OEM Hoods recycled HDPE in 3 mm for Agricultural Machinery

These recycled HDPE hoods are thick gauge vacuum formed parts supplied to drawing for agricultural machinery. They are formed from recycled HDPE sheet at 3 mm, trimmed on 5-axis routers and inspected against the drawing before packing. Buyers choose this route where a metal fabrication is too heavy, or where injection moulding tooling cannot be justified for the volume.

Product specification

Key features

• One piece shell replaces a fabrication, so assembly hours drop
• recycled HDPE keeps the weight down while stiffness is held through the formed shape
• Emi shielding coating finish as standard, further finishes on request
• Trimmed on 5-axis routers, so mounting holes and cut outs match the drawing
• Tooling stored against the part number for repeat and spare orders
• REACH compliant sheet available

Typical applications

• cab interior trim
• tractor hood panels
• hopper liners
• fertiliser tank covers
• hoods used across general agricultural machinery builds

How it is made

1. Tooling is cut: aluminium for production volumes, composite or printed moulds for samples and first articles.
2. Drawings are reviewed and a manufacturability report is issued with wall thickness, draft and radii marked up.
3. Parts are inspected, fitted with inserts or hardware if required, packed and shipped.
4. Trimming is done on 5-axis routers or with a dedicated trim fixture to meet the drawing.
5. Sheet is dried when the material needs it, then heated to forming temperature on the machine.

Material: recycled HDPE

Recycled HDPE sheet lowers material cost and supports sustainability targets, with mechanical properties close to virgin sheet for non critical parts.

Design notes

• hold the draw ratio near 1:1 for deep parts, or specify plug assist
• use corner radii of at least three times the sheet thickness to avoid thinning
• keep a draft angle of at least 3 degrees on vertical walls so the part releases cleanly
• add ribs or returns instead of increasing sheet thickness to save weight and cycle time

Finishing and assembly options

• EMI shielding coating
• satin finish
• silk screened markings
• Threaded inserts, PEM fasteners and brackets fitted before dispatch
• Mating parts can be trial assembled before the first article ships

Quality

First article inspection covers critical dimensions, wall thickness, colour and texture against the approved sample. Sheet thickness is checked on the formed part at the points shown on the drawing, and the readings go into the report.

• dimension reports with every release
• RoHS compliant grades available
• ISO 9001 quality system

Packing and delivery

Large panels are crated in made to measure wooden cases with corner protection. Standard lead time to first article is 3–4 weeks, and repeat releases ship against stored tooling without a new proving run.

Frequently asked questions

Are spare parts available later?

Tooling is stored against the part number for the life of the programme, so replacements or spare panels can be released at any time.

Can you make it in another material?

Any grade in this family can be swapped in. Send the requirement and the material will be quoted with the price difference shown.

What quantity can I order?

Sample quantities start at one piece off printed tooling. The process pays back from about 25 pieces a year and runs well into several thousand.

Request a quotation

Send the drawing or a photo of the current hoods with the quantity and the finish required. The reply covers material choice, wall thickness, tooling route and price, so the decision is made on a complete picture.