HDPE Sheet
HDPE sheets offer a wide range of benefits including high-impact strength, durability and the ability to resist corrosion from weather, alcohols and acids. HDPE Sheets in black and natural colors for boating, commercial kitchens, and other use cases.
Shop from Kusla custom-size HDPE sheet or standard options.
HDPE sheet Specification
| TYPE | Thickness | Dimensions | OPTIONS AVAILABLE TEXTURE, SURFACE, PATTERN | GRADES | TYPES AND COLORS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| INDUSTRIAL SHEET | 0.062 in – 4 in | 48 in x 96 in – 60 in x 120 in | Matte/Matte, Smooth, Woodgrain, Non-skid Surface | FDA Compliant, UV Resistant, Cutting Board, Marineboard, Playground Board, Multi-Color Engravable, Enhanced stiffness, Pipe Grade | Natural, Black, Red, Yellow, Green, Beige, Blue, Polar White, Mercury Gray, Seafoam, Sand Shade, Whitewash, Teak, Weatherwood, Dark Ash, Mahogany, Sanshade, Dolphin Gray, White/White |
Length, width, thickness, and diameter tolerances vary by size, manufacturer, brand, and grade.
Custom sizes and colors are available upon request.
Typical Properties Of HDPE
| UNITS | ASTM TEST | HDPE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specific Gravity | - | D792 | 0.96 |
| Tensile strength | psi | D638 | 4,000 |
| Flexural modulus | psi | D790 | 200,000 |
| Izod impact (notched) | ft-lbs/in of notch | D256 | 1.3 |
| Heat deflection temperature @ 264 psi | °F | D648 | 172 |
| Maximum continuous service temperature in air | °F | - | |
| Water absorption (immersion 24 hours) | % | D570 | 0.1 |
| Coefficient of linear thermal expansion | in/in/°Fx10-5 | D696 | 7 |
Values may vary according to brand name. please ask kusla experts for more detail information
Main Benefit Of HDPE Sheet
- Flexibility: HDPE sheet tends to adapt to several changes in bends and directions. So this allows you to prevent instances of using additional tools and fittings. making it better than other types of plastic materials.
- Excellent Resistance: HDPE sheet is also beneficial since it can support vertical loads during the transfer of high-pressure liquids or chemicals. Evidently, this is possible since the external wall is sufficiently corrugated. It is also resistant to a wide range of elements, including temperature changes, corrosion, and chemical agents, among others.
- Lightweight and Malleability: This material is popular for being extremely lightweight but still somewhat durable.
- Easy to Install: HDPE sheet is typically lightweight, thus making its transportation, handling as well as installation process reasonably short. Moreover, you do not necessarily require heavy machinery to move this material.
- Excellent Durability: The fact that it is highly resistant to numerous elements such as chemical agents, impacts, and abrasive liquids, among others, shows that it is a durable material. Ordinarily, the average usage of this material is estimated at about 50 years, which is quite phenomenal.
- Easy to Maintain: Ideally, once you have installed this sheeting material for a particular application, it will require minimal maintenance. Nonetheless, it still guarantees efficiency and better results.
- Food safe - Industry grade HDPE is FDA, NSF, and USDA approved as a food-safe material. It is a popular material used for cutting boards and liquid storage containers.
Frequently Asked Questions about HDPE sheets
HDPE stands for high-density polyethylene, which is a type of thermoplastic polymer made from petroleum. It has a high strength-to-density ratio, which means it is strong and durable for its weight. Some of the advantages of HDPE over other materials are:
- It can withstand temperatures from -148 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit without cracking or warping.
- It is non-leaching, which means it does not contaminate the liquids or foods that it contains.
- It is UV-resistant, which means it does not fade or degrade under sunlight exposure.
- It is resistant to most chemicals, solvents, acids, and alkalines, which makes it suitable for various industrial and commercial applications.
- It is stiff and rigid, which makes it easy to cut, drill, or fasten.
- It is cost-effective and recyclable, which makes it environmentally friendly and economical.
These are some of the benefits of HDPE that make it a widely used material for many products such as plastic bottles, toys, pipes, chemical containers, and more
You can cut, drill, or fasten HDPE sheets using similar tools and methods as you would for wood. Here are some tips for each process:
- To cut HDPE sheets, you can use a table saw, a circular saw, or a miter saw depending on the size and shape of the cut you need. You should use a sharp carbide blade with a negative rake angle to avoid rough edges and melting. You should also keep the speed of the saw as low as possible and support the sheet from underneath.
