Why HDPE?
Tough material. Practical possibilities.
Lightweight, corrosion-resistant and versatile, HDPE opens up possibilities for custom industrial fabrication. Its impact resistance and flexibility make it a practical choice for demanding environments, while CNC cutting, forming and welding allow us to shape it around your project.
What HDPE brings to your project.
Low material weight
HDPE’s low density can offer handling and transport advantages. The weight of the finished product depends on its construction and required performance.
No rust-protection coating
HDPE does not rust or require painting for corrosion protection. Chemical compatibility is assessed against the substances, concentrations and temperatures involved.
Impact resistance and flexibility
HDPE can flex under loading and absorb impact. Material grade, temperature and component design determine how these properties perform in the application.
Outdoor material options
UV-stabilised grades support use in exposed installations, with material selection matched to the intended environment.
Consider the properties that matter to the job.
HDPE can offer practical advantages where handling weight, corrosion resistance or flexibility influences material selection. Steel provides strength and stiffness for many structural applications. The appropriate choice depends on what the component needs to do.
| Consideration | HDPE | Carbon steel |
|---|---|---|
| Indicative material density | Approximately 960 kg/m³ | Approximately 7,850 kg/m³ |
| Corrosion protection | Does not rust; no rust-protection coating needed | Protective coatings or other measures can be selected for the environment |
| Mechanical behaviour | Flexible and impact-resistant; stiffness and long-term loading require design consideration | High strength and stiffness suit many structural applications |
| Inspection and upkeep | Check condition, joints, fixings and associated components | Check condition, connections and protective systems as applicable |
| Cost over service life | Assess fabrication, handling, maintenance and potential reuse | Assess fabrication, handling, maintenance and potential reuse |
Density figures compare equal volumes of material. Finished-product weight and cost depend on the complete design.
Explore another lightweight option.
HDPE and aluminium offer different combinations of weight, stiffness and environmental performance. For HDPE, corrosion resistance, flexibility and low heat transfer can be useful considerations in the design.
| Consideration | HDPE | Aluminium |
|---|---|---|
| Indicative material density | Approximately 960 kg/m³ | Approximately 2,700 kg/m³ |
| Saltwater exposure | Resistant to saltwater corrosion | Alloy selection and installation details influence suitability |
| Contact with metal components | Non-metallic HDPE does not itself form a galvanic metal pair | Dissimilar-metal connections may need isolation |
| Mechanical behaviour | Flexible, with impact-resistant properties | Greater stiffness can suit structural requirements |
| Indicative thermal conductivity | Approximately 0.3–0.5 W/m·K | Approximately 200 W/m·K, depending on alloy |
Values vary with grade and conditions. Chemical exposure, including contact with alkaline materials such as shotcrete, should be assessed for the application.
Built around the way you work.
From pump floats and floating platforms to protective components and custom assemblies, HDPE can be fabricated to fit the equipment, space and connections your operation requires.
Modular and segmented designs offer further possibilities for transport, installation and reuse. Where needed, HDPE can be combined with other materials, such as steel supports, to meet the demands of the complete assembly.
Turn an idea into a practical solution.
Polyline CNC-cuts, bends, butt-welds and extrusion-welds HDPE sheet to create project-specific components and assemblies.
Bring us your drawings, an existing component or a problem you need to solve. We can discuss material suitability and develop the dimensions, connections and construction around your requirements.