PVC Tank Covers Vacuum Formed in 10 mm for Refrigeration

These PVC tank covers are thick gauge vacuum formed parts supplied to drawing for refrigeration. They are formed from PVC 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
• PVC keeps the weight down while stiffness is held through the formed shape
• Mould texture 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
• material certificates with every batch

Typical applications

• door panels
• shelf trays
• inner liners
• condensate trays
• tank covers used across general refrigeration builds

How it is made

1. Tooling is cut: aluminium for production volumes, composite or printed moulds for samples and first articles.
2. Sheet is dried when the material needs it, then heated to forming temperature on the machine.
3. Parts are inspected, fitted with inserts or hardware if required, packed and shipped.
4. The sheet is formed over the mould with vacuum and, where the draw is deep, with plug assist.
5. Trimming is done on 5-axis routers or with a dedicated trim fixture to meet the drawing.

Material: PVC

PVC sheet brings flame retardancy and chemical resistance at a low price, common in equipment covers and clean room panels.

Design notes

• 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
• avoid sharp steps in the mould, which show as chill marks on the finished surface
• use corner radii of at least three times the sheet thickness to avoid thinning

Finishing and assembly options

• mould texture
• anti static coating
• matte finish
• 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.

• material certificates with every batch
• UL94 V-0 grades available
• dimension reports with every release

Packing and delivery

Each part is bagged, edges protected with foam, then cartonised for container loading. 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.

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 covers 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.