PMMA acrylic Tank Liners Vacuum Formed in 4 mm for Industrial Robotics

These PMMA acrylic tank liners are thick gauge vacuum formed parts supplied to drawing for industrial robotics. They are formed from PMMA acrylic 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
• PMMA acrylic keeps the weight down while stiffness is held through the formed shape
• Satin 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

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

How it is made

1. Drawings are reviewed and a manufacturability report is issued with wall thickness, draft and radii marked up.
2. Tooling is cut: aluminium for production volumes, composite or printed moulds for samples and first articles.
3. The part cools on a jig so the shape is held while the material stabilises.
4. Trimming is done on 5-axis routers or with a dedicated trim fixture to meet the drawing.
5. Sheet is dried when the material needs it, then heated to forming temperature on the machine.

Material: PMMA acrylic

PMMA gives the glossiest surface and the best UV stability, which is why it is used for light housings and outdoor sign faces.

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
• hold the draw ratio near 1:1 for deep parts, or specify plug assist
• avoid sharp steps in the mould, which show as chill marks on the finished surface

Finishing and assembly options

• satin finish
• UV stabilised as formed
• as formed gloss
• 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.

• dimension reports with every release
• material certificates with every batch
• REACH compliant sheet available

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

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.

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 tank liners 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.