Question 1

What tools do I use to cut HDPE?

Accepted Answer

HDPE sheets can be cut with tools that many people already have. If you treat it like wood you will be successful in cutting and drilling it. For the best result using a circular or panel saws, use a carbide tooth blade. Standard router bits and jigsaw blades also work well for cutting curved or other geometric profiles., The tool blades nned to be sharp for the best results.

Question 2

Can HDPE be used under water?

Accepted Answer

Our HDPE sheets are produced from resin that has a water absortion rate of virtually zero, meaning it does not soak up water or other fluids. Due to these properties, HDPE works just as well in the water as it does out.

Question 3

How much does HDPE expand and contract?

Accepted Answer

Indoor applications experience little to no expansion or contraction as the temperature generally remains constant. For outdoor applications, the rule of thumb is that a 4'X8' sheet will expand and contract as much as 1/2" in length from a hot summer day to sub-zero winter temperatures. Due to its molecular structure, HDPE sheets expand more in length than they do in width.   The easiest formula to use for an exact expansion / contraction dimension is as follows:
Degrees Fahrenheit:
0.00011 x degree variance(°F) x length in inches
Example: 0.00011 x 30°F temperature change x 96" long sheet = 0.3168" or approximately 5/16" Degrees Celsius:
0.00019 x degree variance(°C) x length in inches
Example: 0.0001 x 16.7°F temperature change x 96" long sheet = 0.3173" or approximately 5/16".   While these numbers may seem high, expansion can be easily negated by using correct installation techniques.

Question 4

How do I clean HDPE?

Accepted Answer

One of the key benefits of an HDPE sheet is that dirt and grime cannot grab hold of it. Therefore a simple mixture of warm soapy water will usually do the job. For tougher cleaning jobs a chemical solution may be used. Although HDPE is very chemical resistant, refer to the chemical chart to verify compliance.

Question 5

Does HDPE crack in the cold?

Accepted Answer

Sani- Armour HDPE sheets are formulated with sub-zero applications in mind, allowing it to maintain its strength and flexibility at most temperatures. It is important that correct installation methods be used when installing HDPE sheets to ensure you do not induce stress into the sheet. For high-impact at extremely cold temperatures, check out or Mach1 Polymer Sheets!

Question 6

Can I paint HDPE?

Accepted Answer

No, HDPE sheets are produced with a closed cell structure polymer. This means it will not absorb liquids, but also means that paints, stains, or adhesives, will not work.

Question 7

Can HDPE be used outside?

Accepted Answer

Typically most HDPE will break down and fade quickly outdoors. However, our Sani-Armour sheet is developed specifically for full sun and harsh weather environments.

Question 8

What is a Bulk Material Handling Liner?

Accepted Answer

A Bulk Material Handling Liner is a series of TIVAR-88 or other specialty high wear polymers that are chosen based on material characteristics, as well as bin and environmental conditions. These sheets are mechanically fastened to the steel or concrete substrate using specifically designed hidden fasteners to create a completely smooth and seemless polymer lining and promote consistent material flow.

Question 9

What is Coefficient of Friction and why should I care?

Accepted Answer

To put it simply Co-efficient of Friction is the measure of slip. This is calculated by dividing the downward force of an object by the force it takes to move that object across the surface in question. This is important because polymer truck liners are designed to have a significantly lower co-efficient of friction than steel or aluminum. It is that trait that allows a liner to release your load quickly and consistently.

Question 10

Can you replicate a part I have?

Accepted Answer

Yes, send over a drawing or bring in your part and we will get back to you as soon as possible with a quote and leadtime to produce your parts!

Question 11

What machining services do you offer?

Accepted Answer

From drawing to finished parts, we can do it all. We offer full service CNC Routers and Lathes to produce high quality polymer parts to suit any application.

Question 12

Why does my dump truck need a liner?

Accepted Answer

Polymer Dump Liners have a variety of benefits that can ultimately save you time and money. Made of high-quality plastics with a low Co-efficient of friction, Polymer Dump Liners will not only outperform steel and aluminum but outlast them as well.   Speed:Polymer Liners have a slick, non-stick finish to promote a faster material release, allowing you to complete more trips per day and prevent material carry back.   Safety:By Releasing the material quickly and reducing the angle of incline, a quick release liner reduces the chance of tip-overs and eliminates the need for the driver to shovel out the box after dumping.   Equipment:With a faster and consistent load release you minimize the wear on your hoist and do not need equipment to scrape out your box. Reducing the odds of damaging your box.

