

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D6712-01(2009) - Standard Specification for Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMW-PE) Solid Plastic Shapes
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2017
• Refers: ASTM D883-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D883-23 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D883-20 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM D883-19c - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-19a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-18a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM D883-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM D1600-18 - Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics (Withdrawn 2024)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM D883-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2017
• Refers: ASTM D3892-15 - Standard Practice for Packaging/Packing of Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM D1600-14 - Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2014
• Refers: ASTM D1600-13 - Standard Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2013
• Refers: ASTM D883-12e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2012

Overview

ASTM D6712-17: Standard Specification for Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMW-PE) Solid Plastic Shapes, published by ASTM International, establishes the requirements, classification, and test methods for solid plastic shapes made from UHMW-PE. This standard covers both virgin and recycled materials, providing guidelines on composition, mechanical properties, and performance characteristics essential for commercial and industrial applications.

Key Features:

• Covers molded and fabricated UHMW-PE in sheet, rod, and profile forms
• Applicable to both virgin and recycled materials
• Defines key mechanical property requirements
• Outlines standardized test methods and classification system

Key Topics

• Material Classification: The specification details two key grades:

  • General Purpose (Virgin) UHMW-PE: Made only from 100% virgin UHMW polyethylene resin in compliance with ASTM D4020; additives like processing aids, stabilizers, and colorants may be permitted.
  • Recycled/Regrind UHMW-PE: Allows any proportion, up to 100%, of recycled or regrind UHMW-PE plastic.

• Mechanical and Physical Properties: The standard establishes minimum property values, ensuring solid plastic shapes meet performance expectations. Core properties include:

  • Elongation stress
  • Elongation at break
  • Izod impact strength

• Testing and Conditioning:

  • Conditioning follows ASTM D618
  • Tests conducted at standard laboratory conditions (23°C ± 2°C)
  • Key tests include tensile properties (ASTM D638), Izod impact (ASTM D4020), and elongational stress (ISO 11542-2)

• Dimensional and Appearance Requirements: UHMW-PE products are provided unfinished, with specific color and finish requirements as agreed on in purchase orders. Uniform color is expected unless otherwise specified.

• Callout Designation: A systematic, alpha-numeric code is provided to accurately specify product composition, grade, and key physical characteristics, facilitating clear communication between buyers and suppliers.

• Recycled Material Use: The standard supports sustainability by permitting recycled content, as outlined in ASTM D5033.

• Safety and Certification: Users are responsible for following proper safety practices. Certification of compliance is available upon request.

Applications

UHMW-PE solid plastic shapes, as specified under ASTM D6712-17, are widely used in demanding industrial applications due to their exceptional impact resistance, chemical inertness, and wear performance. Typical applications include:

• Conveyor and material handling components: Wear strips, guide rails, and rollers
• Machinery parts: Gears, bushings, and sliders
• Food processing equipment: Cutting boards and protective components
• Automotive and transportation: Impact-resistant linings and parts
• Marine and chemical industries: High-durability structural components

The ability to specify both virgin and recycled UHMW-PE allows for flexibility in application, supporting both performance and sustainability goals for manufacturers and end-users.

Related Standards

Referencing related ASTM and ISO standards ensures comprehensive understanding and integration into broader quality programs:

• ASTM D4020: Specification for UHMW-PE molding and extrusion materials
• ASTM D618: Practice for conditioning plastics for testing
• ASTM D638: Test method for tensile properties of plastics
• ASTM D5033: Guide for development of ASTM standards relating to recycling and use of recycled plastics
• ASTM D3892: Practice for packaging/packing of plastics
• ASTM D883 & D1600: Terminology standards for plastics
• ISO 11542-2: Preparation of test specimens and determination of properties for UHMW-PE materials

These references support testing, recycling initiatives, and precise material identification across industries.

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Keywords: ASTM D6712-17, UHMW-PE, solid plastic shapes, recycled UHMW-PE, tensile properties, impact strength, material specification, industrial plastics, sustainability, manufacturing standards

