HDPE

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a machinable thermoplastic known for its high strength-to-density ratio, long term durability and light weight. Its toughness and flexibility make it one of the most commonly used plastics in the United States today.

HDPE's versatility and high tolerance to many substances and environments alongside a very competitive price make it an outstanding material for a wide variety of applications. HDPE has a low coefficient of friction and can be easily cut, machined, welded, and thermoformed for easy fabrication. HDPE will not splinter, rot or absorb harmful bacteria, and is extremely resistant to cleaning agents.

HDPE is also known by brand names including King Starboard^®, King Starlite^®, ColorCore^®, Proteus^®, PE2Print^®, Corrtec^®, Playboard^® and Designboard^®.

• Acid, odor, moisture, and mildew resistant
• Extremely easy to machine
• Excellent resistance to acids, alcohols and bases
• Excellent long term durability
• Great weather resistance
• Thermoformable
• Good flexibility and toughness
• Cost effective versus other marine solutions
• Low-Maintenance
• UV Stabilized, all-weather resistant
• FDA approved in certain grades
• Machines well with common woodworking tools

[HDPE Spec Sheet PDF]

HDPE is a very light and extremely tough, chemically resistant plastic and is one of the most commonly used plastics in the United States. It does not absorb water and has good sliding abrasion resistance in addition to a unique self-lubricant. High density polyethylene lends itself particularly well to blow molding, e.g. for bottles, cutting boards, dipping baskets, dippers, trays and containers.

HDPE XL:
Interstate Plastics Marine Board XL is a lighter, more economical version of the popular marine board. This 100% virgin polymer, marine-grade cellular material has an excellent surface finish. Black and white are priced the same. You can expect 15 day delivery for this item. Interstate Plastics' Black Marine Board XL sheets are up to 30% lighter in weight than marine board, and are made with the same textured surface and colors for a perfect match. Sheet sizes are 54" wide and 96" long. Black and white versions are most readily available.

HDPE XL Utility:
King Starlite^® XL Utility is an economical cellular (closed cell) utility sheet made from select high-grade King Starboard^® recycled high-density polyethylene. Fabricating and finishing King Starlite^® XL Utility is easy with standard woodworking tools. King Starlite^® XL Utility forms easily for smooth curves and bends. Since there is no grain pattern, parts can be cut from any part of the sheet, virtually eliminating waste (making it more economical than wood).

With a low coefficient of friction, long term durability, as well as high impact strength, it’s no wonder HDPE is the product of choice for so many applications within marine biology, packaging, industrial, plumbing, food and beverage, consumer industries and more.

Marine Use
HDPE is most commonly known to be used in marine wear applications. Resistance to acid, odor, moisture, mildew and stains make it a one of a kind plastic solution for marine usage. HDPE is used in marine applications such as boating seats and floors (when covered from UV lights), cabinetry, counter tops and walkways.

Storage Applications
Its light weight, durability, flexibility and toughness make HDPE a great solution for many storage applications including bottles, bottle caps, food storage containers, bins, laundry detergent bottles, and water cans. Fuel tanks for vehicles, plastic bags, storage sheds, and lawn and garden products are also produced from HDPE plastic. Due to its high chemical resistance, HDPE is used to make geomembranes for hydraulic applications (such as canals and bank reinforcements) and chemical containment.

Piping Systems
HDPE has the durability and chemical resistance to make it an ideal plastic solution for many piping systems including chemical resistant piping systems, corrosion protection for steel pipelines, geothermal heat transfer piping systems, water pipes for domestic water supply, and agricultural processes.

Industrial
Industrial industries all over the nation use HDPE plastic to produce tough and durable products such as mechanical parts, tank linings and wear strips. These products rely on the impact resistance and super tensile strength of HDPE products, which make them more durable and reliable.

Consumer
HDPE plastic is used to make a myriad of consumer products such as swimming pool installations, backpacking frames, banners, folding chairs and tables as well as hard hats. Products such as hula hoops, plastic lumber and fireworks are produced using HDPE, for its flexibility and toughness. FDA compliant grades of HDPE also make several products for kitchen use including cutting boards, cheese molds and molds for frozen food.

Boarding
One of HDPE’s most commonly used applications is its use in boarding material such as arena board (puck board) in hockey rinks and moisture resistant body boards for use in morgues.

Marine Use: boating seats, floors, cabinetry, counter tops, walkways

Storage: bottles, bottle caps, food containers, plastic bags, bins, laundry detergent bottles, fuel tanks, watering cans, lawn and garden products, storage sheds, geomembranes for hydraulic applications (such as canals and bank reinforcements) and chemical containment.

Piping Systems: chemical resistant piping systems, corrosion protection for steel pipelines, geothermal heat transfer piping systems, water pipes for domestic water supply, agricultural processes

Industrial: mechanical parts, tank linings, wear strips

Consumer: swimming pool installations, backpacking frames, banners, folding chairs and tables, hard hats, hula hoops, plastic lumber, fireworks

Boarding: arena board (puck board), moisture resistant body boards for morgues

Food and Beverage: FDA approved cutting board, cheese molds, frozen food molds