Tank Covers UV stabilised HDPE in 1.5 mm for Textile Machinery – Formed to Drawing

These UV stabilised HDPE tank covers are thick gauge vacuum formed parts supplied to drawing for textile machinery. They are formed from UV stabilised HDPE sheet at 1.5 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
• UV stabilised HDPE keeps the weight down while stiffness is held through the formed shape
• Powder coat finish 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
• food contact declarations available

Typical applications

• guard panels
• lint trays
• thread guide covers
• machine side covers
• tank covers used across general textile machinery builds

How it is made

1. The part cools on a jig so the shape is held while the material stabilises.
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. Sheet is dried when the material needs it, then heated to forming temperature on the machine.
5. Tooling is cut: aluminium for production volumes, composite or printed moulds for samples and first articles.

Material: UV stabilised HDPE

UV stabilised HDPE is the standard answer for outdoor tanks, agricultural hoppers and marine hardware that see direct sun.

Design notes

• add ribs or returns instead of increasing sheet thickness to save weight and cycle time
• hold the draw ratio near 1:1 for deep parts, or specify plug assist
• avoid sharp steps in the mould, which show as chill marks on the finished surface
• keep a draft angle of at least 3 degrees on vertical walls so the part releases cleanly

Finishing and assembly options

• powder coat finish
• mould texture
• silk screened markings
• Threaded inserts, PEM fasteners and brackets fitted before dispatch
• Mating parts can be trial assembled before the first article ships

Quality

Sheet thickness is checked on the formed part at the points shown on the drawing, and the readings go into the report. Batch releases carry a dimensional report, material certificate and, where agreed, PPAP or ISIR documentation.

• dimension reports with every release
• material certificates with every batch
• UL94 V-0 grades available

Packing and delivery

Large panels are crated in made to measure wooden cases with corner protection. Standard lead time to first article is 7–15 working days, and repeat releases ship against stored tooling without a new proving run.

Frequently asked questions

How fast is the first article?

Seven to fifteen working days from drawing release for sample tooling, with production tooling in three to four weeks.

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.

Request a quotation

Send the drawing or a photo of the current tank covers 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.