Thermoplastic
Materials
Polyethylene Thermoplastic Material at Aline Components Custom Plastic Injection Molding and Manufacturing Company
Located in Kulpsville, PA, Aline Components is a leading plastic injection molding and manufacturing company. By offering an assortment of thermoplastic materials, we are able to serve a broad range of industries based internationally, nationally, and regionally in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. At Aline Components, we work directly with preferred resin suppliers to provide our customers with the thermoplastic materials they need at the lowest possible price to ensure that their end product or subsystem performs at the highest possible level.
Polyethylene (PE) is considered one of the most heavily used thermoplastic commodity for both industrial and consumer products. Affordable, flexible, and durable, polyethylene plastic comes in two standard forms, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The designers at Aline Components can help you determine if polyethylene is the right thermoplastic material for your custom injection molded plastic part or component, and, if so, which grade will best suit your application.
What is Polyethylene Thermoplastic Material?
Polyethylene, also known as polyethene, is a semi-crystalline resin that derives from the monomer ethene used to create the polymer. Because PE can float in water it is easily distinguishable from other thermoplastic materials. Available in a wide range of melt indices, densities, and additive formulations, polyethylene is considered one of the most versatile thermoplastic resins on the market. Various grades are available to meet the needs of Aline Components plastic injection molding and manufacturing.
Polyethylene Plastic Properties
The length of the polymer chain determines the range of properties for polyethylene. Low-density polyethylene offers good corrosion resistance and low moisture permeability. This grade is best used in applications where corrosion resistance is important, but stiffness, high temperature performance, and structural strength are not critical. More commonly used is high-density polyethylene, which offers superior impact resistance, lightweight, low moisture absorption, and high tensile strength. A non-toxic, non-staining thermoplastic, high-density polyethylene meets both the FDA and USDA certifications for safe and healthy food processing.
- Lightweight
- Resistance to stain and organic solvents
- Low moisture absorption
- Resistance to electrolytic attack
- Good fatigue and wear resistance
- Excellent stress and crack resistance
When compared to polypropylene, PE does exhibit lower performance temperatures and tensile strength; however, its impact strength exceeds that of polypropylene. Lightweight, resistant to stain, and low moisture absorption, polyethylene is suitable for many uses from packaging materials, to plumbing and automotive fittings. Ease of processing, high purity content, excellent stress and crack resistance makes polyethylene an particularly attractive thermoplastic material capable of competing in a number of challenging environmental conditions and demanding applications.