OEM Cowls HIPS in 12 mm for Industrial Robotics

These HIPS cowls are thick gauge vacuum formed parts supplied to drawing for industrial robotics. They are formed from HIPS sheet at 12 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
• HIPS keeps the weight down while stiffness is held through the formed shape
• Clear protective film 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

• controller housings
• robot base covers
• teach pendant cases
• cable trays
• cowls used across general industrial robotics builds

How it is made

1. Sheet is dried when the material needs it, then heated to forming temperature on the machine.
2. The part cools on a jig so the shape is held while the material stabilises.
3. The sheet is formed over the mould with vacuum and, where the draw is deep, with plug assist.
4. Drawings are reviewed and a manufacturability report is issued with wall thickness, draft and radii marked up.
5. Tooling is cut: aluminium for production volumes, composite or printed moulds for samples and first articles.

Material: HIPS

HIPS is the low cost route for indoor liners and disposable trays where impact strength is not critical.

Design notes

• hold the draw ratio near 1:1 for deep parts, or specify plug assist
• call out the finish on the drawing: mould texture, paint, or as-formed gloss
• plan the trim line on a flat face so the router can hold tolerance
• avoid sharp steps in the mould, which show as chill marks on the finished surface

Finishing and assembly options

• clear protective film
• soft touch coating
• silk screened markings
• Threaded inserts, PEM fasteners and brackets fitted before dispatch
• Mating parts can be trial assembled before the first article ships

Quality

First article inspection covers critical dimensions, wall thickness, colour and texture against the approved sample. Batch releases carry a dimensional report, material certificate and, where agreed, PPAP or ISIR documentation.

• material certificates with every batch
• ISO 9001 quality system
• REACH compliant sheet available

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

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.

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 cowls 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.