HDPE vs UHMW-PE
Polymer · grade comparison
HDPE and UHMW-PE are both polymer grades. HDPE is the stronger of the two: yield strength 26 MPa (3.77 ksi) against 21 MPa (3.05 ksi) for UHMW-PE, about 24% more. HDPE is the more ductile: elongation 600% versus 350% for UHMW-PE. HDPE is stiffer (1.1 GPa vs 0.72 GPa) and HDPE conducts heat better (0.48 W/m·K vs 0.41 W/m·K). On the shop floor, HDPE welds better (excellent vs poor) and HDPE sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than UHMW-PE (standard, $$).
HDPEChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
HDPE vs UHMW-PE: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Compressive Strength
Compressive Modulus
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Shear Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore D
Hardness, Rockwell R
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Same in both: Water Absorption (24 h) 0.01%
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Min Service Temperature
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Same in both: Max Service Temperature (continuous) 80°C176 °F · Max Service Temperature (short-term) 110°C230 °F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Surface Resistivity
Same in both: Dissipation Factor (1 MHz) 3×10⁻⁴ · Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) 600 V
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
UV / Weathering Resistance
Same in both: Corrosion Resistance 90 / 100
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Same in both: Machinability 75 / 100
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Typical Recycled Content
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Same in both: Thermal Shock Resistance Index 0
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every polymer grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | HDPE | UHMW-PE |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | FDA Compliant | FDA |
| Relative cost | $ Budget | $$ Standard |
| Min. machined wall | 0.5 mm | 0.5 mm |
| Best machined surface | Ra 0.8 µm | Ra 0.8 µm |
Both are offered for CNC machining, Sheet metal and Injection molding. Both take the same 6 finishes: Chrome Plating (Plastic), EMI Shielding Coating, Painting, Soft Touch Coating, Spray Painting, UV Coating.
HDPE vs UHMW-PE — frequently asked
Is HDPE stronger than UHMW-PE?
Yes. HDPE has a typical yield strength of 26 MPa (3.77 ksi) against 21 MPa (3.05 ksi) for UHMW-PE — about 24% more. Tensile strength is 28 MPa (4.06 ksi) vs 40 MPa (5.8 ksi).
Which is cheaper, HDPE or UHMW-PE?
HDPE is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while UHMW-PE is standard ($$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which welds better, HDPE or UHMW-PE?
HDPE. Its weldability rates excellent (95/100) against poor (15/100) for UHMW-PE.
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in HDPE and UHMW-PE side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.