Rigidity and machinability properties allow LDPE (low-density polyethylene ) sheets to be cut to size with the use of many manual or power tools. LDPE sheets are commonly used to create storage containers, food-grade trays, and similar industrial and household goods. On occasion, you may discover that your best protocol to acquire custom plastic shapes and thicknesses is by manipulating LDPE sheets yourself.

The Stabilization Steps

A dry work surface will prevent tools from slipping across the surface of each LDPE sheet. Thick plastic sheets are stiff and will not easily bend. As LDPE is pared down in size and thickness, the plastic will take on a more flexible role. Stabilizing LDPE can be done with the use of vice grips or a set of clamps.

The stabilization process should be conducted when using manual tools to cut through each sheet. Machining processes that involve using automatic cutters or grinders will require you to hold onto materials that need to be cut or to hand feed them through a mechanical machine that contains blades.

The Process

A straight edge and marking implements can be used to outline the areas that will be removed from plastic sheets. When LDPE products are purchased from a supplier, they are typically uniform in shape. LDPE can be used to create oblong or irregular-shaped items.

Each sheet can also be melted and formed into a custom shape. Some molding equipment may support LDPE raw materials that do not exceed a specific set of measurements. This may necessitate that some of the plastic be removed from a sheet. Upon marking each sheet, a manual tool operator or a mechanical machine operator can pay attention to where the marks are on each sheet. LDPE sheets will not crumble or break in half while they are being cut.

Several score marks should be made along each side of an LDPE sheet. First, one side of a sheet should have marks cut about halfway into it. Afterward, stabilizing materials should be removed from a sheet and the LDPE material should be turned over. Then, the stabilizing equipment should be used to secure the sheet.

More score marks should be made on the opposite side of the sheet. Once this process is complete, a utility knife, a power cutter, or a machining device can be used to complete a cut. This cut will pierce through the entire plastic sheet. After finishing the cutting process, LDPE scraps can be set aside for another project. 

Reach out to a company like Seiler Plastics for more information.