Polyethylene (HDPE / LDPE)
Polyethylene Film & Sheet
Polyethylene delivers chemical resistance, low moisture absorption, and excellent fabrication economics. K&R stocks both HDPE and LDPE for industrial fabrication, signage, and packaging — with corona treatment available where printability is required.
At a glance
- Specific gravity (HDPE)
- 0.94 – 0.96
- Service temp
- Up to 180°F / 82°C
- Tensile strength (yield)
- 3,500 – 4,500 psi
- Stock gauges
- HDPE 1/16" – 1"; LDPE roll stock
Applications
- Chemical tank liners and secondary containment
- Cutting boards and food-contact surfaces (FDA-compliant grades)
- Marine fabrication and dock components
- Outdoor signage requiring weatherability
- Industrial dunnage and material-handling parts
- Packaging films and shrink wrap (LDPE)
- Machined parts: gears, wear strips, rollers (HDPE)
Features & benefits
- Excellent chemical resistance across acids, bases, and most solvents.
- Low moisture absorption — dimensionally stable in wet environments.
- Easy to fabricate: machines, welds, drills, and routes cleanly.
- FDA-compliant grades available for direct food contact.
- Corona-treated grades available for printing and lamination.
- Wide service-temperature range; HDPE rated to ~180°F continuous.
- 100 % recyclable; widely accepted in commercial recycling streams.
Print & process compatibility
| Method | Compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Toner / Laser | — | |
| HP Indigo | — | |
| UV Inkjet | ✓ treated | |
| Solvent Inkjet | ✓ treated | |
| Screen | ✓ treated | |
| Offset | — |
Available surfaces, finishes & gauges
| Surface / finish | Description | Stock gauges |
|---|---|---|
| HDPE Natural / Black | High-density polyethylene for industrial fabrication, marine, and food-contact applications. | 1/16" – 1" |
| LDPE Film | Low-density polyethylene film for packaging and protective applications. | Roll stock |
| Corona-Treated HDPE | Surface-treated for ink and adhesive adhesion. | Specify on order |
| Color HDPE | Solid color stock and PMS-matched custom colors available. | Custom |
Typical properties
Typical of average lots. Job-specific qualification recommended for production runs — request a sample.
| Property | Typical value | Test method |
|---|---|---|
| Physical (HDPE) | ||
| Specific gravity | 0.94 – 0.96 | ASTM D 792 |
| Water absorption (24 hr) | <0.01 % | ASTM D 570 |
| Hardness, Shore D | 65 – 70 | ASTM D 2240 |
| Mechanical (HDPE) | ||
| Tensile strength at yield | 3,500 – 4,500 psi | ASTM D 638 |
| Tensile elongation at break | >600 % | ASTM D 638 |
| Flexural modulus | 180,000 – 220,000 psi | ASTM D 790 |
| Izod impact (notched) | 1.0 – 4.0 ft-lb/in | ASTM D 256 |
| Thermal (HDPE) | ||
| Continuous service temperature | Up to 180°F (82°C) | — |
| Vicat softening temperature | 255°F (124°C) | ASTM D 1525 |
| Heat deflection temp. (66 psi) | 165°F (74°C) | ASTM D 648 |
| Coefficient of thermal expansion | 1.0 × 10⁻⁴ in/in·°F | ASTM D 696 |
| Print compatibility | ||
| Surface treatment required | Corona or flame treatment for ink adhesion | — |
| Recommended ink systems | UV inkjet (treated), screen (treated) | — |
Fabrication & converting
Machines, welds, drills, and routes cleanly. Hot-air welding produces leak-tight seams for tank liners and containment. Corona-treated grades hold ink and adhesive reliably for signage and labels.