Thick Gauge PMMA acrylic Hoppers in 10 mm – Telecom And Network Cabinets Range

These PMMA acrylic hoppers are thick gauge vacuum formed parts supplied to drawing for telecom and network cabinets. They are formed from PMMA acrylic sheet at 10 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
• Matte 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
• PPAP or ISIR on request

Typical applications

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

How it is made

1. Sheet is dried when the material needs it, then heated to forming temperature on the machine.
2. Trimming is done on 5-axis routers or with a dedicated trim fixture to meet the drawing.
3. The part cools on a jig so the shape is held while the material stabilises.
4. The sheet is formed over the mould with vacuum and, where the draw is deep, with plug assist.
5. Parts are inspected, fitted with inserts or hardware if required, packed and shipped.

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

• call out the finish on the drawing: mould texture, paint, or as-formed gloss
• avoid sharp steps in the mould, which show as chill marks on the finished surface
• 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

Finishing and assembly options

• matte finish
• mould texture
• as formed gloss
• 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. Moulds, trim fixtures and programmes are stored against the part number, so a repeat order matches the first batch.

• ISO 9001 quality system
• UL94 V-0 grades available
• PPAP or ISIR on request

Packing and delivery

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

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.

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.

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 hoppers 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.