High-density polyethylene (HDPE)

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Sheets & Rods

Laird Plastics offers chemical-resistant, food-safe HDPE for industrial, marine, food processing, and machining applications. Our HDPE is easy to fabricate and ideal for cutting boards, wear strips, packaging components, and molded parts. Cut-to-size and custom fabrication available.

What is HDPE used for? HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) is a tough, machinable thermoplastic with excellent chemical and moisture resistance. Common uses include cutting boards, marine hardware, equipment guards, industrial wear parts, packaging components, and food-contact surfaces.
Food-Contact & Cutting Boards

HDPE Cutting Board Material

FDA-compliant, non-porous HDPE sheets in color-coded options. Used for food prep surfaces, conveyor guides, and hygienic wall liners.

Wear & Structural Components

Machine / Wear Strips & Structural Parts

Thicker HDPE grades for guides, chute liners, sprockets, and structural parts. Excellent impact resistance and fatigue life in industrial settings.

Custom Parts

CNC Machined & Fabricated HDPE

Laird Plastics provides cut-to-size, CNC machining, heat bending, and assembly for HDPE parts—plates, bushings, spacers—for industrial and custom applications.

Tubing & Rod

HDPE Rods & Tubes

Solid HDPE rods and hollow tubes for bearings, rollers, seals, or custom structural assemblies. Available in various diameters and lengths.

HDPE at a Glance — Quick Facts

Chemical ResistanceExcellent—resists acids, caustics, and solvents
Moisture AbsorptionNearly zero water absorption, ideal for marine and damp environments
MachinabilityEasy to condition, rout, drill, turn, or weld
Impact StrengthHigh—ideal for high-wear and impact applications
Temperature RangeUsable from –40 °C to ~80 °C (application-dependent)
Food SafetyFood-grade options available; confirm certification per SKU

HDPE vs Other Plastics

  • HDPE vs UHMW: HDPE is stiffer and easier to fabricate; UHMW offers lower friction and higher wear resistance.
  • HDPE vs PVC: HDPE has better chemical resistance and is food-safe; PVC is more rigid and recyclable in many regions.

Best Uses by Application

  • Cutting boards & food-contact: HDPE sheets, color-coded, smooth surface.
  • Structural/wear parts: Thicker HDPE for high durability components.
  • Custom parts: CNC, heat-bend, or assembly-ready fabricated HDPE.
  • Rollers & seals: HDPE rods and tubes offer low friction and chemical resilience.

HDPE Plastics – FAQs

Is HDPE food-safe?

Yes. Food-grade HDPE sheets meet FDA requirements. Confirm certification for your intended use.

What solvents can HDPE resist?

HDPE resists alcohols, mild acids/bases, and oils. Strong oxidizers may degrade it; always check a chemical compatibility chart.

Can HDPE be machined and welded?

Yes. HDPE routes, drills, turns, and heat-welds cleanly with minimal spoil and easy edge finishing.

What is the temperature range for HDPE?

Typically from –40 °C to ~80 °C depending on grade; consult manufacturer specs for high-temperature applications.

Do you offer cut-to-size and custom parts?

Yes. Laird Plastics offers cut, CNC machining, rod/tube lengths, and fabricated parts. Contact us for a quote.

Need HDPE Sheets or Parts Cut to Your Spec?

Let Laird Plastics help you select the right grade of HDPE and deliver cut-to-size or CNC machined parts for industrial, food service, or custom uses.

Request Fabrication Service or speak with a specialist.