HDPE vs. LDPE
Compare HDPE and LDPE to identify the best option for your project
Differences Between HDPE and LDPE
HDPE (high density polyethylene) is a durable, versatile, low-cost, abrasion- and chemical-resistant plastic material. HDPE is easy to fabricate and weld using thermoplastic welding equipment. It is an excellent choice for fabricated water tanks and chemical tanks.
LDPE (low density polyethylene) is a soft, flexible, lightweight plastic material. It is often used for orthotics and prosthetics. LDPE has good chemical and impact resistance and is easy to fabricate and form.
HDPE Material Characteristics |
LDPE Material Characteristics |
|---|---|
| • Good chemical resistance • Easy to weld • Low moisture absorption • Easy to machine • Impact resistant • Easy to fabricate |
• Good chemical resistance • Easy to weld and heat seal • Low moisture absorption • Soft and pliable |
HDPE Applications |
LDPE Applications |
| • Orthotics and prosthetics – AFOs, KAFOs • Chemical tanks • Cutting boards for food preparation • Water pipe flanges (HDPE pipegrade) • Outdoor and indoor playground systems • Marine construction (pile guards, bumpers, anti-skid surfaces) • Light-duty tank, chute, and bin linings • Outdoor cabinetry and furniture • Duct bank spacers and bore spacers |
• Orthotics • Prosthetics |
HDPE Common Brands |
LDPE Common Brands |
| • Polystone® G, Sanatec®, Orthoform®, Sanalite®, Seaboard®, StarLite®, King StarBoard®, Playboard®, SIMOLIFE, Hitec® | • Orthoform®, C-TEK® MODStiff™, Denesetec, TECAFINE® |
Typical Properties of HDPE vs. LDPE
| Property | Units | ASTM Test |
HDPE | LDPE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specific gravity (73°F) | – | D792 | 0.96 | 0.92 |
| Tensile strength (73°F) | psi | D638 | 4,000 | 1,400 |
| Tensile elongation (73°F) | % | D638 | 600 | 500 |
| Flexural modulus of elasticity (73°F) | psi | D790 | 200,000 | 30,000 |
| Hardness Rockwell M&R, Durometer Shore D (73°F) |
scale as noted | D785, D2240 |
Shore D 69 | Shore D 55 |
| Izod impact (notched, 73°F) | ft-lbs/in | D256 | – | no break |
| Coefficient of linear thermal expansion | in/in/°Fx10-5 | D696 | 7.0 | – |
| Heat deflection temperature (66 psi) | °F | D648 | 172 | 122 |
| Water absorption (immersion 24 hours) | % | D570 | 0.10 | 0.10 |
Values may vary according to brand name. Please ask your Curbell Plastics representative for more specific information about an individual brand.
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