- To drill HDPE sheets, you can use a standard drill bit or a spade bit for larger holes. You should use a high-speed drill with a variable speed control and adjust the speed according to the thickness of the sheet. The drilling speed should be between 3,500 rpm for thinner material (1/8 inch) and 450 rpm for thicker material (1 inch). You do not need any lubrication for drilling HDPE.
- To fasten HDPE sheets, you can use screws, plastic rivets, or nails. You should pre-drill holes slightly larger than the fasteners to allow for expansion and contraction of the material. You should also use washers to distribute the pressure and prevent cracking. You should not use glue or paint on HDPE sheets as they will not stick or bond well.
No, you cannot glue or paint HDPE sheets. HDPE is a non-polar material, which means it does not have any electrical charges on its surface. This makes it very resistant to adhesion and bonding with other materials. Glue or paint will not stick to HDPE sheets and will peel off easily. If you need to join HDPE sheets together, you should use mechanical fasteners such as screws, rivets, or nails. If you need to change the color of HDPE sheets, you should order them in custom colors from the manufacturer.
HDPE is a thermoplastic material that can react to temperature changes and outdoor conditions in different ways. Here are some of the effects of these factors on HDPE:
- Temperature changes can cause HDPE to expand and contract, which may affect its shape and size. HDPE has a low coefficient of thermal expansion, which means it does not change much with temperature, but it still needs some allowance for movement when fastened or joined. HDPE can withstand temperatures from -148 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit without cracking or warping.
- Outdoor conditions such as sunlight, moisture, and chemicals can affect the durability and appearance of HDPE. HDPE is UV-resistant, which means it does not fade or degrade under sunlight exposure. However, it may still lose some of its mechanical properties over time due to oxidation and weathering. HDPE is also resistant to most chemicals, solvents, acids, and alkalines, which makes it suitable for various industrial and commercial applications. However, it may still be affected by some strong oxidizing agents or organic solvents.
- Melting HDPE can produce toxic fumes if done at high temperatures or in the presence of oxygen. HDPE has a melting point of about 130 degrees Celsius, but it becomes soft and gooey at lower temperatures. If HDPE is heated above its extrusion temperature range of 176 to 260 degrees Celsius, it may degrade and release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are harmful to human health and the environment. Therefore, melting HDPE should be done with proper ventilation and safety precautions.
HDPE sheets have a wide variety of applications in different industries and sectors. Some of the common applications are:
- Plastic bottles: HDPE is used to make bottles for water, milk, juice, detergent, shampoo, and other liquids. HDPE bottles are lightweight, durable, recyclable, and resistant to leaching.
- Toys: HDPE is used to make toys such as blocks, balls, dolls, and playground equipment. HDPE toys are safe, colorful, UV-resistant, and easy to clean.
- Chemical containers: HDPE is used to make containers for chemicals, solvents, acids, and alkalines. HDPE containers are strong, corrosion-resistant, non-leaching, and cost-effective.
- Pipe systems: HDPE is used to make pipes for water supply, drainage, irrigation, gas distribution, and sewage. HDPE pipes are flexible, durable, fusion-weldable, and resistant to cracking and abrasion.
- Outdoor furniture: HDPE is used to make furniture for outdoor use such as chairs, tables, benches, and cabinets. HDPE furniture is weather-resistant, UV-resistant, easy to maintain, and available in various colors and textures.
- Cutting boards: HDPE is used to make cutting boards for food preparation. HDPE cutting boards are FDA compliant, dishwasher safe, easy to sanitize, and resistant to knife marks.
HDPE sheet is a type of plastic sheet made from high-density polyethylene, which is a thermoplastic polymer produced from the monomer ethylene. HDPE sheet has a high strength-to-density ratio, which means it is strong and durable for its weight. HDPE sheet is also non-toxic, non-staining, low moisture absorption, and resistant to corrosion, impact, abrasion, and UV rays. HDPE sheet meets FDA and USDA certification for food processing. HDPE sheet is easy to fabricate and weld using thermoplastic welding equipment.
You can order HDPE sheets in custom colors or sizes from various online suppliers or manufacturers.
- Kusla Plastics offers HDPE sheets in various colors and thicknesses for industrial cutting boards, chemical tanks, playground systems, and marine construction. We have custom cuts and cut-to-size pieces. We can also machine HDPE into fabricated parts.
HDPE is a durable and resistant material that can withstand various kinds of stress and exposure.
- HDPE has a high strength-to-density ratio, which means it is strong and durable for its weight. It has a tensile strength of 38 MPa versus 21 MPa for LDPE. It is also harder and more rigid than LDPE.
- HDPE is resistant to impact and abrasion, which makes it suitable for applications that require high-impact stress and friction. It is also scratch-resistant and able to withstand solvents, chemicals, and alcohols.
