Storage Bins ASA in 8 mm for Signage And Wayfinding – Formed to Drawing

These ASA storage bins are thick gauge vacuum formed parts supplied to drawing for signage and wayfinding. They are formed from ASA 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
• ASA keeps the weight down while stiffness is held through the formed shape
• Soft touch 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

• light box covers
• sign faces
• direction panel shells
• post caps
• storage bins used across general signage and wayfinding builds

How it is made

1. Trimming is done on 5-axis routers or with a dedicated trim fixture to meet the drawing.
2. Drawings are reviewed and a manufacturability report is issued with wall thickness, draft and radii marked up.
3. Parts are inspected, fitted with inserts or hardware if required, packed and shipped.
4. The part cools on a jig so the shape is held while the material stabilises.
5. Sheet is dried when the material needs it, then heated to forming temperature on the machine.

Material: ASA

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

Design notes

• avoid sharp steps in the mould, which show as chill marks on the finished surface
• 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
• plan the trim line on a flat face so the router can hold tolerance

Finishing and assembly options

• soft touch coating
• anti graffiti 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

First article inspection covers critical dimensions, wall thickness, colour and texture against the approved sample. Batch releases carry a dimensional report, material certificate and, where agreed, PPAP or ISIR documentation.

• RoHS compliant grades available
• food contact declarations available
• REACH compliant sheet available

Packing and delivery

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

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.

Request a quotation

Send the drawing or a photo of the current storage bins 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.