As one of the most widely used thermoplastics, its versatility is unmatched. From the humble plastic bag to critical chemical tanks, Polyethylene (PE) delivers a unique combination of toughness, chemical resistance, and processability. Injection molding with PE allows for the high-volume production of durable, lightweight, and cost-effective parts that stand up to demanding environments. When your design calls for resilience and value, Polyethylene is the proven answer.
KEY BENEFITS
PE’s popularity is built on a foundation of compelling advantages that benefit both manufacturers and end-users.
| Benefit | What It Means For You |
|---|---|
| Excellent Impact Resistance | Products can withstand drops, knocks, and sudden loads without cracking, even at low temperatures. |
| Superior Chemical Resistance | Ideal for containers and parts that will face harsh detergents, acids, and solvents without degrading. |
| Low Cost & High Availability | A highly economical material choice with a stable and widespread supply chain, reducing part cost and lead times. |
| Good Sliding & Wear Properties | Perfect for gears, bearings, and moving parts where low friction and longevity are critical. |
| Lightweight & Low Water Absorption | Parts remain light and maintain their mechanical properties in humid or wet environments. |
| Easy to Process | Excellent flow characteristics allow for fast cycle times and the production of complex geometries with ease. |
APPLICATIONS
The properties of Polyethylene make it the material of choice across a vast spectrum of industries. Here’s where it performs.
| Industry | Common Injection Molded Parts |
|---|---|
| Consumer Goods | Housewares (buckets, washing baskets), toys, lids, caps, kitchen utensils. |
| Industrial | Material handling containers (totes, pallets), chemical drums, gears, low-stress bearings. |
| Automotive | Fluid reservoirs, interior trim panels, wheel arch liners, battery covers. |
| Packaging | Thin-walled containers, closures, dispensing bottles, industrial pails. |
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
For the engineers and specifiers, here are the key technical properties that define standard injection molding PE.
| Property | Test Standard | Value / Range |
|---|---|---|
| Melt Flow Index (MFI) | ASTM D1238 | 5 – 25 g/10 min (varies by grade) |
| Density | ASTM D792 | 0.91 – 0.96 g/cm³ |
| Tensile Strength at Yield | ASTM D638 | 20 – 35 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | ASTM D638 | 100 – 1000 % |
| Flexural Modulus | ASTM D790 | 0.8 – 1.5 GPa |
| Izod Impact Strength (Notched) | ASTM D256 | No Break – 5 kJ/m² |
| Heat Deflection Temp (0.45 MPa) | ASTM D648 | 60 – 90 °C |
| Rockwell Hardness | ASTM D785 | R 50 – R 60 |