Centre Consoles LDPE in 5 mm for Rail Transit Interiors – Formed to Drawing

These LDPE centre consoles are thick gauge vacuum formed parts supplied to drawing for rail transit interiors. They are formed from LDPE sheet at 5 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
• LDPE keeps the weight down while stiffness is held through the formed shape
• Uv stabilised as formed 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
• material certificates with every batch

Typical applications

• seat shells
• ceiling end caps
• wall panels
• luggage rack trays
• centre consoles used across general rail transit interiors builds

How it is made

1. The sheet is formed over the mould with vacuum and, where the draw is deep, with plug assist.
2. Drawings are reviewed and a manufacturability report is issued with wall thickness, draft and radii marked up.
3. The part cools on a jig so the shape is held while the material stabilises.
4. Trimming is done on 5-axis routers or with a dedicated trim fixture to meet the drawing.
5. Tooling is cut: aluminium for production volumes, composite or printed moulds for samples and first articles.

Material: LDPE

LDPE is flexible and tough in thin section, used for liners and protective covers that have to bend during fitting.

Design notes

• avoid sharp steps in the mould, which show as chill marks on the finished surface
• call out the finish on the drawing: mould texture, paint, or as-formed gloss
• add ribs or returns instead of increasing sheet thickness to save weight and cycle time
• hold the draw ratio near 1:1 for deep parts, or specify plug assist

Finishing and assembly options

• UV stabilised as formed
• powder coat finish
• soft touch coating
• Threaded inserts, PEM fasteners and brackets fitted before dispatch
• Mating parts can be trial assembled before the first article ships

Quality

Sheet thickness is checked on the formed part at the points shown on the drawing, and the readings go into the report. Batch releases carry a dimensional report, material certificate and, where agreed, PPAP or ISIR documentation.

• PPAP or ISIR on request
• UL94 V-0 grades available
• material certificates with every batch

Packing and delivery

Parts are nested to save freight, with returnable dunnage available on repeat routes. Standard lead time to first article is 10–15 working days, 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 centre consoles 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.