Low-load guides
Guides for moderate loads and defined contact conditions.
Plastic · Custom parts
CNC machining
of HDPE.
Lightweight parts for protection, guidance, and chemical equipment. We manufacture high-density polyethylene components via CNC machining.
Get your quoteQuote in 24 h · Engineering review
- From
- 1 unit
- Delivery from
- 8 working days
- Material
- HDPE Plastic
01 / Why choose this material
Properties and uses
of HDPE.
High-density polyethylene for lightweight parts, impact-resistant, and resistant to numerous chemicals. It has lower stiffness than structural engineering plastics.
HDPE or PE-HD has low moisture absorption and good impact resistance and resistance to numerous chemicals. It is less rigid than POM or PET, so the design must consider deformation under load and the function of each support.
Learn about the CNC machining process ↗Properties of HDPE
Mechanical reference · Proto&Go! material datasheet
- Indicative density
- 0,95 g/cm³
- Tensile strength at yield
- 22 MPa
- Tensile modulus
- ≥ 0,7 GPa
- Thermal conductivity · 20 °C
- 0,42 W/(m·K)
- Presentation
- Semi-finished for CNC
HDPE is not equivalent to PE-UHMW: the latter is a different option for demanding wear. HDPE is not proposed as a general material for load shafts. The added values are references from the published PDF; the supply grade and test can change them.
Material datasheets
- Low moisture absorption
- Electrical insulator
- Good chemical resistance depending on the agent
- Good impact resistance
Applications of HDPE
Protection plates
Plates that protect equipment from friction or small impacts.
Chemical equipment components
Components for installations with compatible chemical agents.
Supports and separators
Lightweight supports and separators with low moisture absorption.
02 / A choice based on usage
Choose HDPE
based on your part.
These criteria help define the material, geometry, and working conditions before manufacturing.
01
Impact and protection
An option for protective plates, separators, and supports with moderate stiffness requirements.
02
Chemical products
Specify the agent, concentration, and temperature. Compatibility is confirmed for the intended use.
03
Wear and load
HDPE and PE-UHMW are distinct materials. For demanding sliding applications, the grade and conditions must be reviewed.
The part's function is the starting point.
Indicate loads, temperature, environment, and appearance needed. If the drawing requires a specific grade, include it in the request.
03 / Finishing also counts
Finishes and appearance
of HDPE.
Material and process define the surface. These are the key factors for specifying your part's appearance.
Machining finish
The part retains machining marks. Indicate adjustment surfaces and visible faces on the drawing.
Geometry and surfaces
For functional surfaces, define roughness and tolerances in the drawing. Feasibility is reviewed based on grade and geometry.
Your part requirements
Include the expected appearance and usage conditions in your request to confirm the quote.
04 / From design to quote
CNC machining
of HDPE.
Milling and turning allow manufacturing HDPE parts from a block, plate, or bar. The tool removes material to create faces, cavities, drilled holes, and contours according to the design.
Send a 3D model per part in STEP or a native supported format: SLDPRT, X_T, X_B, IPT, CATPART, PRT, SAT, or 3DM. Attach a PDF drawing for threads, inserts, or specific tolerances. STL is accepted only for 3D printing.
Upload your file and request a quotePart tolerances
For dimensions without a specific tolerance, Proto&Go! applies ISO 2768-m. With a drawing, equivalent tolerances to IT11 can be assessed, depending on the geometry and requested dimensions. Attach the drawing and mark the functional surfaces.
Calculate a tolerance ↗Quantity and cost per part
In CNC, setup costs are distributed across the batch units. The final reduction depends on machining time and material.
Quote in 24 hours
Parts from 8 working days after confirming the order. The quote specifies the lead time based on geometry, material, finish, and quantity.
How much it costs to manufacture
The price of your part
in HDPE.
The price to machine HDPE depends on geometry, grade, tolerances, finish, and quantity. It includes material, preparation, and machining.
Check the catalog example to compare materials. To know the cost of your design, request a quote with your 3D file.
Frequently asked questions
Before manufacturing
in HDPE.
Properties, applications, and manufacturing: answers to prepare your request.
What is HDPE and what properties does it have?
High-density polyethylene for lightweight parts, impact-resistant, and resistant to numerous chemical products. It has lower stiffness than structural engineering plastics. HDPE is not equivalent to PE-UHMW: the latter is a distinct option for demanding wear. HDPE is not proposed as a general material for load shafts. The added values are references from the published PDF; the supply grade and test may vary.
What parts can be manufactured in HDPE?
We can manufacture low-load guides, protective plates, chemical equipment components, supports, and separators. CNC machining allows adapting the geometry to your 3D file. Define the loads, the environment, and the finish so we can review the application.
Is HDPE and PE-UHMW the same polyethylene?
No. Both are polyethylenes, but PE-UHMW has a much higher molecular weight and different behavior, especially regarding wear. They should not be swapped without reviewing the function. This datasheet corresponds to HDPE or high-density polyethylene.
Is HDPE suitable for machined parts with high loads?
It depends on the design. HDPE has lower stiffness than engineering plastics like POM or PET and can deform under load. For supports or guides, specify the stress, temperature, and how long the load acts.
Can machined HDPE be used in contact with food?
It can be evaluated if the grade and application have the necessary documentation. The HDPE designation alone does not certify food contact. Indicate the food, temperature, and cleaning conditions when requesting a quote.
How much does it cost to machine an HDPE part?
The price of HDPE machining depends on geometry, grade, tolerances, finish, and quantity. It includes material, preparation, and machining. Upload your 3D file to the Proto&Go! platform to receive a quote with cost and lead time.
What tolerances can I request for an HDPE part?
For dimensions without a specific tolerance, Proto&Go! applies ISO 2768-m. With a drawing, equivalent tolerances to IT11 can be assessed, depending on the geometry and requested dimensions. Attach the drawing and mark the functional surfaces.
What file do I need to manufacture an HDPE part?
Send a 3D model per part in STEP or a native supported format: SLDPRT, X_T, X_B, IPT, CATPART, PRT, SAT, or 3DM. Attach a PDF drawing for threads, inserts, or specific tolerances. STL is accepted only for 3D printing.
Compare before choosing
Other options for your part.
Your next part
Shape it
in HDPE.
Upload the 3D file. We review feasibility and send you the quote.