Cowls UV stabilised HDPE in 5 mm for Retail Display – Formed to Drawing

These UV stabilised HDPE cowls are thick gauge vacuum formed parts supplied to drawing for retail display. They are formed from UV stabilised HDPE sheet at 5 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
• UV stabilised HDPE 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
• REACH compliant sheet available

Typical applications

• header panels
• display shells
• counter risers
• shelf trays
• cowls used across general retail display builds

How it is made

1. The sheet is formed over the mould with vacuum and, where the draw is deep, with plug assist.
2. The part cools on a jig so the shape is held while the material stabilises.
3. Drawings are reviewed and a manufacturability report is issued with wall thickness, draft and radii marked up.
4. Trimming is done on 5-axis routers or with a dedicated trim fixture to meet the drawing.
5. Tooling is cut: aluminium for production volumes, composite or printed moulds for samples and first articles.

Material: UV stabilised HDPE

UV stabilised HDPE is the standard answer for outdoor tanks, agricultural hoppers and marine hardware that see direct sun.

Design notes

• avoid sharp steps in the mould, which show as chill marks on the finished surface
• plan the trim line on a flat face so the router can hold tolerance
• add ribs or returns instead of increasing sheet thickness to save weight and cycle time
• use corner radii of at least three times the sheet thickness to avoid thinning

Finishing and assembly options

• satin finish
• hot stamped accents
• 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

Sheet thickness is checked on the formed part at the points shown on the drawing, and the readings go into the report. Moulds, trim fixtures and programmes are stored against the part number, so a repeat order matches the first batch.

• UL94 V-0 grades available
• RoHS compliant grades available
• material certificates with every batch

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

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.

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 cowls 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.