Question 13

What is Coefficient of Friction and why should I care?

Accepted Answer

To put it simply Co-efficient of Friction is the measure of slip. This is calculated by dividing the downward force of an object by the force it takes to move that object across the surface in question. This is important because polymer truck liners are designed to have a significantly lower co-efficient of friction than steel or aluminum. It is that trait that allows a liner to release your load quickly and consistently.

Question 14

What can I haul with a SilverSlide Liner?

Accepted Answer

SilverSlide is an ideal liner solution for light to medium duty or wet materials such as: Mulch, Grain, Soil, Salt, Sand, Gravel, Clay, Manure, Brine, Sludge.

Question 15

What can I haul with a Durapro Liner?

Accepted Answer

DuraPro is a tough liner designed specifically for hauling heavy-duty and abrasive materials such as: Rock, Rubble, Flyash, Coal, Gravel (Any Size), Fertilizer, Salt.

Question 16

Can I haul Asphalt with a polymer liner?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We are proud to supply QuickSilver Liners, the only truck liner on the market rated for Hot Asphalt up to 450°F.

Question 17

What else can I haul with a QuickSilver Liner?

Accepted Answer

Almost anything else! From Hot Asphalt to sub-zero temperatures, QuickSilver is proven to have the best load release with materials such as: Asphalt, Coal, Gravel (Any Size), Rock, Rubble, Salt, Flyash,Fertilizer, Soil, Sludge.

Question 18

What makes tha Haulk so strong?

Accepted Answer

The Haulk Liner is the toughest liner in the industry and has extreme wear properties. These properties are possible because it is made from 100% Virgin UHMW-PE, formulated with glass beads throughout to provide extreme abrasion resistance and impact strength.

Question 19

Do I need Haulk or DuraPro?

Accepted Answer

The DuraPro is a tough, resilient, and versatile liner suitable for most abrasive materials.  However, for the most extreme applications, the Haulk is formulated with glass beads to increase the wear and impact resistant properties of DuraPro. You should consider a Haulk Liner if you haul any of the following: - Auto Fluff - Rip Rap or Rubble - Bottom Ash   Demolition containing rebar can still damage the Haulk. We reccomend spreading a layer of dirt or sand over your liner if you plan to haul large demolition.

Question 20

How long does a Liner take to install/How long will my truck be down?

Accepted Answer

We can install most liners in a single day. We make a conscious effort to minimize your down time and get your truck back to you as quickly as possible.

Question 21

What styles of truck and trailer can you line?

Accepted Answer

All our liners are custom machined to fit your equipment, meaning we can line just about any style of truck. - Dump Trailers - Dump Bodies - Live-Bottoms - Transfer Dumps - Bottom Dumps - Gravel Trains - Many More! Don't see your equipment? Call to talk with our truck liner experts!

Question 22

My truck is an old model and has seen better days, how can you help?"

Accepted Answer

We can custom machine a liner to fit just about any age and style of truck. If your truck is beat up and dented, we have CWB certified welders that can patch existing damage to your box before laying in the liner.

Question 23

I am not close to Plastruct, how can I get a liner?"

Accepted Answer

For customers who asre out of our installation area, we are proud to offer custom machined kits that include everything from your liner to the lead edge and fasteners to an installation guide, setting you up to successfully install your own liner.

Question 24

How much weight will a polymer liner add to my haul?

Accepted Answer

Polymer Dump Truck Liners weigh less than steel or aluminum. A 3/8" liner weighs approximately 1.8 lbs/sq ft.

Question 25

Will the weather conditions affect the performance of my liner?

Accepted Answer

No, Polymer Liners are designed to perform equally in the heat and in the cold, preventing freeze ups and releasing your load year-round.

Question 26

How does a Polymer Liner prevent cross-contamination?

Accepted Answer

The non-stick finish of a polymer liner ensures your whole load is released, and they are easy to clean so you can be confident there is no cross-contamination.

Question 27

Are Polymer Truck Liners resistant to chemicals?

Accepted Answer

Yes, polymer lining systems are designed to be corrosion and chemical resistant, allowing you to haul just about any materials.

Question 28

How can I clean my liner

Accepted Answer

Cleaning a Polymer Liner is quick and easy. By nature the non-stick properties of a dump liner make them easy to maintain. 1. Sweep out left over debris or fines from the previous haul. 2. Powerwash your liner

Question 29

How does a Dump Truck Liner improve Driver and Job Site safety?

