It machines better than acrylic, pretty much like butter. Very forgiving. Maybe a bit higher feed rates than acrylic would be better.
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
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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
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.
Thanks Jim Dawson and routalot that helps me alot!
Eric
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