Polyethylene - (PE500 HMWPE) - Pressed & Planed Sheet
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Bespoke Fabrication
We have the machinery and expertise to manufacture bespoke items in acrylic, polycarbonate and many other plastics, from one-offs to large production runs. Read more about the various services we offer, or complete the form below to request a quote.
CNC Routing
Our advanced Multicam Apex 3R (3 Axis) CNC routers allow us to provide an extensive range of precision CNC routing services. Read more
CNC Laser Cutting
Laser cutting is a fabrication process that uses a thin, intensely focused stream of light to cut through a range of different materials, including plastics and acrylics. Read more
Diamond & Flame polishing
Edge polishing is a fabrication process that polishes the edges of acrylic panels, removes any cutting marks, and achieves a smooth, glossy finish. Read more
Rotary & Laser Engraving
Laser engraving is a fabrication process that uses a laser beam to physically remove the surface of a material to create an indentation that is noticeable to both the eye and touch. Read more
Line Bending
Line bending is a process that’s used to make precise folds in plastic and acrylic components. Our line bending fabrication service allows us to bend plastic and acrylic sheets along a defined ‘line’ – without any need for gluing or joining. Read more
Have bespoke requirements?
Complete this form and we will get back to you with a quote.
HMWPE (High Molecular Weight Polyethylene or PE500) is a durable, low-friction material with excellent impact and abrasion resistance. Food-compliant, it's used in chopping boards and suits industrial, engineering, and food-grade applications. Available in natural, black and a range of colours.
Key Features and Benefits
- Food-Safe Compliance: Compliant with food safety agency (FSA) standards and European Union (EU) regulations, suitable for food-related applications.
- Low Coefficient of Friction: Reduces wear and tear, ideal for sliding and moving parts in machinery.
- Very Low Moisture Absorption: Ensures dimensional stability and durability even in humid environments.
- Excellent Impact Strength: Highly resistant to damage from impacts, ideal for heavy-duty applications.
- Wide Temperature Range (-60°C to +80°C): Performs reliably in both extremely cold and hot environments.
- Harder Wearing Than PE300: Offers superior wear resistance for demanding industrial applications.
- Available in Various Colours: Customizable to suit different design needs and aesthetic preferences.
- Good Low Temperature Resistance: Maintains performance in cold environments, making it ideal for freezer applications.
Typical Applications of Polyethylene HMWPE (PE500)
- Food Chopping Boards – PE500 is food-safe, non-porous, and highly resistant to bacteria, making it ideal for durable and hygienic chopping boards used in commercial kitchens and food processing.
- Leisure Equipment – With excellent impact strength and wear resistance, PE500 is widely used in playgrounds, sports facilities, and amusement parks for durable, low-friction components.
- Conveyor Systems – Its low coefficient of friction and high wear resistance make PE500 perfect for conveyor guides, wear strips, and impact-resistant machine components.
- Dairy Industry – PE500’s food-grade compliance, chemical resistance, and easy-to-clean surface make it an essential material for dairy processing and parlour boards.
- Ice Rinks – Due to its excellent sliding properties and resistance to low temperatures, PE500 is used for ice rink kickboards, barriers, and synthetic skating surfaces.
Colour uses and applications
- Natural: The neutral shade of natural HMWPE is ideal for engineering applications where performance is the priority. It is commonly used in industrial machinery parts, custom fabrication projects, and environments where the material's functional properties are more important than its appearance.
- Black: Black HMWPE is known for its durability and resistance to UV radiation, making it perfect for outdoor and heavy-duty applications. It’s widely used in industrial applications, chemical handling, and parts exposed to harsh environments, where its strength and resistance to wear are critical.
- Blue: Blue HMWPE is often used in food processing environments, as it provides a clear contrast for spotting contamination or debris. It is commonly used in food-grade applications such as cutting boards and equipment, as well as in colour-coded systems for easier maintenance and safety compliance.
- Green: Green HMWPE is typically used in agricultural machinery and equipment, as well as in eco-friendly products. It is also used for colour-coded applications in industrial settings, where differentiating between parts and materials is important for organization and efficiency.
- Red: Red HMWPE is widely used in safety-related applications due to its high visibility. It is commonly found in construction environments, signage, and components that need to stand out, helping to clearly mark warning areas or identify key machinery parts.
- Yellow: Yellow HMWPE is highly visible, making it suitable for applications requiring caution or attention. It is often used in safety-related products, such as hazard signage, protective barriers, and in industrial environments where visibility and safety are top priorities.
