Core and Cavity for Injection Molding
Unlock the secret to flawless injection molding! The little features around the mold that ensure the most perfectly shaped parts...
PE (Polyethylene) Injection Molding Service
Custom PE parts, delivered in 10 days. Reliable quality, expert support, and flexible options to fit your project needs.
PE in Injection Molding
Polyethylene (PE) is a versatile material widely used in injection molding due to its excellent properties such as impact resistance, low moisture absorption, and chemical resistance. At RapidDirect, we offer a range of PE materials suitable for various applications:
LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene): Known for its flexibility and toughness, ideal for applications requiring high impact resistance and flexibility.
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): Offers higher tensile strength and rigidity, making it suitable for more demanding applications requiring higher mechanical performance.
E’s excellent flow characteristics when melted ensure that it can fill molds efficiently and accurately. This allows for the production of detailed and complex shapes, essential for creating high-quality parts with consistent performance.
Additionally, PE has a relatively low melting point, which helps reduce energy consumption during the injection molding process. This characteristic also minimizes the thermal degradation of the material, ensuring the final products retain their desired properties
| Price: | $$ | Available PEEK at RapidDirect: | LDPE, HDPE |
|---|---|
| Lead Time: | < 5 days |
| Wall Thickness: | 1mm |
| Tolerances: | ISO2768-C |
| Max Part Size: | 300 mm x 300 mm x 300 mm |
Plastic Polyethylene Properties
| Properties | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.91-0.96 g/cm³ (varies by type) |
| Tensile Strength | 10-38 MPa |
| Flexural Strength | 9-60 MPa |
| Impact Strength | High |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.35-0.5 W/(m·K) |
| Melting Point | 115-135°C |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | 100-220 x 10^-6 /°C |
| Moisture Absorption | Very Low |
| Chemical Resistance | Good |
| UV Resistance | Poor without additives |
Pros and Cons of PE Injection Molding
PE plastic offers many benefits that make it suitable for injection molding. However, there are some of its downsides to consider before choosing it for any project.
Pros
- Excellent impact resistance and toughness.
- Low moisture absorption and good chemical resistance.
- Versatile and suitable for a wide range of applications.
- Available in various densities to match specific requirements
Cons
- Poor UV resistance without additives.
- Lower mechanical strength compared to some engineering plastics.
- Requires precise control of molding conditions to avoid warpage.
- Limited high-temperature performance.
Applications of Injection Molded PE Parts
Injection molded PE parts are widely used across various industries, including:
- Packaging: Bottles, caps, containers, and films.
- Consumer Goods: Toys, household items, and kitchenware.
- Industrial: Piping, liners, and components for chemical processing.
- Automotive: Fuel tanks, ducts, and protective covers.
FAQs
Yes, polyethylene (PE) can be injection molded. It is one of the most commonly used thermoplastics in injection molding due to its excellent properties such as high impact resistance, low moisture absorption, and good chemical resistance. PE is available in different grades, including LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) and HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), each offering unique characteristics suitable for various applications.
The two main types of polyethylene (PE) used in injection molding are LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) and HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene). LDPE is known for its flexibility, toughness, and high impact resistance, making it ideal for applications such as packaging, containers, and flexible parts. HDPE, on the other hand, offers higher tensile strength and rigidity, making it suitable for more demanding applications such as industrial components, piping, and automotive parts.
PE injection molding can present several challenges, including warpage, shrinkage, and poor surface finish if not properly managed. One of the primary challenges is controlling the cooling rate to prevent warpage and ensure uniform part dimensions. PE also has a high shrinkage rate, which requires careful mold design and process optimization to achieve tight tolerances. Additionally, PE’s poor UV resistance can be a concern for outdoor applications unless additives are used.
When designing a PE injection molded part, key factors to consider include material selection, wall thickness, and mold design. Selecting the appropriate type of PE (LDPE or HDPE) based on the application’s requirements is crucial for achieving desired mechanical properties. Uniform wall thickness is essential to prevent warpage and ensure consistent part quality. Designing the mold with proper venting and gating is important to avoid air traps and ensure smooth material flow. Additionally, considering the shrinkage rate of PE and incorporating draft angles in the design helps in easy part ejection and maintaining dimensional accuracy.
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