HDPE

[tlahti]

Who makes the HDPE for the FRC scoring platforms?

[KevinG]

HDPE is a fairly universal plastic, so it's unlikely that they have a specific manufacturer.

[BenDSterling]

I don't think the manufacture matters. HDPE is basically the same no matter who makes it.

[kmusa]

High Density PolyEthylene. As stated, very common plastic.

[theCADguy]

HDPE is the stuff that plastic milk gallons are made of. Imagine a bunch of those melted down and formed into a sheet. It's lightweight and relatively strong. Team 20 used HDPE on our 2013 shooter to give the frisbee a slick surface to move on while in contact with the shooter wheel.

The HDPE surface of the scoring zones will probably be comparable to the lunacy surface.

[DonRotolo]

But don't plan on melting a pile of milk bottles!:eek:

HDPE has been used often in previous years' games.

[Ether]

But don't plan on melting a pile of milk bottles!:eek:

They make great fire starters for your fireplace or wood stove. Crumple them up and use a paper towel for a wick. HDPE burns virtually smokelessly and with no odor.

[Richard Wallace]

McMaster-Carr has sheets of HDPE in various thicknesses and areas. For example, a 4' x 8' sheet 3/32" thick is about $60 (8619K78). Shopping around a bit should find a better price.

[smcmahon]

Team 20 used HDPE on our 2013 shooter to give the frisbee a slick surface to move on while in contact with the shooter wheel.

The HDPE surface of the scoring zones will probably be comparable to the lunacy surface.

So HDPE is a slicker plastic surface then? Will the crates slide easily on it? Too easily? We gotta get some of this stuff in to practice with.

[Mike Marandola]

So HDPE is a slicker plastic surface then? Will the crates slide easily on it? Too easily? We gotta get a some of this stuff in to practice with.

Most 5 gallon buckets are HDPE and usually say it. Play around with them until you get some sheets.

[Richard Wallace]

So HDPE is a slicker plastic surface then? Will the crates slide easily on it? Too easily? We gotta get some of this stuff in to practice with.
Yes HDPE is a slippery surface. It has been used in some previous FRC games -- one notable use was the top of the ramp in 2003, where it made for quite a challenge to hold a KingOfTheHill endgame position.

I expect totes to slide more easily on HDPE than they will on the smooth side of Masonite board, which is what the low-cost scoring platform drawings call for.

[asid61]

HDPE is very slippery to standard FRC tread. However, colson wheels get absolutely amazing grip on it. Like legitimately amazing.

[kingroosevelt]

HDPE comes in more than one finish, and therefore friction coefficient, including smooth and starboard (not as smooth). The game drawing only says "Material: HDPE, .25" Thick, White". It would be nice to know which finish.

[catacon]

HDPE comes in more than one finish, and therefore friction coefficient, including smooth and starboard (not as smooth). The game drawing only says "Material: HDPE, .25" Thick, White". It would be nice to know which finish.

White...obviously.



:D

[cgmv123]

HDPE comes in more than one finish, and therefore friction coefficient, including smooth and starboard (not as smooth). The game drawing only says "Material: HDPE, .25" Thick, White". It would be nice to know which finish.

If you want to know, ask on Q&A (frc-qa.usfirst.org).

[MechEng83]

If you want to know, ask on Q&A (frc-qa.usfirst.org).

In light of the Q&A response that the tote chute is smooth and the platform is "orange-peel" where does one get orange-peel surface HDPE?

[dschmalzel]

We bought 3 sheets of 1/4" x 4' x 8' HDPE from Alro Plastics. My company gets a bit of a discount and they added another discount because we are a FIRST Team so I got them for $50 a sheet!

Much cheaper than McMaster-Carr and we were able to go pick it up. Check your local plastic supplier.

[Jean Tenca]

McMaster-Carr has sheets of HDPE in various thicknesses and areas. For example, a 4' x 8' sheet 3/32" thick is about $60 (8619K78).

Does anyone know what finish is on these sheets from McMaster? Or if these sheets are stress relieved? I haven't managed to find that information on their site.

Also, I see marine-grade HDPE on McMaster as well (9785T561). Are there any significant performance or friction differences between them? They are almost twice the price.

Thanks!