Polyethylene Machining

Polyethylene Machined Parts

Polyethylene can be referred to as either Low-density Polyethylene, often abbreviated as LDPE, or High-density polyethylene, often abbreviated as HDPE. Both grades are a part of the thermoplastic family, meaning that it can be melted to a liquid and remolded as it returns to a solid state.

Polyethylene is a low-cost, chemically resistant plastic material that can be used for a wide variety of applications. The versatility of polyethylene has made it one of the world's most popular plastics. Polyethylene is available in a number of grades according to its molecular weight.

Machining Polyethylene L/D-H/D to close tolerances is easily obtained through Vanderveer Industrial Plastics' state-of-the-art CNC machining facility. Vanderveer stocks polyethylene rods, sheets and tubes and then fabricates them to your standards.

machined polyethylene parts   machined polyethylene sample

Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

Meets L-P-512

Low-density polyethylene has excellent corrosion resistance and is susceptible to stress cracking when exposed to ultraviolet. In the polyethylene family, it is a cheaper alternative than its counterpart High-density polyethylene.

LDPE Machining Profile:

Key Properties:

  • Non-reactive at room temperatures
  • Can withstand temperatures of 80 °C continuously
  • Machinability

Proven Applications:

  • Trays and general purpose containers
  • Corrosion-resistant work surfaces
  • Parts of computer hardware, such as hard disk drives, screen cards, and optical disc drives

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

Meets L-P-512

High-density polyethylene is more rigid than its low-density counterpart, with a density value that ranges from 0.935 to 0.96 g/cm³ and above.

HDPE (high-density polyethylene) is available as sheet or rod stock for applications that require greater strength & stiffness than LDPE. HDPE with an embossed surface is widely used as a cutting board material in restaurants and food processing plants. HDPE is easy to weld using thermoplastic welding equipment and is an excellent choice for fabricated water tanks and chemical tanks that must be assembled by thermoplastic welding.

HDPE Machining Profile:

Key Properties:

  • Can withstand temperatures of 120 °C continuously
  • Good tensile strength
  • Machinability
  • Low moisture absorption

Proven Applications:

  • Arena Board (puck board)
  • Ballistic plates
  • Chemical-resistant piping systems
  • Coax cable inner insulator
  • Fuel tanks for vehicles
  • Corrosion protection for steel pipelines
  • Geomembrane for hydraulic applications
  • Geothermal heat transfer piping systems
  • Meter & Valve Boxes
  • Natural gas distribution pipe systems
  • Telecom ducts

HDPE Data Sheet

Several grades of Polyethylene are available. For additional information on Polyethylene plastic materials, contact your local Vanderveer Industrial Plastics representative or call Vanderveer Industrial Plastics at 714.579.7700.

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