ASA Skid Plates Vacuum Formed in 6 mm for Refrigeration

These ASA skid plates are thick gauge vacuum formed parts supplied to drawing for refrigeration. They are formed from ASA sheet at 6 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
• ASA keeps the weight down while stiffness is held through the formed shape
• Uv stabilised as formed 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
• RoHS compliant grades available

Typical applications

• shelf trays
• condensate trays
• door panels
• inner liners
• skid plates used across general refrigeration 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. Sheet is dried when the material needs it, then heated to forming temperature on the machine.
3. Trimming is done on 5-axis routers or with a dedicated trim fixture to meet the drawing.
4. Tooling is cut: aluminium for production volumes, composite or printed moulds for samples and first articles.
5. Parts are inspected, fitted with inserts or hardware if required, packed and shipped.

Material: ASA

ASA keeps its colour and surface under UV better than ABS, which suits outdoor covers that are not painted.

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
• keep a draft angle of at least 3 degrees on vertical walls so the part releases cleanly
• plan the trim line on a flat face so the router can hold tolerance

Finishing and assembly options

• UV stabilised as formed
• satin finish
• soft touch coating
• 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. Batch releases carry a dimensional report, material certificate and, where agreed, PPAP or ISIR documentation.

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

Packing and delivery

Each part is bagged, edges protected with foam, then cartonised for container loading. Standard lead time to first article is 3–4 weeks, and repeat releases ship against stored tooling without a new proving run.

Frequently asked questions

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.

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.

Request a quotation

Send the drawing or a photo of the current skid plates 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.