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CNC Machining Polyethylene
Polyethylene products are usually for packaging and containers due to their durability and chemical resistance—high-density polyethylene (HDPE) for rigid containers or low-density polyethylene (LDPE) for flexible packaging.
introduction
Polyethylene (PE) in CNC Machining
Packaging and containers are materials used to protect, store, and transport goods. Using advanced CNC machines to manufacture polyethylene products is common and feasible.
DEK chooses tools specifically designed for machining plastics. Single-flute or double-flute end mills are often preferred for better chip evacuation and reduced heat buildup. Polyethylene has a low melting point, so we use lower RPM (revolutions per minute) to prevent overheating. We adjust feed rates accordingly and use lower surface speed, balancing between material removal and avoiding excessive friction. We implement cooling techniques to dissipate heat during machining. Polyethylene parts often require minimal post-processing. However, deburring or smoothing the machined edges may be necessary.
TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW
Basic Knowledge of Polyethylene(PE)
What is Polyethylene?
Polyethylene (PE) is a polymer composed of repeating ethylene units, and it comes in various forms. It is a widely used plastic and is made through two main methods. In high-pressure polymerization, ethylene gas is pressurized at high temperatures with an initiator, forming strong and rigid high-density polyethylene (HDPE). This process operates at high pressures. Low-pressure polymerization, on the other hand, uses catalysts at lower pressures and temperatures to produce low-density polyethylene (LDPE), known for its flexibility. Both methods involve initiating the reaction, adding ethylene molecules to the growing chain, and terminating the process to achieve the desired properties in the plastic.
The other two common variants of PE are Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) with a linear structure for toughness and Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) with shorter branches for good tensile strength, commonly used in stretch films. PE is one of the most commonly used plastics in the world. All variants of PE offer cost-effectiveness, widespread availability, electrical insulation capabilities, chemical resistance to solvents and dilute acids, suitability for injection molding, durability, wear resistance, and the ability to produce strong, thin, transparent films.
Advantages of Polyethylene
- Lightweight
- Chemical resistance
- Insulating properties
- Durability
- Flexibility
- Cost-effective
Applications of Polyethylene
- Plastic bags
- Bottles for milk and detergent
- Insulating electrical wires
- Packaging films
- Water pipes
- Containers for food storage
- Toys
- Trash bags
- Medical implants
- Agricultural mulch
FAQ
Machining Polyethylene(PE) Buying FAQ
Yes, polyethylene plastic is waterproof due to its low permeability to liquids.
Polyethylene is resistant to sunlight, so it is durable for outdoor applications.
Polyethylene is safe for hot food, as it has a high melting point and is commonly used in food-grade applications.
Yes, it is easy to machine because of its low friction coefficient and good thermal stability.
Other Materials
PEEK
PEEK stands for Polyether Ether Ketone, a high-performance semicrystalline thermoplastic polymer with excellent mechanical and chemical resistance properties.
More info about PEEK
Garolite G-10
Garolite G-10 is a high-pressure fiberglass laminate with excellent electrical insulating properties, high mechanical strength, and chemical resistance.
More info about Garolite G-10
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