Transform Your Design Into Precision Reality
Custom plastic machining with Swiss precision
HDPE Plastic Machining
Industrial HDPE Sheets & Rods | Precision CNC Machining Services
Custom High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) fabrication with ±0.03mm (±0.0012") precision. From raw material supply to finished parts - one-stop HDPE manufacturing solution.

What is HDPE? Complete Guide to High Density Polyethylene
HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) is a versatile thermoplastic polymer made from petroleum, characterized by its exceptional strength-to-density ratio. As one of the most widely used engineering plastics, HDPE material offers outstanding chemical resistance, impact strength, and moisture barrier properties, making it ideal for demanding industrial applications.
HDPE plastic features a crystalline structure with minimal branching, resulting in superior mechanical properties compared to low-density polyethylene (LDPE). This molecular structure gives HDPE its characteristic stiffness, durability, and excellent wear resistance - perfect for precision machined components, structural parts, and high-stress applications.
Key Fact: HDPE accounts for over 34% of the global plastic market and is widely recognized for its recyclability (Resin Identification Code #2), making it an environmentally responsible choice for sustainable manufacturing.
Core Properties of HDPE Material
- High Impact Resistance: Withstands shock and impact without cracking, ideal for protective equipment and machinery parts
- Excellent Chemical Resistance: Inert to most acids, bases, alcohols, and hydrocarbons - perfect for chemical processing equipment
- Low Moisture Absorption: Less than 0.01% water absorption, maintaining dimensional stability in humid environments
- Superior Wear Resistance: Low coefficient of friction (0.2-0.3) reduces mechanical wear in sliding applications
- FDA Compliant Grades Available: Food-safe HDPE for cutting boards, food processing equipment, and beverage containers
- Wide Temperature Range: Performs reliably from -40°C to 90°C (-40°F to 194°F) in continuous use
- Excellent Machinability: Easy to cut, drill, mill, and weld using standard fabrication techniques
- UV Resistance (optional): UV-stabilized grades available for outdoor and marine applications
Common HDPE Names:
- High Density Polyethylene
- PE-HD (Polyethylene High Density)
- HDPE Plastic
- Polyethylene 300 / PE 300
- HDPE 500
- Alkathene (trade name)
HDPE vs UHMWPE: Which Should You Choose?
Choose HDPE When:
- Cost-effectiveness is priority
- Good chemical resistance needed
- Moderate impact strength required
- Standard machining tolerances (±0.1mm)
- Operating temperatures < 90°C
Choose UHMWPE When:
- Extreme wear resistance essential
- Self-lubricating properties needed
- High impact resistance critical
- Conveyor systems and sliding parts
- Food processing equipment
HDPE Technical Data Sheet & Material Properties
Laboratory-tested specifications from SGS certified reports | ISO/ASTM standards
| Property | Test Method | Unit | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| MECHANICAL PROPERTIES | |||
| Tensile Strength at Yield | ASTM D638 / ISO 527 | MPa (PSI) | 29.3-29.8 (4,250-4,600) |
| Elongation at Break | ASTM D638 / ISO 527 | % | 120-500 |
| Flexural Strength | ASTM D790 / ISO 178 | MPa (PSI) | 27-35 (3,900-5,000) |
| Flexural Modulus | ASTM D790 / ISO 178 | MPa (KSI) | 1,320-1,370 (190-200) |
| Shore Hardness D | ASTM D2240 / ISO 868 | - | 70-75 |
| Izod Impact Strength (Notched) | ASTM D256 / ISO 180 | kJ/m² (ft-lb/in) | 12-13 (1.2-1.3) |
| THERMAL PROPERTIES | |||
| Melting Temperature | ASTM D3418 / ISO 11357 | °C (°F) | 120-135 (248-275) |
| Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT @ 1.8 MPa) | ASTM D648 / ISO 75 | °C (°F) | 80 (176) |
| Continuous Service Temperature | - | °C (°F) | -40 to 90 (-40 to 194) |
| Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion | ASTM E831 | 10⁻⁵/K | 15.5 |
| PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL PROPERTIES | |||
| Water Absorption (24h @ 23°C) | ASTM D570 / ISO 62 | % | <0.01 |
| Coefficient of Friction (Dynamic) | ISO 7148-2 | - | 0.2-0.3 |
| Flammability Rating | UL 94 | - | HB |
| Chemical Resistance | - | - | Excellent |
* Test data derived from SGS certified laboratory reports (Reference: SZIN2307001605PL02, SZIN2101001017PS)
HDPE Stock Shapes & Custom Cut-to-Size Service
Premium quality HDPE sheets, rods, and bars | Available in white, black, natural colors | Custom dimensions with no minimum order
Need Custom Dimensions?
