HIPS Fenders Vacuum Formed in 1.5 mm for Pool And Spa

These HIPS fenders are thick gauge vacuum formed parts supplied to drawing for pool and spa. They are formed from HIPS 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
• HIPS keeps the weight down while stiffness is held through the formed shape
• Anti graffiti 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
• UL94 V-0 grades available

Typical applications

• spa side panels
• chemical feeder guards
• pump covers
• filter housings
• fenders used across general pool and spa builds

How it is made

1. The sheet is formed over the mould with vacuum and, where the draw is deep, with plug assist.
2. Sheet is dried when the material needs it, then heated to forming temperature on the machine.
3. Tooling is cut: aluminium for production volumes, composite or printed moulds for samples and first articles.
4. Parts are inspected, fitted with inserts or hardware if required, packed and shipped.
5. Trimming is done on 5-axis routers or with a dedicated trim fixture to meet the drawing.

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
• 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
• plan the trim line on a flat face so the router can hold tolerance

Finishing and assembly options

• anti graffiti coating
• anti static coating
• UV stabilised as formed
• 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.

• dimension reports with every release
• REACH compliant sheet available
• food contact declarations available

Packing and delivery

Parts are stacked with interleaved film and packed in export cartons on pallets. 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

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.

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 fenders 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.