Thick Gauge PVC Hoppers in 1.5 mm – Telecom And Network Cabinets Range

These PVC hoppers are thick gauge vacuum formed parts supplied to drawing for telecom and network cabinets. They are formed from PVC 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
• PVC keeps the weight down while stiffness is held through the formed shape
• Uv stabilised as formed 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

• cable trays
• equipment shelves
• antenna radomes
• cabinet tops
• hoppers used across general telecom and network cabinets builds

How it is made

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

Material: PVC

PVC sheet brings flame retardancy and chemical resistance at a low price, common in equipment covers and clean room panels.

Design notes

• keep a draft angle of at least 3 degrees on vertical walls so the part releases cleanly
• hold the draw ratio near 1:1 for deep parts, or specify plug assist
• plan the trim line on a flat face so the router can hold tolerance
• add ribs or returns instead of increasing sheet thickness to save weight and cycle time

Finishing and assembly options

• UV stabilised as formed
• as formed gloss
• pad printed logos
• 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. First article inspection covers critical dimensions, wall thickness, colour and texture against the approved sample.

• dimension reports with every release
• food contact declarations available
• material certificates with every batch

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

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.

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.

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 hoppers 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.