We offer precision cut-to-size services for all HDPE stock shapes with ±0.5mm accuracy | No minimum order | Fast turnaround
Learn About Cut-to-Size Service →Custom HDPE Fabrication & Machining Capabilities
From raw HDPE material to precision finished parts - BeePlastic offers complete fabrication services with advanced CNC equipment, laser cutting, welding, and thermoforming capabilities
1. Submit Design
Upload CAD files or drawings
2. Receive Quote
24-hour response with pricing
3. Production
Precision machining & fabrication
4. Delivery
Quality inspection & shipping
CNC Machining HDPE
Multi-axis CNC milling and turning for complex HDPE components with precision tolerances down to ±0.03mm (±0.0012").
- 3-axis, 4-axis, 5-axis CNC machining centers
- CNC turning for cylindrical HDPE parts
- Thread milling and tapping operations
- Surface finish: Ra 0.8-3.2 μm achievable
- Prototype to high-volume production
Laser Cutting & Engraving
CO2 laser cutting for intricate shapes and patterns in HDPE sheets with clean edges and minimal heat-affected zones.
- Laser power: up to 300W for thick HDPE
- Cutting speed: optimized for each thickness
- Intricate 2D shapes and complex profiles
- Laser engraving for logos and markings
- Kerf width: 0.1-0.3mm precision
HDPE Welding & Joining
Expert plastic welding techniques for creating leak-proof HDPE tanks, ductwork, and large fabricated assemblies.
- Hot gas welding with nitrogen or air
- Extrusion welding for thick sections
- Butt fusion welding for pipes and rods
- Socket fusion for fittings assembly
- Non-destructive testing available
Thermoforming & Heat Bending
Controlled heating and forming processes to create curved, domed, or 3D-shaped HDPE components from flat sheets.
- Vacuum forming for complex shapes
- Pressure forming for tight tolerances
- Line bending for angular parts
- Drape forming for large panels
- Custom molds and tooling fabrication
HDPE Injection Molding
High-volume production of HDPE parts using precision injection molding for consistent quality and cost-effective manufacturing.
- Tonnage range: 80-500 tons
- Mold design and fabrication services
- Insert molding and overmolding
- Prototype to mass production runs
- Post-molding finishing and assembly
Precision Cut-to-Size
Fast and accurate cutting services for HDPE sheets and rods to your exact specifications with tight dimensional tolerances.
- Precision sawing: ±0.5mm accuracy
- Panel sizing and edge trimming
- Router cutting for complex contours
- Hole drilling and countersinking
- No minimum order quantity
HDPE Applications Across Industries
From food processing to chemical handling - HDPE plastic serves critical functions in demanding industrial environments
Food & Beverage Industry
HDPE's non-toxic, non-leaching properties make it ideal for food contact applications with proper food-grade specifications.
- Cutting boards - Hygienic and knife-friendly
- Food processing equipment - Chutes, hoppers, guides
- Storage containers - Chemical and moisture resistant
- Conveyor components - Low friction wear strips
- Beverage industry - Bottle caps and closures
Chemical & Laboratory
Exceptional chemical resistance to acids, bases, and solvents makes HDPE the material of choice for chemical handling systems.
- Chemical storage tanks - Welded HDPE construction
- Pipe and fittings - Corrosion-resistant piping systems
- Laboratory equipment - Trays, bottles, containers
- Pump components - Valve bodies and impellers
- Protective linings - Tank and vessel liners
Marine & Outdoor Applications
UV-stabilized HDPE withstands harsh marine environments, saltwater exposure, and weathering without degradation.
