Whether you’re about to pack a large food order or store the prepared mix for tomorrow, the containers are necessary. Moreover, each food-grade storage requires finesse in the structure to keep the freshness intact, and that’s why you need to pay attention to the optimal finish of the sheets.

In order to ensure that your HDPE sheets get a clean look at the end, you require more than a pair of scissors. And since most sheets are made with thermoplastics, the extra cautious approach goes a long way for the smooth edge.

How Do You Choose the Cutting Tools?

Plastic is versatile and, in the case of an HDPE sheet, very durable. Since most of the households already carry the artificially created container for food storage, you can rest assured about its safety. But, just for the peace of mind, all the material that involves any interaction with food must be FDA approved.

High-Density Polyethylene or HDPE is a standard thermoplastic used in the container manufacturing industry. With that being said, the material doesn’t require rocket science for cutting. Much like every other polymer, you can use standard tools with sharp blades such as:

• Carbide Teeth
• Router Planers
• Jigsaw Blades

Precautions You Must Exercise Before the Cutting Process

You can maneuver your sheets in whatever way you prefer. That’s to say; they don’t pose many challenges in cutting and molding. But, there’re a few points to check off before you initiate:

Fastening

Depending upon the thickness of the sheet, you need to hold the flat solid properly before you begin with drilling or sawing. Additionally, you must ensure that your hands are steadily holding the cutting equipment for the clean edge.

Temperature Adjustments

Since the thermoplastic-based sheet is amenable to the temperature change, you must factor the attribute in before the cut. With the rise and dip in heat, the material will contract and expand, rendering your measurements futile.

Bonding

The glossy sheets do not stick to each other. And in order to attach any two pieces together, you might have to fuse or use a specific glue to receive the desired result.

How to Cut the Sheet Pieces Properly?

For Thick HDPE

You will require a “No Melt” blade in a circular saw to chop the sheets in the desired frame. Additionally, the thickness and slippery attributes mandate a study fastening before you begin the contouring.

For Thin HDPE

Cutting a thin sheet is relatively easy, as you can even use a utility knife for sawing. All you need to do is mark the area, secure the sheet and move the knife along the lines.

For Circular Cuts

In order to make a round-cut, you will require a jigsaw with multiple puzzle settings. Ideally, the cutting equipment shouldn’t create any heat for the thermoplastic to melt. And that’s why you will have to check with different configurations to receive a smooth bend at the end.

The containers made with HDPE sheets avail the consumers of an opportunity to get solid and lightweight storage.

From packaging to storing, the applications of the food-grade material are wide. And that’s why taking appropriate precautions helps you stay safe during the construction and also deliver a high-quality product. So, whether it’s about securing the material on a flat surface or the safety glasses, you must not skip any instruction.