HDPE CNC Machining Services
MF Engineering is a premier manufacturer of high-precision components for customers across a wide range of industries. We offer a variety of computer numerical controlled (CNC) machining capabilities for metals, plastics, and other materials. Two of our core service offerings include CNC routing and CNC milling for HDPE. We also provide fabrication and assembly services to facilitate the delivery of complete HDPE parts and products to customers.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a thermoplastic that demonstrates numerous characteristics that make it suitable for CNC machining operations, such as excellent machinability and rigidity. Its low moisture absorption also makes it appropriate for marine applications, while its availability in FDA-compliant and USDA-certified grades makes it a viable option for food and beverage, medical, and other sanitary industry applications.
Our HDPE CNC Machining Services
Our HDPE CNC machining services include CNC routing and CNC milling. With our CNC technology for these operations, we are able to achieve better product quality, greater process consistency, and faster production speeds, all of which benefit our customers. Additionally, it allows us to easily fulfill project orders regardless of part complexity or production quantity.
CNC Routing
Routing is a machining process that utilizes a rotating cutting tool to cut various shapes and edges into a flat workpiece. It is used for rigid non-metals (e.g., plastics, foams, and wood) and soft metals (e.g., aluminum, brass, and copper).
Our CNC Router offers three-axis, CNC-controlled routing capabilities with tolerances of ±.0625 inches for HDPE parts. We also utilize a 3D templating digitizer to aid in digital conversion of patterns and spatial constraints to fit a custom profile. Other relevant services include:
- Multi-hole drilling (nine-position drill bank)
- Horizontal machining (with the use of an aggregate head)
- CAD design
- CAM programming
- Reverse engineering
Check out our CNC routing page to learn more.
CNC Milling
Similar to routing, the CNC milling process relies on rotating cutting tools to create the desired parts and products. In addition, our CNC milling services can be used with soft materials (e.g., plastics and wood) and hard materials (e.g., steel and titanium).
Our CNC vertical machining centers allow us to offer three-axis and four-axis milling capabilities for HDPE parts up to 26 inches (length) by 14 inches (width) by 12 inches (height) with tolerances of ±.001 inches. We also provide the following services:
- CAD Model data extraction
- CAM programming
- Reverse engineering
For more information about our CNC milling capabilities, visit our service page.
Fabrication and Assembly
In addition to our machining capabilities, we also offer fabrication and assembly services for HDPE parts and products. We can fabricate products by combining standard hardware with custom-machined components. We can assemble multifaceted components to meet virtually any customer specifications, including for aerospace, marine, and medical applications. MF Engineering will work with you to bring your custom HDPE projects to life.
-
Equipment
CNC Vertical Machining Center
- Milling
- CAD design services
- CAM programming services
- Reverse engineering
- Machinery Axis: 3 – 4
- Max. part dimensions:
- Length: X 26″
- Width: Y 14″
- Height: Z 12″
- Tolerances:
- +/- .001″ for length, width, and height
CNC Router Table and Portable 3D Digital Templating Digitizer
- Multi-hole drilling (9-position drill bank)
- Aggregate head for horizontal machining
- CNC control capabilities
- Milling
- CAD design
- CAM programming
- Reverse engineering
- Machinery axes: 3 + Live tooling
- Tolerances: +/- 1/16″
-
Processes & Services
- Milling
- Drilling
- Tapping
- Thread milling
- Knurling
- Broaching
- Counterboring
- Countersinking
- Pressing
- Slotting
- Profiling
- Corner rounding
- Edge breaking
- Reaming
- Parting/cutting
- Facing
- Part marking
Outside Secondary Services
- Laser engraving
- Centerless grinding
-
Industries & Applications
MF Engineering serves a wide range of industries and unique applications, such as:
- Aerospace
- Agricultural & Farming
- Automation
- Automotive
- Banking Systems
- Biomedical
- Biopharmaceutical
- Biotechnology
- Chemical
- Commercial
- Computer
- Dental
- DOE
- DOD
- Electrical
- Electronics
- Food Processing
- Government
- Heavy Equipment
- HVAC
- Hydraulics
- Ice Manufacturing
- Industrial Equipment
- Injection Molding
- Laboratory
- Machine Tools
- Machinery
- Manufacturing
- Marine
- Material Handling & Processing
- Medical/Medical Devices
- Medical Devices
- Metrology & Inspection
- Military
- Mining
- Nano Tech
- Nuclear
- Oil & Gas
- Optical
- Pneumatics
- Power Generation
- Printers (Rolling/Feeding Machinery)
- Pumps
- Railroad
- Renewable Energy
- Robotics
- Semiconductor
- Specialty Machinery
- Telecommunications
- Textile
- Tool & Die
- Transportation
- Universities
- Vacuum Electronics
- Valves
Benefits of Using HDPE for CNC Machining Operations
As indicated above, HDPE is an excellent material for CNC machining operations. Some of the other properties that make it a viable option include:
- High strength-to-density ratio (better tensile strength than LDPE—20 MPa or 2,900 PSI)
- Durability (resistance to chemical, corrosion, impact, and solvents)
- High melting point 266° F (130° C)
Considerations for HDPE CNC Machining Operations
While HDPE is often used in CNC machining operations, it can be challenging to machine under the wrong processing conditions. Some of the considerations to keep in mind when machining HDPE include:
- Processing speed. High speeds are required when routing or milling HDPE.
- Internal stress. The heat generated by cutting into the workpiece can cause cracking and other damage due to the material’s internal stresses, especially when the material is cold. Annealing the HDPE before routing and milling operations minimizes the risk of this occurring.
- Cutting chips. During machining operations, the chips generated by the act of cutting into the workpiece can clog the equipment. Compressed air & vacuum systems can be used to clear the chips from the workpiece. They also help maintain close tolerances, achieve good surface finishes and minimize dust & debris.
<Find out how to choose the right material for your CNC machining project.>
Contact the CNC Machining Experts at MF Engineering Today
CNC routing and CNC milling are used to manufacture a variety of parts and products. For high-quality CNC routed or CNC milled HDPE components, turn to experts at MF Engineering. We offer ISO 9001:2015 certified CNC machining capabilities guided by Lights Out/Lean manufacturing and Kaizen/5S principles. Lead times are determined on a case-by-case basis. Emergency and rush services are also available.
To learn more about our HDPE CNC machining capabilities or partner with us on your next project, contact us or request a quote today.