Specific gravity 0.95
With a specific gravity of 0.95, PE500 is lighter than water, offering buoyancy and making it ideal for weight-sensitive applications in packaging, boat construction, and transport.
Manufacturing Process – Pressed and Planed
The HMWPE (PE500) sheets are produced through a compression molding process, where high molecular weight polyethylene is heated and pressed into molds to create sheets of precise thickness and uniform quality. After pressing, the sheets are planed to achieve a smooth, precise surface finish. This process ensures:
- Enhanced material strength
- Uniform thickness and density
- Smooth, precision surface
This manufacturing process results in a high-performance material with exceptional strength, chemical resistance, and durability, making PE500 well-suited for demanding industrial, engineering, and food-safe applications.
Cut to Size Bespoke Fabrication Services
Our cut to size service allows you to purchase PE500 Sheets in the exact dimensions you need, without having to buy full, manufactured sheet sizes. We don’t charge for cutting standard shapes and sizes listed on our website.
For more customised projects, we also offer bespoke fabrication services, including:
- CNC Laser Cutting – For precise and intricate designs.
- CNC Routing – Ideal for complex shapes and large-scale projects.
- Engraving – Perfect for personalised or technical detailing.
- Additional options – Such as drilled holes, rounded corners, and edge polishing for a professional finish.
Sustainability and Recycling
PE500 sheets can only be recycled through specialised processes. However, its durability and extended lifespan reduce the need for frequent replacements, making it a more sustainable choice for long-term industrial applications
Minimum panel size
100mm x 100mm
Maximum panel size
1000mm x 1000mm
Specific gravity
0.95 g/cm³
Tensile strength
≥ 28 MPa
Vicat-softening point VST/B/50
80°C
Food compliance
Food compliance (FDA) - Yes
Food compliance (EU) - Yes
Fire performance
HB UL 94
Thickness Tolerance
0.00mm / +0.40mm
Data sheets
Colour availability & light transmission
Standard
Non-standard
Not available
Out of stock
Limited stock
| 5mm (LT) | 6mm (LT) | 8mm (LT) | 10mm (LT) | 12mm (LT) | 15mm (LT) | 20mm (LT) | 25mm (LT) | 30mm (LT) | 35mm (LT) | 40mm (LT) | 45mm (LT) | 50mm (LT) | |
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Black
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Blue
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Green
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Natural
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Red
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Yellow
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We offer fast, tracked air delivery across North America, using recognised couriers including DHL.
Not shipping to North America? Visit our UK store or Europe store for delivery to your region.
Where we deliver
We currently deliver to the United States and Canada.
How delivery is priced
Delivery is priced by the size and weight of your panel, based on the band your order falls into:
| Panel size (up to) | Weight (up to) | Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| 500mm × 500mm | 10kg | $59 |
| 750mm × 750mm | 15kg | $79 |
| 1000mm × 1000mm | 25kg | $109 |
Orders that exceed the weight allowance for their band are charged $2.50 per additional kg.
Delivery times
Delivery is by air and takes 5–7 working days.
Customs, import taxes and duties
Our checkout meets US and Canadian customs and import requirements in full, so there are no surprises once your order ships. All orders are sent Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) — we collect and pay all import taxes and duties on your behalf, so your order arrives at your door with nothing more to pay.
Can I collect my order from Simply Plastics?
Yes, of course. Orders can be collected from our premises in Colchester, Essex. At the final stage of the checkout process there is a delivery option labelled "Collection/pickup" which is free. Once your order is complete, you will be notified by email along with our address and collection times.
I need my order urgently, can I pay for faster shipping?
Yes. We offer an express delivery service which aims to deliver all orders in 1-3 working days. Orders are delivered by a recognised courier company and may require a signature on delivery.
Do you have a minimum order charge or small order fee?
This is a question we are asked fairly regularly due to the previlance of either a minimum order charge or small order fee within the industry.
At Simply Plastics our approach has always been to treat all orders equally, small or large. We want all customers, new and existing, to be able to place orders with us confident that they are only paying for the products and materials that they require. We therefore do not have a minimum order charge or small order fee.
Is Polyethylene waterproof?
Yes, both PE300 and PE500 are waterproof and have low moisture absorption.
Is Polyethylene easy or difficult to bond?
Polyethylene is difficult to bond because it has a low surface energy. However, it can be bonded with special adhesives and methods
What is the difference between PE300 and PE500?
PE300 and PE500 are different grades of polyethylene, with PE500 being a higher molecular weight version, meaning it offers greater wear resistance and impact strength compared to PE300. PE300 is easier to weld, offers a range of good properties and is a lower cost than PE500.
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