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High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
HDPE is a semi-crystalline polyethylene with a density of about 0.94–0.97 g/cm³. It is tough, has low friction, resists water and most chemicals, and costs little. Typical tensile yield strength is about 3,800 psi (26 MPa), with low stiffness and high shrink. It is used for molded containers and tanks, machined wear strips and food-contact parts. It cannot be painted or bonded easily.
- ISO 1043
- PE-HD
- ASTM
- D4976 (polyethylene molding materials)
- ASTM
- D3350 (PE pipe and fitting materials)
How does it compare?
Typical room-temperature values for HDPE, against all 48 materials in the library.
- Tensile strength
- 26 MPa13th pct
- Density
- 0.95 g/cm³2th pct
- Max service temp
- 80 °C0th pct
- Relative cost
- $$$$$
Bars are relative to the strongest, densest or hottest material in the SSG library. Percentile vs all 48 materials.
- Density
- 0.95 g/cm³ · 0.0343 lb/in³
- Tensile strength
- 26 MPa · 3.8 ksi
- Elastic modulus
- 1 GPa · 0.1 Msi
- Hardness
- Shore 65D
- Max service temperature
- 80 °C · 176 °F
- Melting point
- 130 °C · 266 °F
- Thermal conductivity
- 0.48 W/m·K
When should you use HDPE?
Strengths
- High impact strength, including below freezing
- Low friction and good abrasion resistance
- Resists water, acids, bases and most solvents
- Food-contact grades widely available
- Machines easily from sheet and rod
Watch for
- Low stiffness; creeps under sustained load
- High shrink, 1.5–4%, makes tight molded tolerances difficult
- Cannot be painted or glued without surface treatment
- Softens under load above about 180 °F (80 °C)
Typical parts
- Chemical tanks and containers
- Cutting boards and food processing parts
- Wear strips and conveyor guides
- Outdoor and marine components (UV-stabilized)
- Caps, closures and crates
- Pipe fittings
How HDPE is made into parts
Cost, finishes and design rules for each process in this material.
Injection molding in HDPEMolten thermoplastic injected into a steel or aluminum mold. Lowest piece price for plastic parts at 5,000+ a year.
CNC machining in HDPECNC milling, turning, and production sawing from bar, plate, castings, and forgings, from prototype to production.
Offshore sourcing in HDPEParts made by vetted overseas manufacturers, with landed-cost analysis, quality control, and logistics managed.
What does a part in HDPE cost?
A representative part, injection molding. Raw material at about $1.50/kg is one line of it; process time and tooling usually matter more.
Housing · Injection molding
Order total $22,432
- Tooling
- $17,029
- one-time, spread over the order
- Piece price
- $0.51
- before setup + tooling
- Lead time
- 6–9 weeks
- to first production
Size
Drag a row to adjust · click to type
Length140140 mm
Width90.090.0 mm
Wall2.202.20 mm
Quantity
Price per part falls as volume rises
Exact quantity1000010000 pcs
Material
Design checks pass
Open in builderBudgetary estimate for a representative part. Firm quotes come from principals after drawing review.
Compared head to head
HDPE questions
HDPE vs UHMW polyethylene?
UHMW has far higher molecular weight, which gives much better abrasion and impact resistance for wear strips and liners. It cannot be injection molded, only machined from compression-molded sheet or ram-extruded shapes. HDPE molds easily and costs less.
HDPE vs polypropylene?
PP is stiffer, handles more heat (it melts at about 329 °F / 165 °C versus about 266 °F / 130 °C for HDPE) and forms living hinges. HDPE is tougher below freezing and has lower friction.
Is HDPE food safe?
Many grades meet FDA 21 CFR 177.1520, and NSF/ANSI 51 listings are common for food equipment. Confirm the specific grade and colorant with the resin supplier.
Quote it in HDPE.
Upload CAD or start from a template. The builder prices it in this material and the alternatives.