Polyethylene

Custom Polyethylene Machining Service

NOBLE specializes in providing tailored precision CNC machining services for polyethylene, ranging from rapid prototyping to large-scale production. This comprehensive approach ensures that you can receive high-quality polyethylene parts or prototypes in just a few days. Request your custom CNC machined polyethylene components online today, with delivery available in as little as 3 days.

Our Polyethylene Machining Capabilities

NOBLE offers personalized CNC machining services tailored to each customer’s unique needs, from prototype design to full-scale production. We deliver high-precision, high-performance polyethylene parts at competitive prices. Our advanced manufacturing capabilities enable us to produce industrial-quality polyethylene components with tight tolerances, as precise as +/- 0.001 inches.

Price	$$$
Lead Time	<5 days
Wall Thickness	0.047 in. – 0.140 in
Tolerances	+/- 0.003 in. (0.08mm) with an included polyethylene tolerance that can be greater than but no less than +/- 0.002 in./in. (0.002mm/mm)
Max Part Size	20 in. x 29.3 in. x 8.2 in
Available Polyethylene at NOBLE	LDPE, HDPE, UHMW-PE, PEX, MDPE

Characteristics of Polyethylene Machining Materials

Polyethylene material is specially engineered for CNC machining processes such as milling, turning, and drilling. Key factors to consider when selecting polyethylene material include strength, machinability, surface finish, and ease of handling during processing. At NOBLE, we leverage our robust manufacturing capabilities at our domestic factories in China to offer high-quality CNC machining solutions, with a wide range of surface finish options and versatile material choices.

Features	Info
Subtypes	LDPE, HDPE, UHMW-PE, PEX, MDPE
Process
Tolerance	+/- 0.003 in. (0.08mm) with an included polyethylene tolerance that can be greater than but no less than +/- 0.002 in./in. (0.002mm/mm)
Applications	Medical Devices, Automotive Parts, Automation Industry, New Energy, Industrial Components, Consumer Goods
Finishing Options	Polishing, Heat Transfer Printing, Sand Blasting, Powder Coating, Flame Polishing

Pros and Cons of Polyethylene for CNC Machining

Polyethylene offers key advantages in CNC machining, including ease of processing, high precision, and cost-effectiveness, especially for prototyping. However, challenges such as brittleness, limited heat resistance, and chemical sensitivity must also be taken into account. We will select the best material for your needs and customize a CNC machining production plan to give you a competitive edge!

Ease of Machining

Polyethylene is easy to CNC machine due to its low hardness and friction, making it ideal for quick, intricate cuts with minimal tool wear. It is well-suited for prototypes, small batches, and custom designs.

Low Tool Wear

Polyethylene causes minimal tool wear during CNC machining, extending tool life. Its low hardness reduces friction, allowing for longer production runs and fewer tool replacements, which lowers overall machining costs.

Lightweight

Polyethylene is a low-density material, making it lightweight and easy to handle during CNC machining. Its reduced weight also lessens the load on CNC machines, improving machining efficiency and reducing energy consumption.

Low Cost

Polyethylene is an affordable material compared to metals and other engineering plastics. Its low cost and ease of CNC machining make it ideal for budget-conscious projects, providing good performance where cost efficiency is critical, without sacrificing quality.

Versatility in Applications

Polyethylene’s various grades, including LDPE, HDPE, and UHMW-PE, offer flexibility to meet different mechanical, thermal, and chemical requirements. This versatility, combined with its ease of CNC machining, makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from industrial parts to medical devices.

Low Thermal Resistance

Polyethylene has a low heat deflection temperature, which can cause softening or warping during high-speed CNC machining. This limits its use in high-temperature applications and requires careful heat management during machining to avoid dimensional instability or surface deformation.

Susceptibility to Creep

Polyethylene can experience creep (slow deformation under stress), particularly at higher temperatures. This limits its use in high-load, high-temperature applications and requires careful material selection and design to ensure long-term stability in CNC machining.

Poor UV Resistance

Polyethylene degrades when exposed to UV light, resulting in surface cracking and loss of mechanical properties. This limits its outdoor use unless treated with UV inhibitors or coatings, which would require additional CNC machining steps for surface treatment.

Limited High-Temperature Performance

Polyethylene’s relatively low melting point limits its use in applications involving high temperatures. CNC machining at high speeds can cause material softening, so careful control of cutting conditions is essential to prevent deformation.

Difficult to Bond or Paint

Polyethylene’s low surface energy makes it challenging to bond or paint without surface treatment during CNC machining. Processes such as plasma or flame treatment are required for proper adhesion, adding complexity and cost to applications that require coatings or bonding.

Environmental Concerns

Although recyclable, polyethylene is not biodegradable, raising concerns about waste and environmental impact. This is particularly significant in large-scale or single-use applications, though recycling programs and alternative materials can help mitigate these concerns.

