recycled HDPE Hoods Vacuum Formed in 5 mm for Refrigeration

These recycled HDPE hoods are thick gauge vacuum formed parts supplied to drawing for refrigeration. They are formed from recycled HDPE sheet at 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
• recycled HDPE keeps the weight down while stiffness is held through the formed shape
• Hot stamped accents 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
• ISO 9001 quality system

Typical applications

• door panels
• inner liners
• condensate trays
• shelf trays
• hoods used across general refrigeration builds

How it is made

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

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

• hot stamped accents
• anti graffiti coating
• EMI shielding coating
• Threaded inserts, PEM fasteners and brackets fitted before dispatch
• Mating parts can be trial assembled before the first article ships

Quality

Moulds, trim fixtures and programmes are stored against the part number, so a repeat order matches the first batch. Batch releases carry a dimensional report, material certificate and, where agreed, PPAP or ISIR documentation.

• food contact declarations available
• RoHS compliant grades available
• ISO 9001 quality system

Packing and delivery

Each part is bagged, edges protected with foam, then cartonised for container loading. 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.

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.