ESD safe ABS Machine Housings Vacuum Formed in 1.5 mm for Defence And Security Equipment

These ESD safe ABS machine housings are thick gauge vacuum formed parts supplied to drawing for defence and security equipment. They are formed from ESD safe ABS 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
• ESD safe ABS keeps the weight down while stiffness is held through the formed shape
• Satin 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
• material certificates with every batch

Typical applications

• case shells
• antenna covers
• transport trays
• console covers
• machine housings used across general defence and security equipment builds

How it is made

1. The part cools on a jig so the shape is held while the material stabilises.
2. Sheet is dried when the material needs it, then heated to forming temperature on the machine.
3. Parts are inspected, fitted with inserts or hardware if required, packed and shipped.
4. Tooling is cut: aluminium for production volumes, composite or printed moulds for samples and first articles.
5. The sheet is formed over the mould with vacuum and, where the draw is deep, with plug assist.

Material: ESD safe ABS

ESD safe ABS keeps surface resistivity in the dissipative range, used for electronics carriers, tray systems and equipment covers in assembly areas.

Design notes

• keep a draft angle of at least 3 degrees on vertical walls so the part releases cleanly
• plan the trim line on a flat face so the router can hold tolerance
• 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

Finishing and assembly options

• satin finish
• clear protective film
• EMI shielding coating
• 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. First article inspection covers critical dimensions, wall thickness, colour and texture against the approved sample.

• UL94 V-0 grades available
• dimension reports with every release
• food contact declarations available

Packing and delivery

Parts are nested to save freight, with returnable dunnage available on repeat routes. Standard lead time to first article is 10–15 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.

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.

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.

Request a quotation

Send the drawing or a photo of the current machine housings 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.