ABS Hoppers Vacuum Formed in 12 mm for Retail Display

These ABS hoppers are thick gauge vacuum formed parts supplied to drawing for retail display. They are formed from ABS 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
• ABS keeps the weight down while stiffness is held through the formed shape
• Anti static coating 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
• ISO 9001 quality system

Typical applications

• display shells
• header panels
• counter risers
• shelf trays
• hoppers used across general retail display builds

How it is made

1. Trimming is done on 5-axis routers or with a dedicated trim fixture to meet the drawing.
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. Drawings are reviewed and a manufacturability report is issued with wall thickness, draft and radii marked up.

Material: ABS

ABS is the default choice where the part needs stiffness, a paint finish and clean trimmed edges. It forms evenly, takes texture well and bonds with standard solvents.

Design notes

• use corner radii of at least three times the sheet thickness to avoid thinning
• add ribs or returns instead of increasing sheet thickness to save weight and cycle time
• 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

• anti static coating
• two coat polyurethane paint
• powder coat finish
• 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. Moulds, trim fixtures and programmes are stored against the part number, so a repeat order matches the first batch.

• ISO 9001 quality system
• dimension reports with every release
• food contact declarations available

Packing and delivery

Large panels are crated in made to measure wooden cases with corner protection. 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

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.

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.