ABS/PMMA Dashboards Vacuum Formed in 3 mm for Refrigeration

These ABS/PMMA dashboards are thick gauge vacuum formed parts supplied to drawing for refrigeration. They are formed from ABS/PMMA sheet at 3 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
• ABS/PMMA keeps the weight down while stiffness is held through the formed shape
• Two coat polyurethane paint 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
• PPAP or ISIR on request

Typical applications

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

How it is made

1. Drawings are reviewed and a manufacturability report is issued with wall thickness, draft and radii marked up.
2. The part cools on a jig so the shape is held while the material stabilises.
3. Trimming is done on 5-axis routers or with a dedicated trim fixture to meet the drawing.
4. Parts are inspected, fitted with inserts or hardware if required, packed and shipped.
5. The sheet is formed over the mould with vacuum and, where the draw is deep, with plug assist.

Material: ABS/PMMA

ABS/PMMA combines an ABS core with a hard acrylic cap, so the part has the toughness of ABS and the UV and scratch resistance of acrylic.

Design notes

• call out the finish on the drawing: mould texture, paint, or as-formed gloss
• plan the trim line on a flat face so the router can hold tolerance
• hold the draw ratio near 1:1 for deep parts, or specify plug assist
• use corner radii of at least three times the sheet thickness to avoid thinning

Finishing and assembly options

• two coat polyurethane paint
• clear protective film
• mould texture
• Threaded inserts, PEM fasteners and brackets fitted before dispatch
• Mating parts can be trial assembled before the first article ships

Quality

Moulds, trim fixtures and programmes are stored against the part number, so a repeat order matches the first batch. First article inspection covers critical dimensions, wall thickness, colour and texture against the approved sample.

• dimension reports with every release
• food contact declarations available
• REACH compliant sheet available

Packing and delivery

Large panels are crated in made to measure wooden cases with corner protection. 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.

What quantity can I order?

Sample quantities start at one piece off printed tooling. The process pays back from about 25 pieces a year and runs well into several thousand.

Request a quotation

Send the drawing or a photo of the current dashboards 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.