Display Shells ABS/PC in 3 mm for Construction Machinery – Formed to Drawing

These ABS/PC display shells are thick gauge vacuum formed parts supplied to drawing for construction machinery. They are formed from ABS/PC 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/PC keeps the weight down while stiffness is held through the formed shape
• Anti static coating 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
• dimension reports with every release

Typical applications

• cab panels
• toolbox liners
• engine covers
• guard shells
• display shells used across general construction machinery builds

How it is made

1. Trimming is done on 5-axis routers or with a dedicated trim fixture to meet the drawing.
2. Parts are inspected, fitted with inserts or hardware if required, packed and shipped.
3. Tooling is cut: aluminium for production volumes, composite or printed moulds for samples and first articles.
4. The sheet is formed over the mould with vacuum and, where the draw is deep, with plug assist.
5. Sheet is dried when the material needs it, then heated to forming temperature on the machine.

Material: ABS/PC

ABS/PC carries higher heat resistance than ABS alone, which matters for housings around motors, drives and power electronics.

Design notes

• 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
• avoid sharp steps in the mould, which show as chill marks on the finished surface
• add ribs or returns instead of increasing sheet thickness to save weight and cycle time

Finishing and assembly options

• anti static coating
• EMI shielding coating
• powder coat finish
• Threaded inserts, PEM fasteners and brackets fitted before dispatch
• Mating parts can be trial assembled before the first article ships

Quality

Batch releases carry a dimensional report, material certificate and, where agreed, PPAP or ISIR documentation. First article inspection covers critical dimensions, wall thickness, colour and texture against the approved sample.

• ISO 9001 quality system
• dimension reports with every release
• 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 2–3 weeks, and repeat releases ship against stored tooling without a new proving run.

Frequently asked questions

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.

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.

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.

Request a quotation

Send the drawing or a photo of the current display shells 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.