HDPE

High Density Polyethylene is a high impact strength and low coefficient of friction plastic with excellent chemical and weather resistance.


What is 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]

Grades of HDPE

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).

HDPE Applications

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

HDPE Physical Properties
Density
58.1 - 60.2 lbs/ft.3
Water Absorption
0.03% at 24 hours
Modulus of Elasticity:
150k psi (Homopolymer) | 60k - 145k psi (Copolymer)
Specific Heat @ 73°F:
2.25 kJ/kg K
Hardness, Shore D
55 - 70
Coefficient of Friction
0.29
Auto-Ignition Temperature
790°F
Elongation at Yield:
900 N/mm2

*Values listed are typical and are meant only as a guide to aid in design. Field testing should be performed to find the actual values for your application.

Product Title
Product Description
High Density Polyethylene is durable and used in many industrial applications.
HDPE SHEET - NATURAL
HDPE cutting board is engineered for durability, low maintenance and safety.
HDPE SHEET - NATURAL CUTTING BOARD
A very light and extremely tough, chemically resistant plastic.
HDPE ROD - NATURAL
HDPE rods offer a combination of high impact strength, low coefficient of friction, & light weight.
HDPE ROD - BLACK
Black HDPE sheets with excellent weldability and chemical resistance.
Black Pipe Grade HDPE Sheet
HDPE has high impact strength and a low coefficient of friction.
HDPE Sheet - Black

  

Rustication strips for smooth and even architectural reveals.
HDPE RUSTICATION REVEAL STRIPS

  

Marine Board withstands the rigors of harsh outdoor marine environments.
HDPE MARINE BOARD SHEET - BLACK
Marine Board XL is a lighter, economical version of Marine Board.
HDPE MARINE BOARD XL - BLACK
King Starboard withstands the rigors of harsh outdoor marine environments.
KING STARBOARD® SHEET - BLACK
King Starboard XL is a lighter, economical version of King Starboard.
HDPE KING STARBOARD® SHEET - BLACK XL
King Starlite XL Utility is a lightweight marine substrate utility sheet.
King Starlite® Sheet - Black XL Utility
Marine Board withstands the rigors of harsh outdoor marine environments.
HDPE MARINE BOARD SHEET - WHITE
Plastic cutting bits by Onsrud are an industry standard in quality.
HDPE KING STARBOARD® - WHITE XL
Marine Board XL is a lighter, economical version of Marine Board.
MARINE BOARD - WHITE XL
King Starlite XL Utility is a lightweight marine substrate utility sheet.
King Starlite® - White XL Utility
A/S Marine Board is a sure-grip decking material designed for high-traffic areas.
HDPE MARINE BOARD SHEET A/S - WHITE
Marine Board withstands the rigors of harsh outdoor marine environments.
HDPE MARINE BOARD SHEET - DOLPHIN GRAY
A/S Marine Board is a sure-grip decking material designed for high-traffic areas.
HDPE MARINE BOARD SHEET A/S - DOLPHIN GRAY
Marine Board XL is a lighter, economical version of Marine Board.
MARINE BOARD - GRAY XL
Marine Board withstands the rigors of harsh outdoor marine environments.
HDPE MARINE BOARD SHEET - LIGHT GRAY
A/S Marine Board is a sure-grip decking material designed for high-traffic areas.
HDPE MARINE BOARD SHEET A/S - LIGHT GRAY
King Starlite XL Utility is a lightweight marine substrate utility sheet.
King Starlite® - Dolphin Gray XL Utility
Marine Board withstands the rigors of harsh outdoor marine environments.
HDPE MARINE BOARD SHEET - SEA FOAM OFF WHITE
Saw blades that offer premium performance on hard and soft plastics.
HDPE DESIGNBOARD COLORED AND TEXTURED SHEET
Marine Board withstands the rigors of harsh outdoor marine environments.
HDPE MARINE BOARD SHEET - SANDSHADE
A/S Marine Board is a sure-grip decking material designed for high-traffic areas.
HDPE MARINE BOARD SHEET A/S - SANDSHADE

  

Polymer construction material with desirable architectural specifications for long term durability.
KING STARBOARD® ST WHITE - SCRATCH RESIST ULTRA-STIFF BUILDING SHEET
Polymer construction material with desirable architectural specifications for long term durability.
KING STARBOARD® ST DOLPHIN GRAY - SCRATCH RESIST ULTRA-STIFF BUILDING SHEET
Polymer construction material with desirable architectural specifications for long term durability.
KING STARBOARD® ST BLACK - SCRATCH RESIST ULTRA-STIFF BUILDING SHEET
Polymer construction material with desirable architectural specifications for long term durability.
KING STARBOARD® ST CHARCOAL GRAY - SCRATCH RESIST ULTRA-STIFF BUILDING SHEET
Polymer construction material with desirable architectural specifications for long term durability.
KING STARBOARD® ST SEAFOAM - SCRATCH RESIST ULTRA-STIFF BUILDING SHEET
Polymer construction material with desirable architectural specifications for long term durability.
KING STARBOARD® ST EVERGLADE - SCRATCH RESIST ULTRA-STIFF BUILDING SHEET
Polymer construction material with desirable architectural specifications for long term durability.
KING STARBOARD® ST SANSHADE- SCRATCH RESIST ULTRA-STIFF BUILDING SHEET
Polymer construction material with desirable architectural specifications for long term durability.
KING STARBOARD® ST MOCHA BROWN - SCRATCH RESIST ULTRA-STIFF BUILDING SHEET

  

