What is PE?

PE is one of the most widely used plastics globally, measured by volume. Polyethylene, produced by high- or low-pressure polymerization of ethylene, is a partially crystalline thermoplastic that exists in the variants of LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) and MDPE (Medium Density Polyethylene), primarily used for packaging.

 

However, we focus exclusively on PEHD, also known as High-Density Polyethylene. This comes in PE 300 (HDPE 300), PEHD 500 (HMW / HDPE 500), PEHD 1000 (UHMW / HDPE 1000), and PEHD 2000 (UHMW / HDPE 2000).

 

The material's numbers indicate the molar mass (molecule length). The lower the number, the lower the molar mass. A higher molar mass in HDPE results in lower friction and higher wear resistance, but it also makes the material softer, which is not always desirable.

 

HDPE is often known by brand names such as Polystone® and Tivar®.

PEHD plastics in various colours as blue, green, yellow, white and black on a table

Properties and Advantages

 

PEHD has a low density, high wear resistance, and high impact strength — even at lower temperatures. This type of plastic can withstand extreme cold, down to -200 °C (PEHD 1000 and PEHD 2000). Additionally, it can handle temperatures up to 80 °C.

 

PEHD plastic also exhibits good chemical resistance against both acids and bases, minimal moisture absorption, and excellent vibration-damping properties.

 

While PEHD is not UV-resistant, black PEHD is more resistant than other colors. However, the material is not suitable for applications involving pressure, and its mechanical stability is limited.

Black CNC turned parts with different surfaces

Is the material approved for food contact?

Our PEHD plastic is standard FCM material, approved for items that come into contact with food.

 

Additionally, we can manufacture your items in food-approved PEHD that is detectable by metal detectors.

 

Is the material approved for food contact?

Our PEHD plastic is standard FCM material, approved for items that come into contact with food.

 

Additionally, we can manufacture your items in food-approved PEHD that is detectable by metal detectors.

 

PEHD plastics in various colours

What is PEHD used for?

PEHD plastic is versatile and is used in many different industries for that reason.

 

Its broad properties make this plastic type suitable for a wide range of machine components, including:

 

  • Slide rails
  • Gears
  • Chain guides
  • Rollers
  • Supports
  • Conveyors
  • Machine guards
  • Cutting boards

 

Other variants of PE are used for products such as plastic bags, playground equipment, trash cans, and gasoline tanks for cars.

Milled plastic part in black PEHD plastic for a machine

Machining of PEHD

In our state-of-the-art machinery, we can precisely process your plastic parts and machine components in the chosen PEHD material.

 

Our process includes CNC milling and turning, which also involves machining the material.

 

You can learn more about our capabilities below.

 

CNC milling mill a part in white plastic with many holes

Alternative
materials
to PEHD

When there are high demands for wear resistance, polyamide (PA/nylon) or polyoxymethylene (POM) can be good alternatives.

 

Download our plastic table to compare materials

Alternative
materials
to PEHD

When there are high demands for wear resistance, polyamide (PA/nylon) or polyoxymethylene (POM) can be good alternatives.

 

Download our plastic table to compare materials

Induflex's inventory of sheets in technical plastics in yellow, white, black and blue

Spørgsmål og svar

  • We keep PEHD in stock in blue, natural, and black as our standard colours. In addition, we often have other colours such as yellow, green, and red available – please feel free to contact us to enquire about current availability.

     

    Our stock includes PEHD 300, PEHD 500, and PEHD 1000.

     

    If you require a specific colour or grade, we are of course happy to source it for you. Contact us for more information.

  • At Induflex, we can achieve even very tight tolerances in plastic.

     

    When you order a plastic part from us, it will, as standard, comply with Danish Standard ISO 2768-1 (medium). We measure the tolerances at room temperature, around 21 °C.

     

    Of course, we can agree on different tolerances if you prefer.

  • PEHD is not notch‑sensitive. It is a relatively flexible material with good ability to absorb energy without developing weaknesses.

     

    It is therefore suitable for applications where the material is subjected to impact or shock.

     

    However, sharp corners should still be avoided to ensure optimal durability.

     

    Some materials can be ordered with additives that will strengthen the construction. Please contact us for more information.

  • By sending us a STEP file or PDF with your drawings, we can quickly assist in determining whether POM is the right choice for your project.

     

    We can also identify which machining method is best suited for your item.

  • PEHD is an FCM-approved technical plastic, making it suitable for items that come into direct contact with food, such as components for food processing machinery.


  • PEHD, along with many other types of plastic, can be supplemented with additives to better tailor the material to the specific application.

     

    However, this does require a longer delivery time, as it is typically a special-grade material.

     

    There are more than 500 possible modifications.

     

    Please note: all FKM approval becomes invalid when you modify virgin materials.

Technical plastics
for various tasks

At Induflex, we specialize exclusively in plastics. However, plastic is not just plastic; there are many different types of technical plastic materials, each with its unique properties.

 

Explore our materials and get closer to finding the right one for your project.

Technical plastics
for various tasks

At Induflex, we specialize exclusively in plastics. However, plastic is not just plastic; there are many different types of technical plastic materials, each with its unique properties.

 

Explore our materials and get closer to finding the right one for your project.

Crane picking up plastic sheets in Induflex's automatic sheet storage

Have a question? Fill out the form, and we will get in touch with you.

Induflex is always ready to guide you on the use of technical plastics.