Click Image to Enlarge Plastic Fabrication of a Radome for the Locomotive Industry

Having a modern, well-equipped facility and a staff of seasoned manufacturing professionals gives us a competitive edge when it comes to thermoforming complex, close tolerance parts. The Radome pictured here functions as a protective weatherproof enclosure for a radar antenna located on top of a locomotive. High quality tooling was critical to the process and our technicians were given the opportunity to demonstrate their skills when fabricating the sophisticated mold required for this project. With a tolerance requirement of ±.005 this job required our best effort.

Working with a customer drawing our toolmakers crafted the geometrically complex form to exactly match the engineering specifications. Meanwhile, our materials experts calculated the optimal processing temperature for delivering a smooth, high-gloss finish while maintaining the strength and impact resistance properties of the ABS plastic. We used our large single-shuttle thermoforming equipment to manufacture the 5” x 61” x 5” enclosure. Continuous in-process testing and inspection ensured we maintained dimension and thickness tolerances and achieved the desired surface finish requested by the customer.

Within a 5 week turnaround, our high quality workmanship and attention to detail made this project a success. If you are interested in learning more about this project or our precision thermoforming services contact us today.

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Plastic Fabrication of a Radome Project Highlights

Product Description

This radome is a dome-shaped weatherproof protective enclosure for a radar antenna located on top of a locomotive

Thermoforming Capabilities Applied/Processes

Primary:
Thermoforming
CNC Machining
Secondary:
Ordinary cleaning and prepping for shipment

Equipment Used to Manufacture Part

Large Rotary Thermoformer
5-Axis CNC

Overall Part Dimensions

5.0” wide x 61.0” long x 5.0” high

Tightest Tolerances

+/- 0.005”

Material Used

ABS type materials

Material Finish

Smooth Hi-gloss

In process testing/inspection performed

Critical dimension, thickness and cosmetic checks

Industry for Use

Locomotive Industry
Transportation Industry

Volume

Large Volumes

Delivery/Turnaround Time

Five (5) weeks…tooling and product

Delivery Location

New York

Standards Met

Customer Specifications, 2D CAD Drawing

Product Name

Radome