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Description
HDPE Sheet (High Density Polyethylene) — Food Safe, Chemical Resistant, Cut-to-Size UK
HDPE Sheet (High Density Polyethylene, PE300) is one of the most versatile and widely used engineering plastics in the UK. Known as the "chopping board material", HDPE Sheet offers an exceptional combination of food compliance, chemical resistance, low friction, and outstanding wear resistance — making it the material of choice for food production, industrial manufacturing, marine applications, and precision engineering.
Available in Natural (white/cream) and Black, across thicknesses from 3mm to 20mm, and in sheet sizes from 500x500mm up to 2000x1000mm. Custom sizes available — contact us for a quote.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | High Density Polyethylene (HDPE / PE300) |
| Density (SG) | 0.96 g/cm³ |
| Operating Temperature | -50°C to +80°C |
| Tensile Strength | 22–28 MPa |
| Impact Strength (Izod, notched) | No break |
| Hardness (Shore D) | 60–65 |
| Water Absorption (24h) | <0.01% |
| Chemical Resistance | Excellent (most acids, alkalis, solvents) |
| Food Compliance | Yes — FDA / EU food contact approved |
| Colours Available | Natural (White/Cream), Black |
Key Properties
- ✅ Food Safe & FDA Compliant — certified for direct food contact
- ✅ Excellent Chemical Resistance — resistant to acids, alkalis, oils and most organic solvents
- ✅ Low Friction Surface — waxy, self-lubricating surface ideal for wear strips and guides
- ✅ Outstanding Wear Resistance — outperforms many metals as a wear strip material
- ✅ Lightweight — SG 0.96 (floats on water), easy to handle and install
- ✅ Low Water Absorption — ideal for marine and wet environments
- ✅ High Impact Strength — even at low temperatures (-50°C)
- ✅ Easily Machined — CNC, traditional machining, drilling, sawing, routing
- ✅ Electrically Insulating — good dielectric properties
Common Applications
- Food Production & Catering: Chopping boards, food prep surfaces, conveyor liners, cutting table tops, meat packing surfaces
- Industrial Manufacturing: Conveyor wear strips and guide rails, slide pads, bearing pads, machine guards, wear liners
- Marine & Offshore: Dock fenders, boat building, pontoon components, hull protection
- Engineering & Manufacturing: Jigs and fixtures, spacers, insulators, tank construction, chemical containment
- Agriculture: Livestock equipment, feed troughs, stable liners, agricultural machinery guides
- Medical & Pharmaceutical: Non-toxic applications, pharmaceutical equipment components
- Construction: Damp proof course, vapour barriers, bridge bearings, expansion joints
HDPE Sheet Thickness Tolerances
| Nominal Thickness (mm) | Tolerance (mm) |
|---|---|
| 3mm | ±0.14mm |
| 5mm | ±0.20mm |
| 6mm | ±0.23mm |
| 10mm | ±0.35mm |
| 12mm | ±0.41mm |
| 20mm | ±0.65mm |
HDPE 300 vs HDPE 500 — Which Grade?
We supply HDPE PE300 (standard grade) — the most widely specified grade for general industrial and food applications. HDPE PE500 is a higher-density variant with slightly greater hardness and load-bearing capacity, suited for more demanding wear applications. Contact us if you require PE500 specification.
Machining & Fabrication Notes
HDPE Sheet machines cleanly on CNC or conventional machines using TCT (tungsten carbide tipped) cutting tools. Key notes for fabrication:
- Use sharp tools to avoid melting the surface — HDPE has a low melting point (~130°C)
- Allow for thermal expansion when hot-cutting or drilling
- HDPE is difficult to bond with adhesives — use mechanical fixing (screws, bolts, rivets) for assembly
- Standard woodworking saws and routers can be used for rough cutting
- Welding is possible using HDPE welding rod and hot air welding gun
Delivery & Availability
All HDPE Sheet sizes are held in stock in our UK warehouse and dispatched on a 1–3 working day lead time. Larger sheets and custom sizes available — call or email our technical sales team for a quote.
✅ UK Stock — Fast Dispatch | ✅ Food Contact Approved (FDA/EU) | ✅ Technical Support Available | ✅ Custom Sizes Available