Designing with LSE Plastics

Low surface energy plastics, or LSE plastics, are often known by their initials and include such materials as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE or HDPE), polystyrene, acetal, EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) and powder-coated paints. They are generally soft and have a low melting point so they’re easy to process, even at high volumes, and they’re low-density, which helps with lightweighting. Because low surface energy is the primary characteristic of this group, they’re all more difficult to bond – there are adhesive and tape options that work well, but there are far fewer options to choose from and test.​​

LSE plastics are easily molded into a variety of shapes and are commonly used for single-use applications such as signage, decorative trim or packaging – plastic containers, but also plastic trays, protective buffers and wrapping films. Most applications don’t require a strong adhesive, but as a re-use market many recyclable plastics are shredded and turned into lightweight plastic lumber, which generally has the same bonding properties but may also require more adhesive strength.