LDPE vs HDPE: How to choose the right thermoplastic for your component

Despite both materials deriving from polyethylene, differing chemical structures mean Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) have their own unique characteristics and properties.

When you’re deciding which thermoplastic might be best for your injection moulded part, it’s key that you understand the key differences between the two materials.

To help make your decision-making process hassle free, we’ve put together all the information you need to know about LDPE, HDPE and which materials are best for which parts.

1. LDPE OR HDPE ?
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT
THERMOPLASTIC FOR YOUR COMPONENT

2. These two types of
polyethylene have
different chemical
structures.
This affects
• Flexibility
• Durability
• Resistance to heat
LDPE & HDPE

3. BUT THEY DO
HAVE SOME QUALITIES
IN COMMON…

4. Lightweight Resistant Low Cost
COMMON CHARACTERISTICS
OF LDPE & HDPE

5. WHAT TYPE OF
COMPONENTS CAN BE MADE
FROM LDPE & HDPE?

6. Caps, including push-to-
fit caps and protection
caps, plugs, including
threaded O ring plugs.

7. THE DIFFERENCES
BETWEEN LDPE & HDPE

8. Flexibility Durability Rigidity Strength
LDPE HDPE

9. Corrosion
resistant
High-impact
strength
Resistant
to heat
Ability to
manufacture
complex shapes
LDPE HDPE

10. USES FOR LDPE & HDPE
COMPONENTS

11. Threaded
protection
caps
Threaded
O-ring plug
Round vinyl
end caps
Collar
plugs

12. BEST APPLICATIONS
FOR LDPE VS HDPE

13. LDPE
Stretch Fit
Flexibility allows a cap to stretch over
screws and pipes ensuring a close fit
for masking
Push Fit
The rigidity of a HDPE cap
helps to seal an item
HDPE

14. APPLICATIONS BY
END-PRODUCT TYPE

15. • Use LPDE when
flexibility is needed.
• Use HDPE when
strength is needed.
PROTECTION PARTS

16. HARDWARE PARTS
• Use LDPE for tube
inserts and glides,
offering secure
fitting and covering
sharp edges.

17. FASTENERS
• Not appropriate to use as
fastener. Use nylon instead
as it is more durable and
stronger for use as washers,
screws and nuts.

18. CUSTOMER SERVICE TO
SUPPORT YOUR NEEDS

19. Our customer service team
has specialist training and
an in-depth knowledge of
our products and will work
with you to find the perfect
component for your product.
NEED MORE HELP
FINDING THE

IDEAL SOLUTION?

20. their
SUSTAINABILITY
Helping customers reduce
carbon footprint and
improve their sustainability score

21. Essentra Components
has invested into new
injection moulding machinery
that mixes virgin plastics resins
with post-consumer resin

22. From spring 2021, nearly all
LDPE products produced at the UK
facility have been manufactured
using at least 40% recycled plastics.

23. Replacing hydraulic machines with
electric machines has
INCREASED
Productivity
Efficiency
Production speed
REDUCED
Energy costs
Material wastage

24. A MORE SUSTAINABLE
FUTURE
By 2025, Essentra Components will
process at least 20% of material from
more sustainable sources

25. essentracomponents.com