- HDPE is resistant to corrosion, which makes it ideal for applications that involve contact with chemicals, solvents, acids, and alkalines. HDPE can withstand most strong mineral acids and bases and has excellent resistance to naturally occurring chemicals found in soil.
- HDPE is resistant to UV rays, which makes it ideal for outdoor applications that involve exposure to sunlight. HDPE does not fade or degrade under sunlight exposure. However, it may still lose some of its mechanical properties over time due to oxidation and weathering.
You can clean and maintain HDPE sheets by following these steps:
- Use a commercial plastic cleaner or mild soap and water to remove dirt and debris. When applying cleaner, use a non-abrasive lint-free or microfiber cloth that won’t scratch the surface. For tough grease, oil, or tar residue, use commercial grade hexane or kerosene.
- Use canned air to blow off any dust or loose particles from the surface of your HDPE sheet. This will help avoid scratching the acrylic while cleaning it.
- Use a razor blade or any other type of sharp scraping tool to evenly remove any excess or scratched HDPE. Be careful not to dig into the material or cause more damage.
- Use Novus acrylic cleaning products to polish and protect your HDPE sheet. Novus #1 can be used to create a lustrous shine that’s resistant to fogging, repels dust, and eliminates static. Novus #2 can be used to remove fine scratches, haziness, and abrasions. Novus #3 can be used to remove heavier scratches and abrasions.
HDPE is environmentally friendly and recyclable in several ways.
- HDPE is made from recycled materials and can be recycled again and again. HDPE is composed of high-strength polymers that can be reprocessed into new products with nearly the same quality as virgin resin. HDPE is also 100% recyclable and has the number “2” as its resin identification code.
- HDPE reduces the amount of waste and energy consumption. HDPE recycling can save up to twice as much energy that is used in the creation of virgin plastics. Recycling HDPE also reduces the need for landfill space and fossil fuel extraction. HDPE products are durable and long-lasting, which means they need less replacement and maintenance.
- HDPE is certified as a safe and eco-friendly material. HDPE is non-toxic, non-leaching, and low moisture absorption, which means it does not contaminate the liquids or foods that it contains. HDPE is also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, which means it is an approved material to be used in schools and healthcare facilities.
HDPE has different properties and characteristics compared to other plastics such as LDPE, PP, or PVC. Here are some of the comparisons:
- HDPE vs LDPE: HDPE is stronger, stiffer, and more resistant to heat and chemicals than LDPE. HDPE has a higher melting point and tensile strength than LDPE. LDPE is softer, more flexible, and more transparent than HDPE. LDPE is easier to process and mold than HDPE.
- HDPE vs PP: HDPE and PP are both polyolefins that have similar properties and applications. HDPE is more rigid and has better resistance to chemicals, solvents, and alcohols than PP. PP is more flexible and has better resistance to fatigue, impact, and high temperatures than HDPE. PP also has a lower density and higher melting point than HDPE.
- HDPE vs PVC: HDPE and PVC are both thermoplastics that can be molded into various shapes and products. HDPE is more durable and resistant to impact, abrasion, corrosion, and UV rays than PVC. PVC is more rigid and has better resistance to fire and electrical insulation than HDPE. PVC also contains chlorine atoms that make it more prone to leaching toxins into food and water.
HDPE sheets come in various standard thicknesses and dimensions depending on the supplier or manufacturer.
- HDPE sheet thicknesses range from 0.031 in to 4 in. Some common thicknesses are 0.062 in, 0.125 in, 0.250 in, 0.500 in, and 1 in.
- HDPE sheet dimensions vary depending on the thickness and the supplier. Some common dimensions are 12" x 12", 12" x 24", 12" x 48", 24" x 48", and 48" x 96".
- HDPE sheet sizes can also be customized according to the customer’s needs. Some suppliers offer cut-to-size options for customers to buy custom-size HDPE sheets.
The cost of HDPE varies depending on the type, grade, thickness, and supplier of the material.
- HDPE sheets can cost from $1.22 to $49.50 per piece depending on the thickness and dimensions.
- HDPE 3D printing filament can cost under $30 per kilogram, making it one of the cheapest plastic filaments on the market.
- HDPE spot market prices can fluctuate depending on the region and the supply and demand situation. For example, in East China, the ex-factory price adjustment range for petrochemical industries was 50-400 RMB/MT on March 10, 2022.
- HDPE prices in the US declined in Q4 2022 due to limited trading activities and lower product bidding. The HDPE spot prices also remained feeble, with lower bidding for the new stock and limited trading activities.
- HDPE prices in India increased in Q4 2022 due to higher feedstock costs and tight supply. The HDPE spot prices also rose, with higher demand from the domestic and export markets.
