Storage Bins ABS in 4 mm for Aerospace Interiors – Formed to Drawing

These ABS storage bins are thick gauge vacuum formed parts supplied to drawing for aerospace interiors. They are formed from ABS sheet at 4 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
• Powder coat finish 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
• dimension reports with every release

Typical applications

• galley liners
• seat back shells
• stowage bin trays
• lavatory panels
• storage bins used across general aerospace interiors builds

How it is made

1. Drawings are reviewed and a manufacturability report is issued with wall thickness, draft and radii marked up.
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. Tooling is cut: aluminium for production volumes, composite or printed moulds for samples and first articles.
5. Trimming is done on 5-axis routers or with a dedicated trim fixture to meet the drawing.

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

• call out the finish on the drawing: mould texture, paint, or as-formed gloss
• add ribs or returns instead of increasing sheet thickness to save weight and cycle time
• hold the draw ratio near 1:1 for deep parts, or specify plug assist
• plan the trim line on a flat face so the router can hold tolerance

Finishing and assembly options

• powder coat finish
• EMI shielding coating
• anti graffiti coating
• 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.

• ISO 9001 quality system
• RoHS compliant grades available
• material certificates with every batch

Packing and delivery

Parts are nested to save freight, with returnable dunnage available on repeat routes. 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.

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 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.