Polyethylenes
Polyethylenes constitute the largest family of plastics in use today. They are highly versatile, easy to cut and machine, have excellent chemical resistance, good electrical insulating properties, minimal moisture absorption and low coefficient of friction. Some formulations can withstand temperatures ranging from minus-40 to plus-200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Polyethylenes are classified into categories based on their density and molecular weight. The most common three categories are LDPE, HDPE and UHMW/PE.
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)
LDPE is lightweight but tough and normally highly flexible. Probably the most visible use of LDPE is in a form called Linear Low Density or LLDPE. It is used extensively in thin film applications such as plastic bags and packaging. It is easily fabricated and vacuum formed.
Typical Applications
Midland customers use LDPE plastic for such applications as:
- Packaging
- Garment bags
- Tanks
- Orthopedic products
- Trash bags
Ordering Options
Midland stocks LDPE plastic in sheets, rods and tubes.
Sheet
Sizes – 48 by 96 inches, with thicknesses ranging from .020-inch to ½- inch
Rods
Sizes – Diameters from ½-inch to 3 inches in standard lengths of 8 feet
Tubing
Configurations – Straight length or coil
Please contact Midland for more detail on sizes and configurations.
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
HDPE is substantially more rigid than LDPE, which reduces its impact resistance – although its overall impact resistance is still considered good when compared with many other plastics. It has excellent chemical, moisture- and stain-resistance, and is FDA-approved for such food applications as cutting boards.
In thin gauges, HDPE can be vacuum and pressure formed and is an excellent material for plastic welding. Welded tanks are used extensively for fluid containment. Due to HDPE’s good chemical resistance, it is frequently used for chemical containment in metal plating operations.
Typical Applications
Midland customers use HDPE plastic for such applications as:
- Cheese molds
- Milk bottles
- Detergent bottles
- Trays
- Cutting boards
- Tanks
Ordering Options
Midland stocks HDPE plastic in sheets, rods and tubes.
Sheet
Sizes – 48 by 96 inches up to 60 by 120 inches. Thicknesses range from .020-inch to 4 inches
Colors – Black or natural
Rods
Sizes – Diameters from 1/4-inch to 9 inches. For rods up to 3-inch diameter, standard lengths are 8 or 10 feet. For diameters exceeding 3 inches, standard length is 4 feet.
Colors – Black or natural
Tubing
Configurations – Straight length or coil
Please contact Midland for more detail on sizes and configurations.
Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW/PE)
Because of its high molecular weight, UHMW has excellent abrasion resistance and a very low coefficient of friction. UHMW is typically used in abrasive environments such as conveyors and chutes. Like other polyethylenes, it also has good chemical resistance and good impact strength.
Typical Applications
UHMW plastic is used for such applications as:
- Conveyor wear strips
- Guide rails
- Chute liners
- Truck Bed liners
- Industrial doctor blades
- Scrapers
- Wear pads
Ordering Options
Midland stocks UHMW plastic in sheets, rods and tubes.
Sheet
Sizes – Sheet thicknesses range from .060-inch to 7 inches. For sheets up to 4 inches thick, sheet size is 48 by 120 inches. For thicknesses greater than 4 inches, sheet size is 24 by 48 inches.
Colors – Black or natural and a variety of “regrind” configurations.
Rods
Sizes – Diameters from 1/4-inch to 9 inches. Standard lengths are 10 feet.
Colors – Black or natural
Tubing
Configurations – Straight length. Due to limited sizes, please contact Midland for details.
Tapes
Thin gauge UHMW tapes are available in a wide variety of lengths, widths and thicknesses. They are available with one side prepped for the addition of adhesive or PSA (pressure sensitive adhesive) backed for ease of installation.