High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a polyethylene thermoplastic made from petroleum (carbon and hydrogen only). Known for its large strength to density ratio, HDPE plastic is commonly used in the production of hockey rinks, boat components, plastic bottles, corrosion-resistant piping, geomembranes, and plastic lumber. Along with Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) it is the most commonly used plastic in the world.
HDPE is a low cost plastic that is flexible, translucent, weatherproof and has good toughness at low temperatures. It is waxy to the touch and has a good chemical resistance. It is a very workable plastic by way of many processes and is recyclable after end-use at the consumer level.
Compared to LDPE plastics it is marginally harder, denser and stronger but can be made more opaque and can resist higher temperatures.
While HDPE products are often produced as sheets or via blow-moulding, HDPE plastic products at CANUS of Ottawa Ontario are commonly produced by way of:
- CNC Machining
- General Machining
- Welding
- Adhesives
Applications are numerous and include boat components, piping, chemical and food containers, toys, kitchenware, bags, fuel tanks, arena board (puck board), plastic lumber, geo-membranes, and drink bottles.