PE (Polyethylene)

Introduction to Polyethylene

Polyethylene (PE) is a thermoplastic available as high-density polyethylene or low-density polyethylene. High-density polyethylene, referred to as HDPE, is mainly used in blow molding and has high temperature resistance, oil resistance, steam permeability and environmental stress cracking resistance. PE also offers good electrical insulation, impact resistance and temperature resistance.

Information of Polyethylene

		Features	Info
		Color	White, black
		Process	CNC machining, injection molding
		Tolerance	With drawing: as low as +/- 0.005 mm No drawing: ISO 2768 medium
		Applications	Piping, Packaging
		Price	$$$

Available Polyethylene Subtypes

Subtypes

Ultimate tensile strength

Tensile Strength

Elongation at Break

Hardness

Maximum Temp

HDPE

22.1 – 31 MPa

26.2 – 31 MPa

500 – 700 %

7.9 – 9.9 HV

113 – 129 °C

UHMWPE

38.6 – 48.3 MPa

21.4 – 27.6 MPa

200 – 500 %

3.4 – 8.3 HV

80 – 110 °C

Surface Finishes for Your Choosing

Name	Description	Materials	Color	Texture	Link
Painting	Painting involves spraying a layer of paint onto the surface of the part. Colors can be matched to a Pantone color number of the customer’s choosing, while finishes range from matte to gloss to metallic.	Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Steel	Custom	Gloss, semi-gloss, flat, metallic, textured	Learn more
Screen Printing	Screen printing is a printing technique where a mesh is used to transfer ink onto a substrate, except in areas made impermeable to the ink by a blocking stencil.	Metals, plastics	Custom	n/a	Learn more