HDPE (High Density Polyethylene)

Common Properties

Common Brand Names Polystone®, StarBoard®, ColorBoard®, TIMBERLINE®, SEABOARD®
Typical Thickness Size 0.03, 0.06, 0.12 in
Typical Lengths 12, 24, 48, 96 in
Typical Widths 12, 24, 48, 96 in
Friendly Names Polyethylene, PEHD, High Density PE
Common Profiles Sheet, Rod, Tube, Film
Common Colors Natural, Black, Red, Yellow, Green, Beige
Typical Rod Diameters 0.250 in – 14 in

Physical Properties

Density 0.90 - 1.02g/cm³
Water Absorption 0.02 - 0.50%
Moisture Absorption at Equilibrium 0.12 - 0.80%
Linear Mold Shrinkage 0.004 - 0.022mm/mm
Melt Flow 2 - 20g/10 min

Electrical Properties

Dielectric Strength 19kV/mm
Dielectric Constant 2.3dimensionless
Dissipation Factor 0.0004dimensionless
Volume Resistivity 1.0E+16ohm-cm
Surface Resistivity 1.0E+16ohm
Arc Resistance 140seconds
Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 600volts
Thermal Coefficient of Dielectric Constant 0.00021/°C
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Sensitivity Lowqualitative
Breakdown Voltage 500volts

Mechanical Properties

Hardness 65Rockwell R
Tensile Strength, Ultimate 32MPa
Tensile Strength, Yield 26MPa
Elongation at Break 600%
Elongation at Yield 12%
Modulus of Elasticity 1100MPa
Flexural Yield Strength 26MPa
Flexural Modulus 1200MPa
Compressive Yield Strength 22MPa
Bearing Yield Strength 20MPa
Shear Strength 16MPa
Izod Impact, Notched 11kJ/m²
Izod Impact, Unnotched 35kJ/m²
Gardner Impact 800J
Falling Dart Impact 125J
Instrumented Impact Total Energy 200J

Thermal Properties

CTE, linear 100µm/m°C
CTE, linear, Transverse to Flow 140µm/m°C
Deflection Temperature at 0.46 MPa (66 psi) 56°C
Deflection Temperature at 1.8 MPa (264 psi) 46°C
Vicat Softening Point 126°C
Flammability, UL94 HB
Max Continuous Operating Temperature in F 150°F
Minimum Operating Temperature in F - 148°F
Thermal Conductivity 0.5W/m·K

Regulations

UL-94 Flame Class
FDA
ASTM/Mil-Spec
USDA
NSF
Canada AG
D635 Self Extinguishing
RoHS Compliant
REACH Compliant
UL-94 Flame Class
FDA
ASTM/Mil-Spec
USDA
NSF
Canada AG
D635 Self Extinguishing
RoHS Compliant
REACH Compliant

HDPE from Piedmont Plastics

High-density polyethylene, also known as HDPE, is a versatile, robust thermoplastic made from petroleum, recognized for its strength and reliability in numerous demanding environments. With its notable high strength-to-density ratio, HDPE offers a lightweight yet strong solution, ideal for a wide range of applications. This material is particularly praised for its substantial resistance to impact, moisture, and a broad spectrum of chemicals, making it a preferred choice in various industrial and consumer sectors.

HDPE comes primarily in two forms: HDPE sheets and HDPE rods, each serving distinct purposes across different industries. Its ease of fabrication is a significant advantage, as it can be easily welded, machined, and thermoformed to fit bespoke specifications, which adds to its widespread utility in manufacturing and construction. Moreover, HDPE is environmentally stable, offering UV-resistant grades that are well-suited for outdoor applications. It maintains its integrity over a wide temperature range, which means it performs consistently in both freezing cold and extreme heat.

Another pivotal feature of HDPE is its environmental impact. Being recyclable, HDPE plays a crucial role in sustainability efforts across the globe, aligning with modern ecological standards and practices. Its durability also means that products made from HDPE have a longer life span, reducing the need for frequent replacements and contributing to waste reduction. Whether used in heavy-duty industrial settings or for everyday consumer products, HDPE provides a dependable, safe, and effective solution.

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Key Features of HDPE

HDPE is a versatile and highly desirable material, known for its range of beneficial features that make it ideal for numerous applications across different industries. Here’s a detailed look at some of the key features of HDPE:

Durability: HDPE exhibits excellent resistance to wear and tear, contributing to its longevity in high-demand environments.
Chemical Resistance: Unaffected by most acids, bases, and organic solvents, HDPE is ideal for applications involving corrosive substances.
Moisture Resistance: Its impermeability to water ensures that HDPE does not rot, swell, or degrade in moist environments.
Ease of Fabrication: HDPE can be easily cut, welded, and formed, making it highly versatile for custom projects.
Environmental Resistance: With UV-resistant options available, HDPE performs well in outdoor settings, resisting fading and cracking.

Each of these features contributes to the versatility and popularity of HDPE, making it a top choice for designers, engineers, and manufacturers looking for a reliable, high-quality material option.

Benefits of HDPE

Whether for industrial applications, consumer products, or any custom project, our HDPE offers unmatched quality and performance. Let Piedmont Plastics be your partner in innovation and success with our high-density plastic solutions.

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Common Applications of HDPE

High-density plastic is used in a wide array of applications across various industries. Some common applications of HDPE include:

Industrial Piping Systems: Due to its high resistance to chemicals, HDPE is often used for industrial piping installations.
Cutting Boards: The non-porous surface of HDPE makes it safe for food contact, and is popular in culinary applications like cutting boards.
Storage Tanks and Containers: Its strength and safety for containing consumables and chemicals make HDPE a preferred material for storage tanks containers.
Outdoor Furniture & Playgrounds: HDPE's UV resistance and moisture barrier properties make it an ideal choice for durable outdoor furniture or playgrounds.
Marine Applications: Resistant to salt water and weather conditions, HDPE is frequently used in the construction of docks and other marine installations.

These applications, and many others, benefit from HDPE's unique blend of durability, chemical resistance, and moisture resistance, making it a favored material across various sectors. Whether used in rugged industrial environments or for consumer products, HDPE provides a reliable and effective solution.

Why Choose HDPE from Piedmont Plastics?

At Piedmont Plastics, we're committed to more than just selling products—we provide complete solutions that are customized to meet your specific needs. Here’s why we are your best choice for sourcing HDPE:

Wide Range of Products: Our vast inventory includes an array of HDPE sheets and rods, available in various sizes and specifications to accommodate numerous applications.
Customization and Fabrication Services: With state-of-the-art CNC technology at our disposal, we offer precise cutting and fabrication services to create HDPE parts that match your exact requirements.
Industry Expertise: Our team of seasoned experts utilizes years of industry knowledge to assist you in selecting the ideal HDPE for your projects, ensuring you receive the best advice and options available.
Accessibility: Thanks to our extensive network of locations across the country, our high-quality plastics are easily accessible, no matter where your business is situated.
Guaranteed Quality: We are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of quality. Our HDPE products consistently meet or exceed rigorous industry benchmarks, ensuring reliability and performance.

By choosing Piedmont Plastics, you are opting for a partner who understands your needs and provides high-quality, dependable solutions every time.