recycled HDPE Carry Cases Vacuum Formed in 8 mm for Industrial Robotics

These recycled HDPE carry cases are thick gauge vacuum formed parts supplied to drawing for industrial robotics. They are formed from recycled HDPE sheet at 8 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
• recycled HDPE keeps the weight down while stiffness is held through the formed shape
• Uv stabilised as formed 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

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

How it is made

1. Parts are inspected, fitted with inserts or hardware if required, packed and shipped.
2. The sheet is formed over the mould with vacuum and, where the draw is deep, with plug assist.
3. Drawings are reviewed and a manufacturability report is issued with wall thickness, draft and radii marked up.
4. Sheet is dried when the material needs it, then heated to forming temperature on the machine.
5. Tooling is cut: aluminium for production volumes, composite or printed moulds for samples and first articles.

Material: recycled HDPE

Recycled HDPE sheet lowers material cost and supports sustainability targets, with mechanical properties close to virgin sheet for non critical parts.

Design notes

• add ribs or returns instead of increasing sheet thickness to save weight and cycle time
• use corner radii of at least three times the sheet thickness to avoid thinning
• keep a draft angle of at least 3 degrees on vertical walls so the part releases cleanly
• hold the draw ratio near 1:1 for deep parts, or specify plug assist

Finishing and assembly options

• UV stabilised as formed
• mould texture
• 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

First article inspection covers critical dimensions, wall thickness, colour and texture against the approved sample. Moulds, trim fixtures and programmes are stored against the part number, so a repeat order matches the first batch.

• PPAP or ISIR on request
• REACH compliant sheet available
• ISO 9001 quality system

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

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.

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.

Request a quotation

Send the drawing or a photo of the current carry cases 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.