Ward & Kennedy supplies businesses nationwide with traditionally die-cut and high-precision digitally cut polyethylene. From storage containers to protective sheets and everything in between, you can trust Ward & Kennedy’s nearly 100-year history for fast turnaround times and dedicated service and support.
Polyethylene is one of the most widely produced plastics, ranging from rigid high-density forms to flexible low-density films, depending on how the material is processed. It's used across packaging, industrial, agricultural, and consumer goods applications, with different densities suited to different levels of rigidity and flexibility.
Common products made from polyethylene include:
Polyethylene's density, thickness, and heat sensitivity directly affect how it performs during cutting, from tool selection to edge quality.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Density | Higher density polyethylene is rigid and often needs routing, while lower density forms can be blade-cut |
| Thickness | Thicker sheets or rigid containers require more cutting force and sharper tools |
| Heat sensitivity | Melts easily, which is sometimes used intentionally to heat-seal edges on films and bags |
| Flexibility | Lower density polyethylene can shift or stretch during cutting without proper tensioning |
| Chemical resistance | Contributes to a smooth, consistent cutting surface with minimal residue buildup |
| UB stabilization | Additives for outdoor use can slightly affect blade wear over repeated cutting |
slices completely through the material, and both digital cutters and traditional dies can perform it depending on thickness and volume.
Creasing forms a fold line without cutting through the material, handled well by digital cutters through adjustable pressure and by dies fitted with the right rule type.
The choice between digital and die cutting for polyethylene depends largely on density and production volume. Digital cutting, through CNC routing or knife cutting, works well for rigid, high-density polyethylene and for prototyping custom shapes without tooling costs.
Die cutting, often paired with heat sealing, is the standard for flexible, low-density polyethylene produced in high volume, such as packaging film or foam sheeting. The upfront tooling cost is offset by faster cutting speeds and lower per-unit costs once the design is finalized and production quantities increase.
At our facility in Milwaukee, WI, our team of designers and fabricators can help bring your vision to life. Whether you have existing design files or assistance with their creation, we’re here every step of the way.
Along with fabrics, we die cut materials like:
Ward & Kennedy has been designing, fabricating, and supplying industries all over the world since we were founded in 1928. Whether you’re in our Wisconsin backyard or located across the world in Asia, we can supply your die cut materials.
Along with fabricating parts for businesses across America, we supply them with the necessary tools, supplies, and gear to keep them running at full capacity. We stock abrasives, adhesives, PPE, and more from major brands like 3M, Dynablade, Superior Glove, Wendt and Mirka.
