MDPE
Medium density polyethylene, stiffer than LDPE and more crack-resistant than HDPE. The deliberate middle ground that buried gas distribution pipe is built on.
The compromise gas networks were designed around
MDPE sits in a narrow density band between LDPE and HDPE. That position is not an accident: it gives enough stiffness to hold a pressure rating while keeping the slow crack growth resistance that a pipe buried under a road for fifty years actually needs.
Outside pipe, MDPE turns up in film applications that need more stiffness than LDPE provides without moving all the way to HDPE, including carrier bags, shrink film and sack liners.
- Gas distribution pipe grades in standard yellow and black.
- Film grades for carrier bags and shrink applications.
- Producer certification supplied with every pipe-grade consignment.
MDPE grades we supply
A deliberately short range. MDPE demand concentrates on a small number of proven pipe and film grades, and other producer grades can be sourced to order.
- 3840 UA
- HBM 4265
What decides the MDPE grade
For pipe, longevity matters more than short-term strength. For film, it is the balance between stiffness and seal performance.
- Slow crack growth resistance: the property that governs buried pipe service life.
- Density: tightly controlled, since MDPE is defined by a narrow band.
- Melt index: low for pipe extrusion, higher for film and injection.
- Pigment and UV package: yellow for gas service, black for general pressure pipe.
- Weld compatibility: confirm against the fittings and jointing method used on site.
Typical MDPE applications
MDPE is specified where a pipe has to outlive the people who installed it, and where film needs stiffness without brittleness.
- Gas distribution pipe
- Water service and irrigation pipe
- Cable ducting and conduit
- Carrier bags and shrink film
- Heavy-duty sack liners
- Blow-moulded containers
- Rotomoulded parts
- Protective sheeting
Sourcing MDPE for a pipe or film project?
Tell us the pressure class or the film specification and we will confirm what is available and how quickly it can ship.