Accepted Answer

By releasing the load fast, you prevent the hazard of becoming top-heavy and tipping while unloading, protecting the driver and the site around them. Secondly by releasing all of the material, the driver does not need to climb in the box to shovel out stuck material.

Question 30

What is UHMW-PE?

Accepted Answer

UHMW-PE = Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene is the stongest polyethylene available. It is a tough material designed specifically to provide a long service life in harsh operating conditions such as high levels of sliding, wear, and abrasion in a wide range of temperatures and other demanding application environments. UHMW out wears Nylons, Acetals, and PTFE in wear and abbrasion applications, producing durable components that can reduce your maintenance downtime.

Question 31

Is UHMW Water Resistant?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the water absorption rate for UHMW-PE is effectively zero. UHMW will retain its strength and performance properties in wet applications and will not swell or rot.

Question 32

Is UHMW Chemical Resistant?

Accepted Answer

UHMW has great chemical resistant properties and will not corrode in most chemical applications. Double check our technical data chart or speak with our sales staff to confirm UHMW is right for your specific applicaiton.

Question 33

What are the Key Properties of Mach1 UHMPE?

Accepted Answer

Low co-efficient of friction, High impact strength, and excellent  abrasion resistance are key properties of Mach UHMPE sheet. Another  factor that doesn’t go unnoticed by fabricators is the ease of  machining.

Question 34

What is Mach1?

Accepted Answer

Mach1  is made up of UHMPE. UHMPE stands for Ultra High Mechanical Polyethylene. It is a superior resin engineered to operate in demanding applications combining low co-efficient of friction, excellent abrasion resistance and high impact resistance. Key physical properties include “no break” notched Izod,  extremely low co-efficient of friction, FDA compliance for direct food  contact, and good abrasion resistance.

Question 35

Can Mach1 be welded?

Accepted Answer

In theory UHMPE cannot be welded, however our Mach sheet is engineered  with specific additives to make this possible. Only trained polymer  extrusion welders should attempt this.

Question 36

Will Mach1 ever lose its low-friction surface?

Accepted Answer

No. The slippery surface will always remain, even if the sheet is worn  to half its thickness. The slippery surface is not just a surface treatment that you see with many other plastics, it is inherent to its  structure and is throughout the material. Mach1 contains self-lubricating properties through the entire thickness of the  panel, therefore you will always receive the benefit of amazing slip!

Question 37

How do I cut Mach1 sheet?

Accepted Answer

Standard woodworking tools work well. We recommend using very sharp tooling. For best results use carbide cutters.

Question 38

Is Mach1 weather resistant?

Accepted Answer

Mach1 has excellent weather resistant properties. It is UV stable, great moisture resistance, and works well in sub-zero temperatures.

Question 39

How do I drill Mach1?

Accepted Answer

Standard woodworking and steel working drill bits work well. For larger diameter holes, use spade bits or holes saws.

Question 40

How wear resistant is Mach1?

Accepted Answer

Wear resistance varies depending on what is sliding on or against it.  Due to the low coefficient of friction, Mach polymer sheet is extremely  wear resistant against sliding abrasion.

Question 41

What is Mach1's max operating temperature?

Accepted Answer

Mach sheet can operate continuously up to 180°F.

Question 42

Is Mach1 the same a PTFE?

Accepted Answer

Mach sheet is very similar to PTFE (Teflon) regarding static and dynamic  friction. However, PTFE is capable of handling higher temperatures.

Question 43

What is the difference between UHMPE & UHMW-PE?

Accepted Answer

With many of the same key characteristics, UHMWPE has a higher molecular weight compared to UHMPE. However this  distinction is unlikely to make a difference in most applications.

Question 44

Can Mach sheet be used under water?

Accepted Answer

Yes! UHMPE does not absorb water and is chemically inert making it ideal for submerged applications.

Question 45

Can Mach1 Absorb impact forces?

Accepted Answer

A key component of the Mach sheet is its ability to withstand high impact forces. This is due to the engineering of the UHMPE resin, which  has a tightly knit molecular structure. These “chains” in the sheet  absorb the impact while locking the polymer and keep it from cracking.

Question 46

Can Mach1 be formed into a radius?

Accepted Answer

Bending Mach sheet can be done effectively without any additional  heating for a large radius. Tight radiuses or 90° bends can be  achieved by applying heat via an oven or heat bending machine.

Frequently Asked Questions