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:D6712 −17
Standard Specification for
Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMW-PE) Solid
Plastic Shapes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6712; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
ThisspecificationisintendedtobeameansofdefiningUltra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene
(UHMW-PE) solid plastic shapes for commercial use.
1. Scope* 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This specification covers requirements and test methods 2.1 ASTM Standards:
for the material and properties of solid plastic shapes manu- D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
factured from UHMW-PE. D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
1.2 The properties included in this specification are those
D1600 Terminology forAbbreviatedTerms Relating to Plas-
required for the compositions covered and are derived from
tics
molded samples or fabricated from sheet, rod and profiles.
D3892 Practice for Packaging/Packing of Plastics
Requirements necessary to identify particular characteristics
D4000 Classification System for Specifying Plastic Materi-
importanttospecializedapplicationsaredescribedbyusingthe
als
classification system given in Section 4.
D4020 Specification for Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Poly-
1.3 This specification allows for the use of recycled plastics
ethylene Molding and Extrusion Materials
(as defined in Guide D5033).
D5033 GuideforDevelopmentofASTMStandardsRelating
to Recycling and Use of Recycled Plastics (Withdrawn
1.4 The values are stated in SI units and are to be regarded
2007)
as the standard in all property tables. For reference purposes,
English units are also included in Table S-UHMW-PE and 2.2 ISO Standard:
ISO 11542-2 Ultra-High-Molecular Weight Polyethylene
Table A and are not necessarily exact equivalents.
(PE-UHMW) Moulding Materials—Part 2: Preparation of
1.5 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the
Test Specimens and Determination of Properties
test method portions of this specification. This standard does
not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any,
3. Terminology
associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this
3.1 Definitions:
standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices
3.1.1 For definitions of other technical terms pertaining to
and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements
plastics used in this specification, see Terminology D883,
prior to use.
D1600, or Guide D5033.
NOTE 1—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 additive,n—anymaterialaddedtothepolymersuchas
processing aids, stabilizers, and colorants.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on
Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.15 on Thermoplastic
Materials. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved March 1, 2017. Published March 2017. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2001. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as D6712 - 01(2009). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/D6712-17. the ASTM website.
2 4
Ultra High Molecular Weight refers to a polyethylene resin meeting the The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
requirements of Specification D4020. www.astm.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6712−17
3.2.2 recycled-plastic shape, n—a product made from up to 3.2.4 rod, n—an extruded solid cylindrical shape with a
100 % post-consumer material. minimum diameter of ⁄16 in.
3.2.5 sheet, n—flat stock greater than 10 mils thickness.
3.2.3 regrind (plastic), n—a product or scrap such as edge
trim that have been reclaimed by shredding and granulating for 3.2.6 solid plastic shape, n—a product of various geom-
use in-house. etries made up of UHMW-PE, such as sheet, rod, and so forth.
TABLE S-UHMW-PE Physical Property Requirements for Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Solid Plastic Shapes
Izod impact, Test Elongational Stress, Tensile Elongation,
Applicable
Method Test Method for Test Method for
Description Type Class Description Grade Specification Description
for D4020,min,kJ/m ISO 11542-2 (Annex 1), D638,
Callout
(ft-lbs/in. ) min, Mpa % at break, min
UHMW-PE 01 1 unfilled 1 ASTM D4020 General purpose 37 (18) >0.20 200
2 see Table A Recycled . . . . . . . . .
0 as specified 1 see Table A General purpose . . . . . . . . .
2 see Table A Recycled . . . . . . . . .
Other 00 0 . 0 . . . . .
UHMW-PE
4. Classification and Material “as specified” category (00) for grade is shown on the table
with the basic properties to be obtained from Table S-UHMW-
4.1 Product shape and size as defined in the applicable
PE, as they apply.
purchase order.
4.4 CalloutDesignation—Aone-linesystemshallbeusedto
4.2 This standard covers product as listed in Table
specify polyethylene materials covered by this specification.
S-UHMW-PE.
4.2.1 The type of a UHMW-PE product is categorized by
grade and type depending on resin and additives present, as
defined in Table S-UHMW-PE.
4.2.2 Every type of UHMW-PE solid plastic shape are
categorized into one of two grades as follows:
4.2.2.1 Grade l: General Purpose (Virgin) UHMW-PE—
UHMW-PE solid plastic shapes are made using only 100 %
virgin UHMW polyethylene resin which meets the require-
ments of Specification D4020. Virgin product shall not contain
materials of unknown origin or composition.
FIG. 1Callout Designation Layout
NOTE 2—If appropriate, the resin can contain additives, such as
processing aids, stabilizers, and colorants.
4.4.1 The system uses pre-defined cells to refer to specific
4.2.2.2 Grade 2: Recycled/Regrind UHMW-PE—
aspects of this specification as illustrated below in Examples
