Machine Housings HDPE in 10 mm for Dental Equipment – Formed to Drawing

These HDPE machine housings are thick gauge vacuum formed parts supplied to drawing for dental equipment. They are formed from HDPE 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
• HDPE 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
• food contact declarations available

Typical applications

• cabinet panels
• chair shrouds
• instrument tray covers
• suction unit housings
• machine housings used across general dental equipment builds

How it is made

1. Drawings are reviewed and a manufacturability report is issued with wall thickness, draft and radii marked up.
2. The part cools on a jig so the shape is held while the material stabilises.
3. Sheet is dried when the material needs it, then heated to forming temperature on the machine.
4. Parts are inspected, fitted with inserts or hardware if required, packed and shipped.
5. The sheet is formed over the mould with vacuum and, where the draw is deep, with plug assist.

Material: HDPE

HDPE is chosen for chemical resistance and impact strength at low temperature. It needs more heat and a longer cooling cycle than ABS, and it is painted only after flame or plasma treatment.

Design notes

• use corner radii of at least three times the sheet thickness to avoid thinning
• avoid sharp steps in the mould, which show as chill marks on the finished surface
• hold the draw ratio near 1:1 for deep parts, or specify plug assist
• add ribs or returns instead of increasing sheet thickness to save weight and cycle time

Finishing and assembly options

• clear protective film
• satin finish
• two coat polyurethane paint
• 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.

• ISO 9001 quality system
• PPAP or ISIR on request
• dimension reports with every release

Packing and delivery

Parts are nested to save freight, with returnable dunnage available on repeat routes. 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

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.

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 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.