Hoppers TPO in 10 mm for Food Processing – Formed to Drawing

These TPO hoppers are thick gauge vacuum formed parts supplied to drawing for food processing. They are formed from TPO sheet at 10 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
• TPO 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
• dimension reports with every release

Typical applications

• mixer covers
• conveyor guards
• product trays
• washdown panels
• hoppers used across general food processing builds

How it is made

1. Trimming is done on 5-axis routers or with a dedicated trim fixture to meet the drawing.
2. Drawings are reviewed and a manufacturability report is issued with wall thickness, draft and radii marked up.
3. The sheet is formed over the mould with vacuum and, where the draw is deep, with plug assist.
4. Sheet is dried when the material needs it, then heated to forming temperature on the machine.
5. Parts are inspected, fitted with inserts or hardware if required, packed and shipped.

Material: TPO

TPO sheet is used where the part lives outdoors: it stays flexible in the cold and resists UV without a coating.

Design notes

• use corner radii of at least three times the sheet thickness to avoid thinning
• 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
• keep a draft angle of at least 3 degrees on vertical walls so the part releases cleanly

Finishing and assembly options

• powder coat finish
• UV stabilised as formed
• hot stamped accents
• Threaded inserts, PEM fasteners and brackets fitted before dispatch
• Mating parts can be trial assembled before the first article ships

Quality

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

• dimension reports with every release
• RoHS compliant grades available
• material certificates with every batch

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

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.

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 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.