UHMW-PE solid plastic shapes are made using any amount up
1–3:
to 100 percent of recycled, or regrind UHMW-PE p
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D6712 − 01 (Reapproved 2009) D6712 − 17
Standard Specification for
Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMW-PE) Solid
Plastic Shapes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6712; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
This specification is intended to be a means of defining Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene
(UHMW-PE) solid plastic shapes for commercial use.
1. Scope Scope*
1.1 This specification covers requirements and test methods for the material and properties of solid plastic shapes manufactured
from UHMW-PE.
1.2 The properties included in this specification are those required for the compositions covered and are derived from molded
samples or fabricated from sheet, rod and profiles. Requirements necessary to identify particular characteristics important to
specialized applications may be are described by using the classification system given in Section 4.
1.3 This specification allows for the use of recycled plastics (as defined in Guide D5033).
1.4 The values are stated in SI units and are to be regarded as the standard in all property tables. For reference purposes, English
units are also included in Table S-UHMW-PE and Table A.A and are not necessarily exact equivalents.
1.5 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test method portions of this specification. This standard does not
purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to
establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.
NOTE 1—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D618 Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing
D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
D1600 Terminology for Abbreviated Terms Relating to Plastics
D3892 Practice for Packaging/Packing of Plastics
D4000 Classification System for Specifying Plastic Materials
D4020 Specification for Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene Molding and Extrusion Materials
D5033 Guide for Development of ASTM Standards Relating to Recycling and Use of Recycled Plastics (Withdrawn 2007)
2.2 ISO Standard:
ISO 11542-2 Ultra-High-Molecular Weight Polyethylene (PE-UHMW) Moulding Materials—Part 2: Preparation of Test
Specimens and Determination of Properties
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.15 on Thermoplastic Materials.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2009March 1, 2017. Published March 2009March 2017. Originally approved in 2001. Last previous edition approved in 20012009 as
D6712 - 01.D6712 - 01(2009). DOI: 10.1520/D6712-01R09.10.1520/D6712-17.
Ultra High Molecular Weight refers to a polyethylene resin meeting the requirements of Specification D4020.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6712 − 17
3.1.1 For definitions of other technical terms pertaining to plastics used in this specification, see Terminology D883, D1600, or
Guide D5033.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 additive, n—any material added to the polymer such as processing aids, stabilizers, and colorants.
3.2.2 recycled-plastic shape, n—a product made from up to 100 % post-consumer material.
3.2.3 regrind (plastic), n—a product or scrap such as edge trim that have been reclaimed by shredding and granulating for use
in-house.
3.2.4 rod, n—an extruded solid cylindrical shape with a minimum diameter of ⁄16 in.
3.2.5 sheet, n—flat stock greater than 10 mils thickness.
3.2.6 solid plastic shape, n—a product of various geometries made up of UHMW-PE, such as sheet, rod, and so forth.
TABLE S-UHMW-PE Physical Property Requirements for Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Solid Plastic Shapes
Izod impact, Test Elongational Stress, Tensile Elongation,
Applicable
Method Test Method for Test Method for
Description Type Class Description Grade Specification Description
for D4020, min, kJ/m ISO 11542-2 (Annex 1), D638,
Callout
(ft-lbs/in. ) min, Mpa % at break, min
UHMW-PE 01 1 unfilled 1 ASTM D4020 General purpose 37 (18) >0.20 200
2 see Table A Recycled . . . . . . . . .
0 as specified 1 see Table A General purpose . . . . . . . . .
2 see Table A Recycled . . . . . . . . .
Other 00 0 . . . 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
UHMW-PE
4. Classification and Material
4.1 Product shape and size as defined in the applicable purchase order.
4.2 This standard covers product as listed in Table S-UHMW-PE.
4.2.1 The type of a UHMW-PE product may be is categorized by grade and type depending on resin and additives present, as
defined in Table S-UHMW-PE.
4.2.2 Every type of UHMW-PE solid plastic shape may be are categorized into one of two grades as follows:
4.2.2.1 Grade l: General Purpose (Virgin) UHMW-PE—UHMW-PE solid plastic shapes are made using only 100 % virgin
UHMW polyethylene resin which meets the requirements of Specification D4020. If appropriate, the resin may contain additives,
such as processing aids, stabilizers and colorants. Virgin product shouldVirgin product shall not contain materials of unknown
origin or composition.
NOTE 2—If appropriate, the resin can contain additives, such as processing aids, stabilizers, and colorants.
4.2.2.2 Grade 2: Recycled/Regrind UHMW-PE—UHMW-PE solid plastic shapes are made using any amount up to 100 percent
of recycled, or regrind UHMW-PE plastic, or both.
TABLE A Additional Requirements for UHMW-PE Solid Plastic Shapes
NOTE 1—The values listed in Table A are minimum values.
Designation
Order Property 0 1 9
Number
1 Izod impact, Test Method Unspecified 30 (14) Specify
for D4020, min value
2 2
KJ/m (ft-lbs/in. )
2 Elongational stress,
...