- Marine fenders and bumpers - Impact absorption
- Dock and pier components - Salt water resistant
- Boat parts - Fuel tanks, water tanks, hulls
- Outdoor furniture - Weather-resistant seating
- Signage and displays - UV-stable and durable
Manufacturing & Machinery
HDPE's excellent wear resistance and low friction coefficient make it perfect for machine components and wear parts.
- Chain guides and rails - Low friction guidance systems
- Wear pads and plates - Protection against abrasion
- Gears and sprockets - Precision machined components
- Bushings and bearings - Self-lubricating properties
- Machine guards - Impact-resistant protection
Medical & Healthcare
Medical-grade HDPE offers biocompatibility, sterilizability, and chemical resistance for healthcare applications.
- Prosthetic components - Orthotic devices and parts
- Medical containers - Sample collection and storage
- Laboratory trays - Chemical-resistant surfaces
- Equipment housings - Protective enclosures
- Pharmaceutical packaging - Bottles and caps
Water & Wastewater Treatment
HDPE's corrosion resistance and durability make it essential for water infrastructure and treatment facilities.
- Water storage tanks - Potable water safe
- Pipe systems - Municipal water distribution
- Filtration components - Filter housings and parts
- Valve bodies - Corrosion-resistant valves
- Treatment equipment - Chemical dosing systems
Explore Real-World HDPE Applications
See how our customers successfully implemented HDPE solutions in their manufacturing processes
View Case Studies →Why Choose BeePlastic for Your HDPE Projects?
15+ years of expertise in precision plastic fabrication | Trusted by manufacturers worldwide
Precision Manufacturing
Advanced CNC equipment achieving tolerances down to ±0.03mm (±0.0012") for critical components. Multi-axis machining centers handle complex geometries with consistent accuracy.
Fast Turnaround
24-hour quotations on most projects. Expedited production available for urgent requirements. Standard lead times: 5-10 business days for machined parts, immediate shipping on stock materials.
Quality Assurance
Rigorous inspection processes at every stage. SGS-tested materials with documented properties. First article inspection (FAI) reports available. Dimensional verification using CMM equipment.
No Minimum Order
Order exactly what you need - from single prototypes to high-volume production runs. Free standard shipping available to select regions. Volume discounts on large orders.
Global Shipping
Worldwide delivery with secure packaging and tracking. Partnered with major carriers for reliable logistics. Export documentation and customs support included for international orders.
Technical Expertise
Experienced engineering team provides DFM (Design for Manufacturability) feedback. Material selection guidance and application consulting. Support from design to production.
Laboratory-Tested HDPE Material Verification
Our HDPE materials are rigorously tested by SGS laboratories to ensure consistent quality and performance
Mechanical Property Testing
Comprehensive mechanical testing performed according to ISO and ASTM standards including:
- Tensile Testing: Yield strength, elongation, and modulus (ISO 527 / ASTM D638)
- Impact Testing: Charpy and Izod notched impact strength (ISO 179/180)
- Flexural Testing: Bending strength and modulus (ISO 178 / ASTM D790)
- Hardness Testing: Shore D hardness measurement (ISO 868 / ASTM D2240)
✓ Certified Reports: SGS test reports available upon request (Reference: SZIN2307001605PL02_EN, GZMR230702150402)
Chemical & Physical Analysis
Detailed material characterization to verify HDPE composition and purity:
- Density Measurement: Confirms high-density classification (ISO 1183 / ASTM D792)
- Water Absorption: Moisture resistance verification (<0.01%)
- Thermal Analysis: DSC melting point and HDT testing
- Food Contact Safety: Migration testing for food-grade HDPE (GB 4806.7-2016)
✓ Food Grade Testing: Compliant with GB 4806.7-2016 standards (Reference: SZIN2101000939SC-01_CN)
Example: SGS Laboratory Test Report showing comprehensive HDPE material properties and certification
Frequently Asked Questions About HDPE
Expert answers to common questions about HDPE material, machining, and applications
What is the difference between HDPE and LDPE?
HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) has a density of 0.941-0.965 g/cm³ with minimal branching, resulting in superior strength, stiffness, and chemical resistance. LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) has more branching (density 0.910-0.940 g/cm³), making it more flexible but less rigid. For structural applications, precision machining, and chemical resistance, HDPE is the preferred choice.
