How a Playground Equipment Builder Replaced a fibreglass lay-up with Vacuum Formed Access Panels in HIPS

A playground equipment manufacturer came to us with access panels produced as a fibreglass lay-up. The parts worked, but the cost and the lead time were holding up the programme. This is how they were reworked as vacuum formed access panels in 1.5 mm HIPS, and what the change delivered over the first 8000 pieces.

The starting point

• Part: access panels for playground equipment
• Existing route: a fibreglass lay-up
• Annual volume: 8000 pieces
• Problems: high unit cost, long lead time, and variation between batches

What was wrong with the old route

The previous fibreglass lay-up needed several operations to reach finished shape, and every operation added both cost and a chance for variation. Weight was higher than it needed to be, and design changes meant new fixtures each time. For a programme of 8000 pieces a year that is a poor fit.

What we built

Process route

1. The sheet is formed over the mould with vacuum and, where the draw is deep, with plug assist.
2. Parts are inspected, fitted with inserts or hardware if required, packed and shipped.
3. Tooling is cut: aluminium for production volumes, composite or printed moulds for samples and first articles.
4. The part cools on a jig so the shape is held while the material stabilises.
5. Trimming is done on 5-axis routers or with a dedicated trim fixture to meet the drawing.
6. Drawings are reviewed and a manufacturability report is issued with wall thickness, draft and radii marked up.

Results

• removed two assembly operations
• First article approved in 4 weeks
• Tooling amortised inside the first production batch
• Repeat releases match the approved sample: tooling and programmes are stored against the part number
• 8000 pieces shipped to date with no dimensional escapes

Lessons from this project

• The 1.5 mm was set from the load case, which avoided over specifying the sheet and paying for weight that was not needed
• Draft and radii were checked before the tool was cut, so the first sample released without hand work
• The trim line was placed on a flat face, which kept the router inside ±0.2 mm
• Tooling and programmes are stored against the part number, so repeat releases need no new proving run

What the client said

“The sample arrived on the date we were given and it fitted the assembly on the first try. The access panels is lighter than the part it replaced and the finish holds up in the field. We now release the access panels against stored tooling and the paperwork comes with the shipment.”

Frequently asked questions

Could the same route work on a different part?

If the part is a shell, cover, tray or enclosure between 1.5 mm and 12 mm thick, it is almost always worth quoting. Send the drawing and the answer comes back with a material and a tooling plan.

How is the tooling handled between orders?

Tooling, trim fixtures and programmes are kept against the part number for the life of the programme, so a repeat release needs no new proving run.

Next step

Send the drawing or the existing access panels with the annual quantity. The reply is a manufacturability review, a material recommendation and a quotation within 24 hours.