CNC & Laser Cutting
Compare CNC routing and laser edge requirements for polycarbonate parts before sending a drawing for production review.
Bending & Thermoforming
Polycarbonate bends and formed parts to drawing. Compare the forming routes, appearance and fit requirements before you commit to tooling.
Need a curved polycarbonate guard, cover or housing? Send us the finished shape and we will recommend a forming route before pricing. The right choice depends on the sheet grade, thickness, bend geometry, visible surface and how the part will be mounted.
Choose the forming route for your PC part
| Route | Best starting point | What to confirm before quoting |
|---|---|---|
| Cold curving in a frame | A broad, single-direction curve held by the final structure | Sheet grade, thickness, span, supported edges and allowable radius. The grade-specific installation guidance controls the minimum radius; a universal thickness multiplier is not reliable. |
| Line bending | A local fold in a guard, bracket or cover | Inside radius, bend angle, bend length, distance from holes or cutouts and which face is cosmetic. A very tight radius may cause stress or visible distortion. |
| Drape forming | A smooth arc formed over a tool | Final profile, tool contact side, optical area and quantity. We review whether a forming tool and a first article are needed. |
| Thermoforming | A three-dimensional cover or housing with compound curves | STEP/IGES model, draft and undercuts, wall appearance, trimming datums and acceptance criteria. Tooling, forming and finishing are quoted as separate cost drivers where applicable. |
These are starting routes, not automatic capability promises. We confirm feasibility against the exact PC grade, drawing and intended installation. For a curved installed panel, the retaining frame can be as important as the sheet itself.
What affects the look and fit of a formed part?
- Optical zone: Mark the face and area that must remain visually clear. Heating, stretching and tool contact can change appearance, especially around tight bends.
- Moisture before hot forming: PC sheet can absorb moisture. Heating a sheet with too much moisture may create bubbles or streaks. We review sheet storage, grade, thickness and forming conditions, then agree the conditioning and inspection route for the order.
- Fit and measurement: Identify the mounting holes, mating parts, critical dimensions and inspection datums. We confirm achievable tolerances after drawing and process review, including any CNC trimming.
- Edges and protective film: Specify edge finish, appearance side, film handling and packing so the delivered part matches the assembly and visual requirements.
Common PC applications
Typical enquiries include curved machine guards, equipment covers, display components and formed housings. We match the fabrication route to the actual load, environment and mounting design; a sample or first article is useful when geometry or appearance is critical.
Send this for a useful quotation
- 2D drawing and, for 3D parts, a STEP or IGES model with finished dimensions.
- PC grade or required function, nominal thickness, colour or tint, finish and optical requirements.
- Bend radius/profile, quantity per release and expected repeat volume.
- Mounting method, critical fit dimensions, inspection method and delivery destination.
We can supply custom PC specifications, subject to confirming the proposed grade and processing route. Price, tooling and production time depend on geometry and order complexity. Any lead-time or price figures elsewhere on this site are planning averages; the written quotation governs your order. Common test report originals can be requested from the sales team for the relevant grade and requirement.
Send a drawing for review Explore PC fabrication
Questions buyers ask
Can you quote from a 3D CAD model?
Yes. Send STEP or IGES plus a dimensioned drawing, material and quantity. We will identify the likely forming route, tooling needs, cosmetic risks and dimensions that need a first-article check.
Why can bubbles appear during thermoforming?
Moisture absorbed by PC sheet can vaporise during heating and leave bubbles or streaks. The drying or conditioning plan depends on the grade, thickness, storage history and forming conditions; confirm it in the order review.
Should I cold curve or heat form the panel?
For a broad single-axis curve supported by a frame, cold curving may avoid a forming tool if the selected sheet’s radius guidance permits it. A permanent fold or compound shape usually requires a reviewed heat-forming route. Send the profile and installation detail so we can compare options.
For flat blanks before forming, see cut-to-size PC. For broader machining and assembly work, see PC CNC machining. Manufacturer processing guidance on sheet moisture and forming: Plaskolite PC forming note. Its temperatures and times apply to its stated materials and processes; your order is reviewed separately.
Where to look next
Related pages
Solid Polycarbonate Sheet
Clear, tinted or finished solid PC sheet for flat panels and fabricated parts, made to your dimensions.
Cut-to-Size Polycarbonate Panels
Factory-cut panels to the finished dimensions in your approved drawing; nesting and tolerance are quoted per order.
Custom Polycarbonate Sheet Specifications
Custom PC sheet, colour, function and fabricated parts — from your brief to a written, testable order specification.