The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a shaped part of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) comprising melt processing, wherein UHMW-PE a) is annealed at a temperature between 130° C. and 136° C., preferably at about 135° C. for at least one hour, b) is converted into a shaped part at a temperature above 142° C.; and c) is cooled down to a temperature below 135° C. The invention further relates to a part like a fiber made with the process and the use of the fiber in a bio medical application.