Pellets · Bosch pellet printer Limited processability

HDPE (Hostalen GC 7260)

LyondellBasell · Hostalen GC 7260 natur

Hostalen GC 7260 is a high-density polyethylene. Because of its high shrinkage, HDPE is considered demanding in 3D printing – in return it opens up chemically resistant, weatherproof parts.

Limited processability

We can process this material – for prototypes, visual and design samples and lightly loaded parts. It is currently not qualified at our site for load-bearing functional parts. We are working on solutions to increase the strength and load-bearing capacity of printed parts made from this material in the future. Talk to us – we assess your part individually.

Property profile

Temperature 1Chemicals 4Strength 2Toughness 4Dimensional stability 2Printability 2

Rated 1 to 5 relative to the other materials in our range. This is an experience-based orientation aid, not a measured value – the hard numbers are in the table below.

Technical data

PropertyValueSource
Material classHigh-density polyethylene (HDPE)grade designation
Density (ISO 1183)0.960 g/cm³LyondellBasell TDS
Tensile modulus (ISO 527)1,350 MPaLyondellBasell TDS
Tensile stress at yield (ISO 527)30.0 MPaLyondellBasell TDS
Tensile strain at yield (ISO 527)10 %LyondellBasell TDS
Shore D hardness (ISO 868)64LyondellBasell TDS
Ball indentation hardness (ISO 2039-1)57.0 MPaLyondellBasell TDS

These values are taken from the manufacturer datasheet and apply to the material, not to the printed part. In 3D printing the achievable properties depend on part orientation, layer height and process parameters – in the Z direction in particular they are lower. Please talk to us before relying on them for design.

“Qualified for functional parts” is a general classification. A functional part can be a simple clip or a main load-bearing member – the forces and load cases differ fundamentally. We therefore always assess in each individual case whether a material is suitable for your part.

Source: LyondellBasell, TDS Hostalen GC 7260 · supplied by the manufacturer

Strengths

  • Very good chemical resistance
  • Low water absorption, dimensionally stable in damp environments
  • Tough and impact resistant even in the cold
  • Low density of 0.96 g/cm³ – lightweight parts

Limitations

  • Pronounced shrinkage and warping – the limiting factor on large parts
  • Weaker layer adhesion than engineering thermoplastics
  • Barely bondable or paintable without pre-treatment

Typical applications

Produced on: Bosch pellet printer — More about this machine

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Is this the right material for your part?

We are happy to advise on material selection and to review your part for manufacturability.

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