Thick Gauge PVC Dashboards in 3 mm – Construction Machinery Range

These PVC dashboards are thick gauge vacuum formed parts supplied to drawing for construction machinery. They are formed from PVC 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
• PVC keeps the weight down while stiffness is held through the formed shape
• Matte finish 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
• UL94 V-0 grades available

Typical applications

• toolbox liners
• cab panels
• engine covers
• guard shells
• dashboards used across general construction machinery 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. Tooling is cut: aluminium for production volumes, composite or printed moulds for samples and first articles.
3. Parts are inspected, fitted with inserts or hardware if required, packed and shipped.
4. Drawings are reviewed and a manufacturability report is issued with wall thickness, draft and radii marked up.
5. Sheet is dried when the material needs it, then heated to forming temperature on the machine.

Material: PVC

PVC sheet brings flame retardancy and chemical resistance at a low price, common in equipment covers and clean room panels.

Design notes

• keep a draft angle of at least 3 degrees on vertical walls so the part releases cleanly
• use corner radii of at least three times the sheet thickness to avoid thinning
• plan the trim line on a flat face so the router can hold tolerance
• call out the finish on the drawing: mould texture, paint, or as-formed gloss

Finishing and assembly options

• matte finish
• hot stamped accents
• mould texture
• 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.

• dimension reports with every release
• UL94 V-0 grades available
• material certificates with every batch

Packing and delivery

Each part is bagged, edges protected with foam, then cartonised for container loading. Standard lead time to first article is 7–15 working days, and repeat releases ship against stored tooling without a new proving run.

Frequently asked questions

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.

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.

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.

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.