Thick Gauge LDPE Access Panels in 2 mm – Refrigeration Range

These LDPE access panels are thick gauge vacuum formed parts supplied to drawing for refrigeration. They are formed from LDPE sheet at 2 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
• LDPE 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
• dimension reports with every release

Typical applications

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

How it is made

1. Drawings are reviewed and a manufacturability report is issued with wall thickness, draft and radii marked up.
2. Sheet is dried when the material needs it, then heated to forming temperature on the machine.
3. The part cools on a jig so the shape is held while the material stabilises.
4. Parts are inspected, fitted with inserts or hardware if required, packed and shipped.
5. Trimming is done on 5-axis routers or with a dedicated trim fixture to meet the drawing.

Material: LDPE

LDPE is flexible and tough in thin section, used for liners and protective covers that have to bend during fitting.

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
• use corner radii of at least three times the sheet thickness to avoid thinning
• call out the finish on the drawing: mould texture, paint, or as-formed gloss

Finishing and assembly options

• hot stamped accents
• clear protective film
• UV stabilised as formed
• 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. First article inspection covers critical dimensions, wall thickness, colour and texture against the approved sample.

• dimension reports with every release
• RoHS compliant grades available
• PPAP or ISIR on request

Packing and delivery

Each part is bagged, edges protected with foam, then cartonised for container loading. Standard lead time to first article is 2–3 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.

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.

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 access panels 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.