HDPE Machine Shop

rwoofer

rwoofer

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I need to replace a 20mm HDPE Panel that is an unusual shape and has various borders that are half-width for 5 cm in. I can source the HDPE myself for a reasonable price (cutplasticsheeting.co.uk), but I simply don't have the routers/milling machines to finish it properly. Struggling to find a machine shop or engineering firm that could do it, so wondering if anyone has any suggestions or done something similar?

Thanks.
 
there's a helluva debate between up and downcut bits, feed speeds, router RPM, single or multiple pass cuts for HDPE.


This manufacturer's site has all the gen you need, and provided you can really hold the plastic down very tightly, and use a jig, there's no need to think that you cannot do it slowly yourself.

The site is 'deeper' than it first looks; use the bit search box and type in HDPE.


Then get a bit from the UK :)

http://plasticrouting.com/
 
If the part is not too big perhaps there is a model engineering club nearby that could help? Not too sure about a vacuum table being essential; model engineers have a knack for improvising.

A photo or a sketch of what you need would help.
 
Post a pic up with some dimensions and I'll have a look.

I've machined it with a router and a mill and it machines easily but its soft so you don't get as good a surface finish as harder plastics.
 
Here is the picture of the original piece. I want to recreate it without the cut-away section, so that the top follows the black line. On the right hand side, the material is half thickness for about 50mm.

IMG_2028 - Copy.JPG
 
Lots and lots of fabrication companies who can do this of you. First stop would be a sign maker / printers who probably have a table or five-axis router. Yes, a vacuum table could be used.
 
What's it for? I'm trying to think what items on my boat are HDPE: the chopping board I think, and some shims I made with the old one to support the bilge pump. But apart from those two I'm struggling...
 
rb_stretch said:
Here is the picture of the original piece. I want to recreate it without the cut-away section, so that the top follows the black line. On the right hand side, the material is half thickness for about 50mm.

If you're just looking at a rectangular piece with a 50mm reduction in thickness down the edges it should cut OK on a circular saw, holding it on edge against the ripping fence and reduce thickness in several passes. Try some scrap first.
Click to expand...
 
rb_stretch said:
I wasn't aware there were different grades. Certainly the suppliers don't talk about it. This is the stuff I have in mind http://www.cutplasticsheeting.co.uk/hdpe-sheet/hdpe-natural

What I currently have is from a Jeanneau boat.
Click to expand...

Explanation toward the bottom of the web-link - their HDPE is almost identical in density to PE 500.

I hesitate to recommend wikipedia, but their explanation is pretty good. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyethylene

UHMEPE is a fantastic bearing material for heavy-duty trough conveyors, but almost impossible to machine and (was) only obtainable from the USA.
I had a sample, of self-adhesive tape - fantastic for wear patches on sails and protecting gel-coat from abrasion from anchor chain, but a full pallet load (the minimum available) was beyond my usage or pocket.
 
Sorry, been out for a bit. The piece is a backrest, but obviously with the cut-out bit it is pretty useless as a backrest. The cutout was supposedly to allow people to step over the seat back easily. Anyway I think I might buy the right size sheet and then use a circular saw/jig saw to cut the shape. I'm then guessing that I can sand the edges to make them smooth. The final milling/routing I'll have to get professionally done. Anyone know anyone in Surrey?
 
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