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IndustryArena Forum > Manufacturing Processes > Milling > Marine-Grade Moisture-Resistant Polyethylene (HDPE) Sheet
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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2003
    Posts
    95

    Marine-Grade Moisture-Resistant Polyethylene (HDPE) Sheet

    Hello Group, I am looking at a project that would require machining parts out of "Marine-Grade Moisture-Resistant Polyethylene (HDPE) Sheet". I have never machined this material before and was wondering if it is easy to machine? Would I use the same speed and feeds as I would machining acrylic? Another thought would be laser cutting these and would it be safe?

    Thank you,
    Eric

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Posts
    5717

    Re: Marine-Grade Moisture-Resistant Polyethylene (HDPE) Sheet

    It machines better than acrylic, pretty much like butter. Very forgiving. Maybe a bit higher feed rates than acrylic would be better.
    Jim Dawson
    Sandy, Oregon, USA

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Posts
    1206

    Re: Marine-Grade Moisture-Resistant Polyethylene (HDPE) Sheet

    One word of caution,If you machine pockets or tapers,it does tend to curl up a bit as the internal stresses are relieved.As for speed,I had cut various rebates and corner radii with a hand router on a good number of parts before trying the material on a CNC.Since the finish was good I used similar speeds and it worked.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2003
    Posts
    95

    Re: Marine-Grade Moisture-Resistant Polyethylene (HDPE) Sheet

    Thanks Jim Dawson and routalot that helps me alot!

    Eric

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Posts
    4282

    Re: Marine-Grade Moisture-Resistant Polyethylene (HDPE) Sheet

    Hi,
    I've always struggled with HDPE, its soft enough but forms long curls rather than chips. It's also very prone to re-melting and welding itself
    back to the parent material. Careful choice of feeds and speeds are required, and I find flood cooling helps with the heat problem.
    Cutting in small discrete steps, a bit like peck drilling maybe helpful too.

    Craig

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