Plastics
Plastic is cheaper, lighter, more corrosion resistant, easier to cut and shape and drill, has a very low thermal conductivity, and a higher strength to weight ratio than metals. Cars, clothes, food containers, and toys are all items that have been revolutionized by the invention of plastics. Less often seen, vital goods produced from HDPE include water pipes, gas mains, oil tanks, and geomembranes. This lightweight, non-toxic material is easily recyclable and is increasingly being utilized as an alternative for less environmentally friendly materials. Because HDPE is a highly machinable material, you can use around-the-house tools to work with it. A dremel tool would be ideal for drilling and making small cuts. A fine-toothed hack saw or bandsaw/scroll saw can easily cut out shapes. Sandpaper or a belt sander would work for smoothing out the cuts and for rounding off corners. Any tool that you would normally use for wood can actually be easier to use with HDPE plastics.
Welding Plastics
Plastic pipe, car, motorcycle, ATV, skidoo / seadoo parts, toys, lawn furniture , etc., can all be welded using hot air welding equipment, or solvents. Welding HDPE pipe can eliminate the use of agriculture fittings, thus reducing cost. Plastic pipe is used in industry , farms / agriculture, water treatment, wastewater, and residential applications.
Written by Brian Chalmers
