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Plastic processing - No specific tooling : The Technology « Sheet Plastic Bending »

« Sheet bending » is a well-known term in the metal industry. Using this method to produce plastic enclosures is however an innovative and rather unknown alternative.

Usually one links the term « Sheet bending » with sheet metal production, sheet metal processing or with workshops where car bodies are repaired. During processing, sheet metal is cut, bent, or curved. The parts are then assembled by welding.

What is meant by « Sheet plastic bending » ? Who has invented this process ? Is it proven ?

« Plastic bending process » is an innovative technology in the plastics processing sector. It borrows techniques from metal but also from wood. The enclosure volume or cover is therefore broken down into elementary parts. The starting point of the production cycle is sheet plastics of different thicknesses. During the first step the individual parts are machined; these parts are then shaped by standard production means (no specific moulds) before being assembled. In the assembly process, methods that originated in carpentry are used, such as the « tongue and groove » method.

« Tongue and groove is a method of fitting similar objects together, edge to edge, used mainly with wood, in flooring, parquetry, panelling, and similar constructions. Tongue and groove joints allow two flat pieces to be joined strongly together to make a single flat surface. Before plywood became common, tongue and groove boards were also used for sheathing buildings and to construct concrete formwork. »
Wikipedia

At LTP, the « tongue and groove » mechanical assembly is solvent bonded, producing the effect of a cold weld that fuses the material. On the inside, we place the fixing elements: spacers, stand offs, rails, screwing blocks. The assembled case is then ready for finishing: Paint, print, clear varnish, and accessories. All these operations are carried out in our workshops.

The process « Sheet plastic bending » is the most efficient for small and medium-sized series with customised needs. At LTP, we design and manufacture your enclosure, your cover, or your plastic part without a specific mould, nor any investment costs to design a ready-to-use prototype. The latter will be entirely personalised with the possibility of evolution between each series.
This process allows you to design a custom case, even for a small quantity, to test a market or stabilise a product at the beginning of the life cycle.

LTP the inventor of the « Sheet plastic bending » process

The “SHEET PLASTIC BENDING PROCESS” technology was invented in 1985 by the founder of LTP. It is now a proven technology; we have been manufacturing annually over 200,000 enclosures, covers and parts for more than 35 years.

Stand alone kiosk enclosures, sloped enclosures, wall mounted enclosures or plastic parts: no specific mould or tooling

Each enclosure is custom designed and manufactured, tailored to your requirements and environment, and delivered ready to use. You can use it as soon as you receive it. Likewise, finishes can be fully customised and integrated: painting, digital printing, clear varnishing, and accessories.

Each design is materialised by a prototype, allowing you to validate before production or to make the necessary corrections.

To produce your parts in our process, our machines are set up specifically per project, so you don’t need to design or build a custom mould or tooling. A perfect solution for testing and then adapting a device.

With our innovative “SHEET PLASTIC BENDING PROCESS” and equipment, we can quickly produce small or large quantities of plastic enclosures, front panels, sloped enclosures, and wall mounted enclosures without the need for special moulds or tooling.

What are the advantages of a mould-free plastic processing technology? Why choose this process?

With the information in this paragraph, we wish to assist you in the choice of the adapted production technology, and the choice of the raw material adapted to your need.

Advantages of « No bespoke mould »

“Sheet Plastic Bending Process” allows us to produce customised and personalised enclosures without any specific tooling.
DESIGN and MANUFACTURE: To do this, we create programmes using CAD and CAM software in a unique, customised technical project number (DT). This technical project number also contains all the necessary instructions and information to produce your project. So, for you, the “NO BESPOKE MOULD” aspect means:

No bespoke mould: No initial investment

No mould, no initial investment: Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing!

No bespoke mould: Rapid evolution of your products without additional costs

The "Sheet Plastic Bending Process" allows you to make changes from one series to the next, without additional costs, by simply changing the digital machining programs on elementary parts and the manual assembly operation instructions.

No bespoke mould: Very short lead times

The prototype can be made to measurements and with requested customisations in 1 to 3 weeks. For mass production of your customised cases, lead times are 2 to 12 weeks.

No bespoke mould: No minimum manufacturing quantity

"Sheet Plastic Bending Process" does not impose a minimum production quantity. However, it should be noted that our process is optimised for mass production runs from 5 - 2000 pieces.

Advantages of "Plastic" technology

“Sheet Plastic Bending Process”, as opposed to sheet metal bending, makes it possible to produce easily manageable, aesthetic enclosures and casings with EMC or certified UL94 V-0. Thus, to choose “PLASTIC” means:

Plastic: Lower transport costs

Plastic is much lighter than sheet metal: handling is easier, transport costs are reduced.

Plastic: Dare to look good, go for design

The combination of plastic and "sheet bending process" allows us to work with thickness and to obtain depth effects: chamfering, decorative grooves, engraving, etc. and colour effects: silk-screen printing, painting.

PLASTIC: C.E.M - copper shielding

The process and materials used allow us to apply, on request an EMI copper paint. This creates a FARADAY cage, selective or general screening or conductivity.

Plastics: Fire-rated - UL94 V-0

We can offer you materials classified V-0 according to the test standard defined by the Underwriter Laboratories (UL) under the reference UL 94. For each production run, we ensure the traceability of the material batch used.

Advantages « made to measure »

Our business is “CUSTOMISED”. When choosing the suitable production technology, it is important to have clarity regarding the level of need for a “CUSTOM solution” and afterwards designing really all aspects to measure.

As we are an expert in tailor-made solutions, we adapt ourselves in all aspects:

Custom: ElectroniCase models at the cost of a standard off-the-shelf enclosure

You have a low "CUSTOM" need and adapting a standard enclosure could be a solution. However, adapting a standard enclosure to your needs generates additional costs. Yet your budget is limited. LTP offers you its ONLINE configuration and quotation tool: ElectroniCase. This is a range of pre-designed models to configure. You can define the dimensions, cut outs for connectors, customisation and finishing operations. Thus, LTP allows you to develop a customised enclosure at standard prices.

Custom: No size constraints

Each product is designed on demand and manufactured specifically to your measurements. You will therefore receive a unique model that will perfectly fit your device.

Custom: Your customisations built-in

Each product is designed on demand and manufactured according to your specifications: machining, fixing accessories, internal fittings, digital printing, painting, electromagnetic protection, etc.

We deliver a finished product, made to your specifications and personalised.

Advantages of working with La Tôlerie Plastique » (Inventor and leader of the sheet plastic bending process)

LTP: Benefit from over 35 years of experience

The LTP team designs and manufactures for you. All operations are carried out at our site in Octeville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France.

We are here to listen to you … to advise you … to help you choose the right specifications … and we stay by your side from the beginning to the end of your project.

If you have any questions about prototyping, corrections to be made, or if you would like a quote, please contact us.

Since 1985 our teams have designed and manufactured over 12,000 custom projects.

Give us a call +33(0)2 35 54 63 40.
Let's talk about your project to find the right solution. Our teams are at your service.