What are the main differences between HDPE and LDPE sheets?

HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) is a harder material with little to no flex and better tensile strength. In contrast, LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) is softer, very flexible, and has lower tensile strength. Both are part of the Polyolefin family of plastics.

What are common applications for HDPE sheets?

HDPE sheets are commonly used for cutting boards, food preparation surfaces, and machined parts. They are also suitable for heat-formed and vacuum-formed parts, dasher boards for ice rinks, and welded tanks and hoppers.

Are HDPE and LDPE sheets suitable for food contact applications?

Yes, HDPE sheets are FDA and NSF approved for food contact, making them an excellent choice for applications like cutting boards and food preparation surfaces. They are also stain, odor, and moisture resistant.

What key properties make HDPE and LDPE durable for industrial use?

HDPE and LDPE sheets are very durable and abrasion resistant, with high impact strength and energy absorption. They also offer very high chemical resistance, are self-lubricating, and have a low coefficient of friction. These materials maintain exceptional properties even at low temperatures.

Polyethylene (HDPE sheet, LDPE sheet)

Quick Answer

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) are polyolefin plastics known for their light weight, chemical resistance, and durability. Industrial Plastic Supply offers HDPE and LDPE sheets that are FDA and NSF approved for food contact, making them ideal for applications requiring abrasion resistance and low density. These materials are also ITAR and RoHS compliant, serving diverse industrial needs from cutting boards and food preparation surfaces to chemical tanks and packaging. HDPE is notably harder with better tensile strength, while LDPE is softer and more flexible.

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

HDPE sheet and LDPE Sheet

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE Sheet) 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 several tradenames: Polyboard®, Polymar®, Hostalen®, Polystone®, Hitec® HDPE, Corrtec®, Sanalite®, UltraEthylux®, Polycarve®, and Densetec®.

For great abrasion resistance, very low density (lighter than water), and FDA/NSF compliance, HDPE sheets made from Polyethylene are an excellent choice.

Why use HDPE sheet/LDPE sheet for your application?

Light Weight – Density between .941 and .965
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 sheet/LDPE sheets are ITAR compliant, and HDPE sheet/LDPE sheet are RoHS compliant

Main Differences:

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

What are the common applications for HDPE sheets and rods?

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 sheet and rod are used in thousands of applications, from interiors of freezers, bed liners for trucks to personal protection gear.

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

What are the common applications for LDPE sheets and rods?

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 in HDPE Sheet, 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

Restaurant quality cutting boards, cut to your size

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

Playground Board

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

Sunboard HDPE Sheet

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.