Instrument Bezels ABS/PMMA in 12 mm for Laboratory Instruments – Formed to Drawing

These ABS/PMMA instrument bezels are thick gauge vacuum formed parts supplied to drawing for laboratory instruments. They are formed from ABS/PMMA sheet at 12 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
• Silk screened markings 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

• fume hood liners
• analyser housings
• instrument covers
• sample tray systems
• instrument bezels used across general laboratory instruments 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. Drawings are reviewed and a manufacturability report is issued with wall thickness, draft and radii marked up.
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/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

• keep a draft angle of at least 3 degrees on vertical walls so the part releases cleanly
• add ribs or returns instead of increasing sheet thickness to save weight and cycle time
• avoid sharp steps in the mould, which show as chill marks on the finished surface
• use corner radii of at least three times the sheet thickness to avoid thinning

Finishing and assembly options

• silk screened markings
• powder coat finish
• satin finish
• Threaded inserts, PEM fasteners and brackets fitted before dispatch
• Mating parts can be trial assembled before the first article ships

Quality

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

• UL94 V-0 grades available
• ISO 9001 quality system
• dimension reports with every release

Packing and delivery

Parts are nested to save freight, with returnable dunnage available on repeat routes. 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

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.

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.

Request a quotation

Send the drawing or a photo of the current instrument bezels 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.