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Polyethylene (LDPE, HDPE)

Light-weight FDA grade, Natural and black are standard colors

HDPE and LDPE

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Low Density  Polyethylene (LDPE) are both materials in the Polyolefin family of plastics, along with Polypropylene (PolyPro) and UHMW (Ultra High Molecular Weight).

Manufactured by a variety of manufacturers under the names: Polyboard®, Polymar®, Hostalen®, Polystone®, Hitec®, Sanatec®, Sanalite®, UltraEthylux®, Polycarve®, and Densetec®.

For great abrasion resistance, very low density, and FDA/NSF compliance, Polyethylene is an excellent choice.

20"-rod

Other Plastic Materials

Why use HDPE/LDPE for your application?

  • Light Weight
  • Stain, Odor, and Moisture Resistant
  • FDA & NSF Approval for Food Contact
  • Vacuum and Thermo-Formable Material
  • Very Durable and Abrasion Resistant
  • Self-lubricating and a low coefficient of friction
  • Very High Chemical Resistance
  • Low Specific Gravity (Floats in Water)
  • Can be Heat Welded or RF Welded
  • High Impact Strength and Energy Absorption
  • Exceptional Low Temperature – Brittle at -110° F
  • Does not chemically bond
  • HDPE/LDPE are ITAR compliant, and HDPE/LDPE are RoHS compliant

Main Differences: 

HDPE – Harder material, little to no flex, better tensile strength
LDPE – Softer, very flexible, lower tensile strength 

 

Applications – HDPE:

  • Cutting Board and Food Preparation Surfaces
  • FDA, USDA, NSF Compliant Machined Parts
  • Heat Formed and Vacuum Formed Parts
  • Dasher Board For Ice Rinks – Impact Parts
  • Welded Tanks, Hoppers, Silo Linings and Slide Chutes
  • Chemical and Structural Tanks and Covers
  • Food Processing Equipment, Valve, and Pump Components

Other applications include cement molds, body boards, transfer boards, death beds, mortician boards, cooler storage boards, spine board, tank liners, wear guides, and many, many more.HDPE is used in thousands of applications, from interiors of freezers, bed liners for trucks to personal protection gear.

HDPE is available in stock in natural (milky white) and black. Other colors are available with minimum runs.

Applications – LDPE:

  • Packaging Applications
  • Industrial bags, produce bags, garment bags
  • Blow Molded Bottles
  • Toys
  • Hot Melt Adhesives
  • Wire Insulation
  • Prosthetic appliances, Medical equipment, Semi-flexible tubing

Extruded Sheet:
.030 – 2.0″ in 48″ X 96″ Smooth Surfaces Natural Sheet in HDPE, 1″ max. for LDPE
Black available in many sizes of HDPE

Film:
.015″ – .060″ in 48″ wide Natural

Rod:
.250″ – 10″ diameter in Natural HDPE – 96″ lengths
From 12″ and up to 30″ diameter in 48″ lengths or 39″ lengths in HDPE

Black is available in many sizes of HDPE

Tube:
.250″ OD – 10″ OD in various wall thicknesses. Most available in HDPE and many in LDPE

Special Formulations:
Conductive, Static Dissipative, Custom sizes, Formulations, Profiles or Colors.

General Property ASTM
Test		 Typical Value HDPE Typical Value LDPE
Specific Gravity D792 .941 – .965 .91 – .925
Tensile Strength Yield D638 3,800 – 5,500 1,400 – 2,000
Izod Impact – Notched D256 2.0 – 3.5 >16
Vicat Softening Temp D1525 257 degrees F 219 degrees F
Hardness – Rockwell D785 D60 -70 D42 – 50
Continuous Use Temp – -100 – 180 degrees F 174 degrees F
Deflection Temp @ 66 psi D648 171 124
Co. Thermal Expansion D696 7X10-5 4.6 -5.5X10-5

Playground HDPE is UV stabilized for outdoor applications that is available in a variety of colors.

Playground Board

Sunboard and King StarBoard® are UV stabilized HDPE materials for marine applications.

Sunboard HDPE

HDPE Data Sheet

LDPE Data Sheet

HDPE SDS

LDPE SDS

These properties are for evaluation purposes only. This information is not to be construed as a warranty, guarantee or assurance that you may achieve the same results. Materials made from different resin types, manufacturing techniques and manufacturers will react differently. The information should be used to compare against other materials only, and each user should make his own tests to determine suitability. No warranty as to this materials suitability are either expressed nor implied.

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