Finishing CNC Plastic Parts HDPE Plastic Parts
HDPE machined parts (HDPE machined parts) are functional components made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) resin through machining (such as turning, milling, and drilling), injection molding, extrusion, or specialized processing (such as thermoforming and welding). As one of the five major general-purpose engineering plastics, HDPE features high toughness, low density (0.94-0.97 g/cm³), excellent chemical resistance, self-lubrication, and good electrical insulation. Machined parts are widely used in applications requiring corrosion resistance, lightweighting, hygiene and safety, or low cost, such as chemical equipment, food processing machinery, medical devices, and industrial components.
With advances in modern manufacturing technologies (such as CNC precision machining, 3D printing adaptation, and surface modification), HDPE parts are experiencing continuous improvements in dimensional accuracy, surface quality, and functionality (such as wear resistance and antistatic properties). HDPE parts are gradually transforming from traditional "general-purpose plastic parts" to high-value-added precision components, with their penetration rate increasing year by year in high-end sectors such as automotive, new energy, and semiconductors.
Basic Material Properties (Determining Processing Feasibility)
HDPE's molecular structure (linear high-crystalline polyethylene) gives it unique processing adaptability:
• Low density and lightweight: With a density of only 0.94-0.97 g/cm³ (approximately 1/7 that of steel and 1/2 that of aluminum), workpieces are lightweight and easy to install and transport (e.g., floating components in chemical equipment).
• High toughness: With a notched impact strength of ≥20 kJ/m² (still ≥15 kJ/m² at -40°C), it offers strong crack resistance and is suitable for components subjected to vibration or shock loads (e.g., equipment protective covers).
• Low friction and self-lubrication: With a surface coefficient of friction of only 0.2-0.3 (compared to 0.15-0.3 for steel, which requires lubrication), it can be used in sliding components (e.g., guide rails and bearing bushings) without the need for additional lubrication.
• Chemical Resistance: Stable to most acids (e.g., sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid), alkalis (e.g., sodium hydroxide solution, concentration ≤50%), and salt solutions (tolerance to pH 1-14). Workpieces can withstand direct contact with corrosive media (e.g., chemical storage tank linings).
• Electrical Insulation: Volume resistivity ≥10¹⁵ Ω·cm (dielectric constant 2.3), suitable for electrical insulation components (e.g., switch panels and cable sheathing).
Processing Adaptability (Suitable for Various Manufacturing Processes)
HDPE's processing properties allow it to be formed into complex shapes using a variety of methods:
• Thermoplastic Processing Advantages: With a low melting temperature (130-137°C) and excellent fluidity (adjustable melt flow rate (MFR) from 0.1 to 10 g/10min), it is suitable for thermoforming processes such as injection molding and extrusion. It can also be softened by heating for secondary processing such as heat welding and heat bending.
• Machinability: Low cutting forces (approximately 1/3 those of steel), slow tool wear (carbide tools such as YG8 are recommended), and suitable for precision machining such as CNC turning, milling, and drilling (dimensional accuracy can reach ±0.05 mm).
• Weldability: Reliable connections between workpieces can be achieved through hot plate welding, ultrasonic welding, or solvent bonding (such as dichloromethane), making it suitable for the assembly of large structural components.