Plastic Fabrication Services

Fabrication Services:

A family-owned business since 1939, HP Manufacturing continues to provide a variety of fabrication services such as:

• laser engraving
• polishing
• thermoforming
• cementing
• machining

Our highly trained and experienced engineers possess extensive knowledge in all phases from conception through product application and assembly, making us the leading choice for plastic fabrication and machining. Our commitment to above-and-beyond craftsmanship and a proven method of achieving superior results is why our clients continue to come back to us. For more information about our services contact HP Manufacturing today online or at (216) 361-6500

We Are Full Service

We embrace the challenges associated with finding innovative and effective solutions for all business applications at all different costs. Our fabricating service can meet your needs for die-cutting, laser cutting, drape forming, and more. Standard manufacturing and process equipment are essential for fixtures, assemblies, displays, and parts regardless of the dimensions.

Even if the existing machinery can’t fabricate your current design or material, our engineers will develop a custom solution for your unique finished product. We produce custom parts and displays that will outperform the competition.

At HP Manufacturing, we believe in developing the highest-quality parts or assemblies for projects big and small. You can expect unparalleled attention to detail, whether you need machining, forming, laser cutting, or a combination of these processes.

Stages of Fabrication

Plastic materials are the backbone for a variety of industries. As a leader in the plastic industry, we have developed a method that utilizes a wide range of processes to ensure that our clients get the value and products they need. Types of plastic fabrication processes include laser cutting, machining, cold forming, and break forming.

As a rule of thumb, you can divide our plastic fabrication process into two steps: manufacturing and assembly. Manufacturing involves taking the raw materials, bending and processing them into usable parts at specific dimensions.

Our manufacturing services include:

• Forming
• Strip Heating
• Cementing
• Machining

Once the initial manufacturing process is complete, it’s time to assemble the unit. At HP Manufacturing, we use precision parts to ensure that the finished product looks and functions as expected.

Assembling products can be as complicated as fabricating them. Our method includes drilling, engraving, bending, etching, and stamping. While these functions aren’t necessary for all plastic parts, they rank among the most common ways to form and shape materials.

The HP Manufacturing Difference

Over the past eight decades since our 1939 founding, HP Manufacturing has earned the trust and respect of individuals and organizations through our combination of experience, equipment, and expertise. We have a proven track record of taking ideas and making them into reality.

We have invested in cutting-edge machinery and equipment for all your fabrication needs. Our company also supplies plastic materials, including films, rods, and sheets, giving you a diverse material selection. This ensures you get the best final product, whether you’re a small business in need of a custom-fabricated or machined display or a Fortune 500 company looking for large production runs.

We are continually working on expanding our products and services. As one of the region’s premier plastic fabricators, we take pride in providing clients with all the production capabilities they need under one roof. Learn more about us.

You can reach us by phone at (216) 361-6500 or fill out our request a quote form. We look forward to hearing how we can help you with your next project.

Frequently Asked Questions

At HP Manufacturing we are always happy to discuss our clients’ projects in person. When looking for a quotation or basic information about a company’s capabilities, there are some questions that pop up more often than others. To make it easier to find the information you’re seeking, click on any of the following questions we field on a regular basis. Please feel free to contact us at any time for more in-depth conversations.   

What’s the best material to use in high-temperature environments? 

The most commonly specified materials for high-temperature environments, among polymers, are PEEK and Teflon™. Both materials can withstand temperatures in excess of 620° F.   

Due to their tensile strength and a higher coefficient of thermal expansion compared to softer polymers, these types of materials find their applications to be best suited for extreme applications that endure high temperatures and load on the part. 

PEEK can be used to create small parts with intricate profiles or complex geometries that can replace, metal parts in applications subject to higher temperatures.  PEEK is often considered the first-choice polymer for high-performance applications because of its excellent strength and hardness properties. It has low density, giving it a high strength-to-weight ratio and making it ideal for applications where lightness is key. For these reasons, PEEK is utilized heavily in the aviation industry.  

Teflon’s high heat resistance, combined with other qualities such as low friction and chemical resistance, make it ideal for healthcare applications.  

What’s the best material to use in high–impact environments?  

High-impact acrylic or polycarbonates are recommended for applications that require a combination of high impact resistance with clarity. When clarity is not a factor, ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) offers a high level of impact resistance. Acrylic materials would include Plexiglas® DR, an impact-modified thermoplastic acrylic resin.  

Polycarbonate choices can include Lexan® or Tuffak® for impact resistance alongside flame retardance. These clear materials are virtually unbreakable. Polycarbonate machine well and bond (glue) well. Polycarbonates often are used for industrial machining safety guards.  

ABS offers an alternative, more economical choice for circumstances that do require high-impact resistance yet don’t require clarity. ABS offers good machinability and is easy to glue and paint. ABS is commonly used in the healthcare industry in areas with heavy usage. Other applications include high-impact guards and clamp blocks or strain reliefs in automated packaging machines. 

Lately, the high-end retail market has turned to high-impact acrylic doors for product displays as a loss-prevention tool to secure valuable merchandise.  

How do you achieve tight tolerances?  

Soft materials such as acetal (Delrin®), HDPE and UHMW, which are all stock materials, have high thermal expansion rates compared to harder materials such as acrylic or polycarbonates, for example. There are several steps we take to ensure we can achieve tight tolerances when working with these softer polymers that react to heat and pressure.  

Our employees are all experienced machinists who work with a variety of polymers on a daily basis.  In addition to thermal expansion, another factor taken into consideration that can influence tolerances is the weather. Humid days can impact material machineability because certain materials are prone to absorbing moisture from the atmosphere. In order to adhere to tight tolerances, the operator might make adjustments to his/her machining programs compared to what would be run for a denser polymer to avoid generating too much heat. The operator may also apply coolant during the machining process.   

What type of quality controls are in place? 

Our in-house Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) capabilities allow operators to make a single part and ensure it fits within tolerance levels. Inspection points during the run will vary depending on segment and client preferences. We also have a quality-control team whose sole responsibility is to inspect parts on the floor throughout the day.  

Are materials onsite? 

Our onsite warehouse and distribution center houses materials from all over the world. We buy direct from various mills and stock the materials used on a daily or weekly basis, thereby maintaining a sufficient supply to meet our client demands.  

Our stocking and warehousing policies have enabled us to maintain an on-time delivery percentage above 98% over the past few years.  

What are your machine capabilities? 

We are committed to utilizing the newest machine technologies to maintain a technical advantage for machining and fabrication of custom, precision-plastic components and assemblies. This includes CNC mills, routers, lathes, and saw and laser cutters that lend us tolerance capabilities as tight as +/- .002”.   

Our standard lead times can range from three to five weeks depending on the project and material specifications. Quantities manufactured vary from one piece to thousands, depending on the industry segment.  

We will work with customers to select the proper material that will best serve the application, environment, and specifications for heat, impact resistance, and other variables.