Types of Polyethylene Machining Materials

Polyethylene (PE) is one of the most widely used plastics, known for its versatility, ease of CNC machining, and affordability. It is available in several grades, each with distinct physical and chemical properties tailored to specific applications. We utilize a strict quality control and management system in our machining process to ensure that every part we deliver meets high-quality standards.

Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

LDPE is a flexible, transparent, and lightweight material with relatively low tensile strength. This makes it ideal for applications like plastic bags, films, and tubing. CNC machining of LDPE requires slower cutting speeds and sharp tools to prevent deformation. Effective heat management is crucial to prevent material softening and excessive tool wear.

Tensile Modulus: 150–500 MPa

Tensile Strain (Yield): 100–600% (depending on grade)

Rockwell Hardness: 30–45 R

Heat Deflection Temperature: 120–130°F

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)

HDPE is a strong, rigid material known for its high impact resistance. It is commonly used for applications like bottles, pipes, and cutting boards, and requires higher feed rates in CNC machining. However, effective heat control is crucial to prevent warping and ensure clean, precise cuts, especially when using sharp tooling.

Tensile Modulus: 800–1,200 MPa

Tensile Strain (Yield): 5–10%

Rockwell Hardness: 65–75 R

Heat Deflection Temperature: 130–160°F (54–71°C)

Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW-PE)

UHMW-PE excels in wear resistance, low friction, and impact strength, making it ideal for demanding industrial applications such as conveyor systems and medical devices. CNC machining of UHMW-PE requires slower speeds, specialized tools, and effective heat management to minimize tool wear and achieve a smooth finish.

Tensile Modulus: 1,000–1,500 MPa

Tensile Strain (Yield): 100–300% (depending on formulation)

Rockwell Hardness: 65–80 R

Heat Deflection Temperature: 180–190°F

Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX)

PEX, known for its enhanced heat and chemical resistance, is commonly used in plumbing systems and underfloor heating applications. CNC machining of PEX requires slower feed rates and durable tools due to its tough, cross-linked structure. Overheating must be avoided to prevent cracking, necessitating the use of cooling systems to maintain precision.

Tensile Modulus: 300–500 MPa

Tensile Strain (Yield): 30–60%

Rockwell Hardness: 50–65 R

Heat Deflection Temperature: 180–220°F

Medium-Density Polyethylene (MDPE)

MDPE strikes a balance between flexibility and strength, making it ideal for applications such as gas pipes and packaging films. CNC machining of MDPE requires moderate cutting speeds and feed rates, as well as sharp tooling to prevent deformation. Effective heat management is crucial to achieving a smooth surface finish and minimizing tool wear.

Tensile Modulus: 400–800 MPa

Tensile Strain (Yield): 50–300%

Rockwell Hardness: 55–70 R

Heat Deflection Temperature: 150–170°F

Surface Finishing Options for Polyethylene Machining

When CNC machining polyethylene, surface finishing is often required to improve its appearance, performance, and durability across various applications. NOBLE offers a range of tailored surface treatments to enhance both the mechanical properties and aesthetics of each machined part, ensuring optimal quality and performance.

Polishing

Working on metal and hard plastics, our polishing uses highly efficient machinery to get our parts between Ra 0.8~Ra0.1 for a cleaner surface.

Heat Transfer Printing

Heat Transfer Printing applies heat and pressure to transfer designs onto surfaces, creating durable, vibrant graphics suitable for various materials.

Sand Blasting

Sand blasting cleans the surface of any impurities and peels coating through the propelling of blast media streams over the parts.

Powder coating

We apply a thin layer of protective polymer with the corona discharge phenomenon to give our part a lasting finish that protects from impacts and prevents wearing down.

Flame Polishing

Flame polishing uses a controlled flame to slightly melt the surface of polyethylene, smoothing out imperfections and creating a high-gloss finish. It’s commonly used for clear polyethylene parts where aesthetics are crucial.

Custom Polyethylene Machining Parts Display

Check out our over a decade of custom Polyethylene machining, including precision Polyethylene prototypes and parts from our valued customers.

Applications of Polyethylene CNC Machining

Polyethylene (PE) is one of the most widely used materials in CNC machining, known for its versatility, ease of processing, and a range of beneficial properties. NOBLE offers comprehensive custom polyethylene manufacturing, from prototyping to full-scale production. We provide high-quality polyethylene parts that meet industry standards, with fast turnaround times, expert guidance, and a commitment to uncompromising quality.

If you are looking for a rapid prototyping manufacturer or a CNC machine shop to fabricate small, medium-volume, or mass-production products, NOBLE is an ideal choice.Our well-trained and experienced staff manufactures parts in line with drawings on modern CNC machines, with the highest accuracy and processing quality in all sizes.In addition, we provide professional design considerations for your CNC machining projects.

Want to get the most professional and fastest service for your CNC machining project? Upload your CAD files now and obtain a quote!