Antimicrobial white HDPE sheets with applications such as medical cabinetry and countertops.
MEDIGRADE ANTIMICROBIAL PLASTIC | WHITE
Antimicrobial gray HDPE sheets with applications such as lab cabinets and clean rooms.
MEDIGRADE ANTIMICROBIAL PLASTIC | DOLPHIN GRAY
Antimicrobial sanshade HDPE sheets with applications such as lab cabinets and clean room panels.
MEDIGRADE ANTIMICROBIAL PLASTIC | SANSHADE
Antimicrobial seafoam HDPE sheets with applications such as medical & doctor office cabinets.
MEDIGRADE ANTIMICROBIAL PLASTIC | SEAFOAM

  

All the beauty of authentic wood without the maintenance and upkeep.
TimberLine Teak Woodgrain HDPE Sheet
All the beauty of authentic wood without the maintenance and upkeep.
TimberLine Teak Woodgrain HDPE Sheet - Cut-to-Size
All the beauty of authentic wood without the maintenance and upkeep.
TimberLine Whitewash Woodgrain HDPE Sheet
All the beauty of authentic wood without the maintenance and upkeep.
TimberLine Whitewash Woodgrain HDPE Sheet - Cut-to-Size
TimberLine HDPE sheets are designed to replace natural and composite wood materials.
TimberLine Weatherwood Woodgrain HDPE Sheet
TimberLine HDPE sheets replicate the look of natural wood without its weaknesses.
TimberLine Weatherwood Woodgrain HDPE Sheet - Cut-to-Size
TimberLine HDPE sheets are designed to replace natural and composite wood materials.
TimberLine Dark Ash Woodgrain HDPE Sheet
TimberLine HDPE sheets replicate the look of natural wood without its weaknesses.
TimberLine Dark Ash Woodgrain HDPE Sheet - Cut-to-Size
TimberLine HDPE sheets are designed to replace natural and composite wood materials.
TimberLine Mahogany Woodgrain HDPE Sheet
TimberLine HDPE sheets replicate the look of natural wood without its weaknesses.
TimberLine Mahogany Woodgrain HDPE Sheet - Cut-to-Size
Solid color TimberLine HDPE sheet provides a uniform look to replace wood & composite materials.
TimberLine Ironwood Woodgrain HDPE Sheet
Solid color TimberLine HDPE sheet provides a uniform look to replace wood & composite materials.
TimberLine Kona Woodgrain HDPE Sheet
Solid color TimberLine HDPE sheet provides a uniform look to replace wood & composite materials.
TimberLine Aspen White Woodgrain HDPE Sheet
Solid color TimberLine HDPE sheet provides a uniform look to replace wood & composite materials.
TimberLine Hickory Woodgrain HDPE Sheet
Solid color TimberLine HDPE sheet provides a uniform look to replace wood & composite materials.
TimberLine Coastal Grey Woodgrain HDPE Sheet
Solid color TimberLine HDPE sheet provides a uniform look to replace wood & composite materials.
TimberLine Elm Woodgrain HDPE Sheet
Solid color TimberLine HDPE sheet provides a uniform look to replace wood & composite materials.
TimberLine Maple Woodgrain HDPE Sheet

  

HDPE Sheet for Modular Playground Systems.
Playboard HDPE Sheet
A red HDPE cutting board designed for direct & indirect food contact applications.
HDPE Colored Cutting Board - Red
A blue HDPE cutting board designed for direct & indirect food contact applications.
HDPE Colored Cutting Board - Blue
A green HDPE cutting board designed for direct & indirect food contact applications.
HDPE Colored Cutting Board - Green
A yellow HDPE cutting board designed for direct & indirect food contact applications.
HDPE Colored Cutting Board - Yellow
A beige HDPE cutting board designed for direct & indirect food contact applications.
HDPE Colored Cutting Board - Beige

  

Mostly for signage applications, ColorCore withstands the harshest outdoor conditions.
HDPE COLORCORE® - YELLOW/RED/YELLOW
Mostly for signage applications, ColorCore withstands the harshest outdoor conditions.
HDPE COLORCORE® - BLUE/WHITE/BLUE
Mostly for signage applications, ColorCore withstands the harshest outdoor conditions.
HDPE COLORCORE® - RED/WHITE/RED
Mostly for signage applications, ColorCore withstands the harshest outdoor conditions.
HDPE COLORCORE® - RED/YELLOW/RED
Mostly for signage applications, ColorCore® withstands the harshest outdoor conditions.
HDPE COLORCORE<SUP>?</SUP> - BLACK/YELLOW/BLACK

  

HDPE designed to replace lead for nuclear shielding applications. Mil-P-23536 certified material.
HDPE RADIATION SHIELDING MATERIAL | 5% BORON

  

HDPE welding rod is sold by the pound, shipped in 4' straight lengths.
HDPE Welding Rod - Black
HDPE welding rod is sold by the pound, shipped in 4' straight lengths.
HDPE Welding Rod - Natural
HDPE welding rod is sold by the pound, shipped in 4' straight lengths.
HDPE Welding Rod - Marine Grade White
HDPE welding rod is sold by the pound, shipped in 4' straight lengths.
Saw blades that offer premium performance on hard and soft plastics.

  

Plastic cutting bits by Onsrud are an industry standard in quality.
Onsrud - Plastic Router Bits
Onsrud 70-500 Series HSS High Speed Steel Two Flute Fractional Drill Bits for Plastic
Onsrud 70-500 HSS High Speed Steel Drill Bits for Plastic
Carbide-tipped saw blades ideal for cutting brittle plastic.
Forrest NO-MELT Saw Blades
6x6" sample of ABS, Acetal, Acrylic, HDPE, PVC, UHMW, and 3x3" sample of PTFE.
Machinable Plastics Material Sample Pack
Plastic welding is easy with the Leister plastic welding kit.
Leister Plastic Welding Kit

 


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