ASA Skid Plates Vacuum Formed in 2 mm for Telecom And Network Cabinets

These ASA skid plates are thick gauge vacuum formed parts supplied to drawing for telecom and network cabinets. They are formed from ASA sheet at 2 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
• ASA 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
• material certificates with every batch

Typical applications

• equipment shelves
• cable trays
• cabinet tops
• antenna radomes
• skid plates used across general telecom and network cabinets builds

How it is made

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

Material: ASA

ASA keeps its colour and surface under UV better than ABS, which suits outdoor covers that are not painted.

Design notes

• keep a draft angle of at least 3 degrees on vertical walls so the part releases cleanly
• 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
• add ribs or returns instead of increasing sheet thickness to save weight and cycle time

Finishing and assembly options

• anti static coating
• EMI shielding 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

Batch releases carry a dimensional report, material certificate and, where agreed, PPAP or ISIR documentation. Sheet thickness is checked on the formed part at the points shown on the drawing, and the readings go into the report.

• RoHS compliant grades available
• REACH compliant sheet available
• PPAP or ISIR on request

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

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.

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.

Request a quotation

Send the drawing or a photo of the current skid plates 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.