When working with HDPE sheets, you should follow some safety precautions to avoid injury or damage.
- Wear adequate safety gear such as gloves, goggles, and masks when cutting, drilling, welding, or melting HDPE sheets. HDPE dust or resin can cause eye irritation and HDPE vapors can be harmful when heated.
- Use proper tools and equipment such as carbide-tipped saw blades, regular metal bits, and thermoplastic welding equipment when working with HDPE sheets. HDPE is strong and durable, but it can also be cut and welded easily with the right tools.
- Avoid using glue or paint on HDPE sheets. HDPE is non-polar and non-staining, which means it does not adhere well to other materials. Glue or paint will not stick to HDPE sheets and will peel off easily. HDPE sheets can also expand and contract with temperature changes, which can affect the adhesion.
- Avoid walking on HDPE sheets or using them as a traffic surface unless you have taken appropriate safety measures. HDPE is very slick and slippery, which can cause falls or accidents. You can use anti-slip coatings or mats to increase the friction on HDPE sheets.
- Avoid exposing HDPE sheets to extreme temperatures or fire. HDPE has a melting point of about 130 degrees Celsius, but it becomes soft and gooey at lower temperatures. If HDPE is heated above its extrusion temperature range of 176 to 260 degrees Celsius, it may degrade and release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are harmful to human health and the environment.
You can bend or shape HDPE sheets into different forms by using heat and pressure.
- You can use a heat gun or a hot air welder to heat up the HDPE sheet along the line where you want to bend it. You should heat the sheet evenly until it becomes soft and pliable, but not too hot or it may degrade and release harmful vapors.
- You can use a bending jig or a clamping device to hold the HDPE sheet in place and apply pressure to bend it into the desired shape. You should bend the sheet slowly and carefully to avoid cracking or breaking it.
- You can use a wet cloth or a spray bottle to cool down the HDPE sheet after bending it. Once cool, the sheet will maintain the shape you bent it into.
- You can also use a heated sword or a heated wire to cut and bend the HDPE sheet into different forms. The heated sword or wire will melt through the sheet and create a smooth edge. You can then bend the sheet along the cut line while it is still hot.
HDPE sheets have some limitations or disadvantages that may affect their suitability for certain applications.
- HDPE sheets have poor flexibility, which means they are not very bendable or adaptable to complex shapes. HDPE sheets are also heavy and bulky, which makes them more expensive to ship and difficult to install.
- HDPE sheets have poor insulation properties, which means they do not retain heat or cold well. HDPE sheets may also be affected by temperature changes, which can cause them to expand and contract. This can affect their shape, size, and adhesion.
- HDPE sheets have poor resistance to stress cracking, which means they can develop cracks or fractures when subjected to constant or cyclic stress. HDPE sheets may also degrade over time due to oxidation and weathering, which can reduce their mechanical properties and appearance.
- HDPE sheets are not biodegradable or compostable, which means they do not break down naturally in the environment. HDPE sheets may also release harmful fumes when burned or melted, which can affect human health and the environment.
- HDPE sheets are not resistant to oxidizing acids or chlorinated hydrocarbons, which means they can corrode or dissolve when exposed to these substances. HDPE sheets may also be incompatible with some other materials, such as glue or paint.
There are different types of HDPE sheets that have different uses and applications.
- HDPE film: This type of plastic sheet is often used in packaging because it’s thin and flexible, and less expensive than other types of HDPE sheets. HDPE film can be used to make bags, wrappers, labels, and laminates.
- HDPE pipe: used for plumbing and other applications where durability and flexibility are essential. HDPE pipe can be used to transport water, gas, chemicals, and sewage. HDPE pipe is also known as pipe-grade HDPE because it has higher strength and resistance than standard HDPE.
- HDPE plastic panel: used for large, flat objects such as tables or walls. HDPE plastic panel can be used for furniture, cabinetry, signage, and construction. HDPE plastic panel is also weather-resistant and UV-resistant, making it suitable for outdoor use.
- HDPE cutting board: used for food preparation and storage. HDPE cutting board can be used to chop, slice, or dice food items without dulling knives or contaminating food. HDPE cutting board is also FDA compliant, dishwasher safe, and easy to sanitize.
- HDPE marine board: used for marine and boating applications. HDPE marine board can be used to make boat seats, cabinets, hatches, doors, and rails. HDPE marine board is also resistant to salt water, moisture, and sun exposure.
- HDPE woodgrain sheet: used for aesthetic purposes. HDPE woodgrain sheet can be used to mimic the appearance of natural wood without the drawbacks of wood such as rotting, warping, or splintering. HDPE woodgrain sheet can be used for furniture, decking, fencing, and siding.
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