Can HDPE be used for food contact applications?
Yes, food-grade HDPE is widely approved for food contact by regulatory agencies including FDA (21 CFR 177.1520) and European standards (EU 10/2011). Our HDPE materials have been tested according to GB 4806.7-2016 standards showing compliance for food safety. HDPE is non-toxic, doesn't leach chemicals, and is ideal for cutting boards, food containers, and processing equipment.
What chemicals is HDPE resistant to?
HDPE exhibits excellent resistance to: acids (sulfuric, hydrochloric, nitric), bases (sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide), alcohols (methanol, ethanol), detergents, saline solutions, and most aqueous solutions. Limited resistance to: oxidizing acids, aromatic hydrocarbons, and chlorinated solvents at elevated temperatures. Contact us for specific chemical compatibility data.
What is the maximum operating temperature for HDPE?
HDPE has a continuous service temperature of approximately 90°C (194°F) in air and 80°C (176°F) in hot water. The melting temperature is around 120-135°C (248-275°F). The Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT) at 1.8 MPa is 80°C (176°F). For higher temperature requirements, consider materials like PP, PEI, or PEEK.
How do you machine HDPE plastic?
HDPE machines well using standard techniques: CNC milling (use sharp carbide tools, moderate speeds 200-400 m/min), CNC turning (feed rate 0.1-0.3 mm/rev), drilling (standard HSS or carbide drills), and sawing. Use coolant or air to prevent chip welding. HDPE can also be laser cut, thermoformed, and welded. Our precision tolerance is ±0.03mm (±0.0012") for critical dimensions.
Should I choose HDPE or UHMWPE for my application?
Choose HDPE when cost-effectiveness, chemical resistance, and moderate mechanical properties are sufficient (tensile strength ~30 MPa, moderate wear resistance). Choose UHMWPE for extreme wear resistance, self-lubricating properties, and exceptional impact strength (10x better wear resistance than HDPE). UHMWPE is ideal for conveyor guides, chute liners, and high-wear sliding applications. Learn more →
Explore Other Engineering Plastics
Not sure if HDPE is the right material? Compare with other high-performance plastics for your application
PEEK
High temp performance
POM (Acetal)
Precision gears & bearings
ABS
Prototyping & enclosures
PC
High impact strength
PMMA (Acrylic)
Optical clarity
Nylon (PA)
High strength & toughness
HDPE
Cost-effective & versatile
UHMW-PE
Ultra wear resistance
PTFE
Low friction & non-stick
PP
Chemical resistant
PVC
Rigid & flame retardant
PET
Food safe & stable
PEI (Ultem)
High temp & strength
PPS
Chemical & temp resistance
FR-4 / G10
Electrical insulation
PI (Polyimide)
Extreme temperature use
PU
Flexible & durable
Rubber / Silicone
Sealing & flexibility
Bakelite
Heat resistant insulation
PAI (Torlon)
High performance polymer
Ready to Start Your HDPE Project?
From custom CNC machining to stock HDPE materials - we've got you covered
Get your free quote in 24 hours | No minimum order | Expert technical support
📧 Email: beeplastic@beeplastic.com
🏭 Location: Building 3, Dezheng Middle Road, Chang'an Town, Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, China

Custom Plastic Fabrication
1pc to 10,000+ | ±0.03mm | No MOQ
General
HDPE
PP
PVC
ABS
Engineering
POM
Nylon
PC
PMMA
High-Performance
PEEK
PEI
PTFE
Composites
FR-4
G10
Flexible
TPU
Silicone
Why Choose BeePlastic?
Get Quote in 24h
Industries: Automotive • Medical • Food • Lab • Semiconductor
Free consultation → beeplastic@beeplastic.com
24H QUOTE DELIVERY
Upload CAD, get quote in 24 hours
NO MOQ REQUIRED
From 1 prototype to high volume
±0.03MM PRECISION
Advanced CNC with full QC inspection
1000+ TONS STOCK
26+ materials ready to ship




















