HDPE
High density polyethylene, the stiffest and most pressure-tolerant member of the polyethylene family, and the one most often specified by a standard rather than by a brand name.
Specified by class, supplied by grade
HDPE has a linear chain with very little branching, which lets the polymer pack tightly. The result is high density, high stiffness and good chemical resistance, the properties that make it the default for pressure pipe, industrial containers and anything that has to hold its shape under load.
For pipe the specification is usually a class, PE 80 or PE 100, rather than a grade. For blow moulding and injection it is melt flow and environmental stress crack resistance that decide. We quote against whichever the application is built around.
- PE 80 and PE 100 pipe classes supplied with producer certification.
- UV-stabilised grades where the part is in permanent outdoor service.
- Natural and black compounded material to order.
HDPE grades we supply
19 grades are currently available. Availability moves with producer allocation, so confirm the grade with us before you commit a production slot.
- 7000 F
- EX 5
- HFI 5110
- PE 80+
- EX 3 (PE 100)
- HMCRP 100 N
- HMCRP 100 B
- 7700 M (PE-100)
- HB 0035
- HF 4760-BL 3
- HBM 5510
- 52505 UV
- HD 6070 UA
- 62N07
- HD 60507 UV
- HD 52518
- 52528
- HD 5030 SA
- HD 5000 S
What decides the HDPE grade
Two grades with the same density can behave completely differently on the same machine. These are the properties worth confirming before an order is placed.
- Melt flow index: low for pipe and large blow mouldings, higher for thin-wall injection.
- Density: drives stiffness, barrier performance and shrinkage on cooling.
- Environmental stress crack resistance: critical for detergent bottles and buried pipe.
- Molecular weight distribution: broad for extrusion stability, narrow for low warpage.
- Carbon black or UV package: required wherever the part sees sunlight for years.
Typical HDPE applications
If the part has to hold pressure, carry weight or resist a chemical, HDPE is usually on the shortlist.
- Potable water and gas pressure pipe
- Jerry cans, drums and chemical containers
- Crates, pallets and bulk bins
- Caps, closures and thin-wall injection
- Geomembrane and landfill lining sheet
- Blown film for carrier bags and liners
- Corrugated and cable-duct pipe
- Industrial tanks and fabricated sheet
Which HDPE grade do you actually need?
Send us the application, the process and the class you are specified against. We will confirm availability and the nearest equivalents we can ship.