instrument panel plastic 1

[afterhrs]

Does anyone have the specifications for the clear plastic that covers the instrument panel for the speedometer, tachometer,and other gauges?

 

[patprimmer]

It could be one of two types of plastic. The traditional material is Acrylic, or poly methyl methacrylate.

The other posibility is polycarbonate, sometimes known by the trade names of Lexan or Macrolon.

What specifications are you after, as I have fileing cabnets full of specs Regards
pat

 

[afterhrs]

Pat,

I am searching for a plastic that can withstand a temperature range of -30 C to +120, available in several different colors, lightwieght, durable, and translucent.

Thank you very much for your time!!


Regards,
Jerry

 

[gdodd]

Usual material for instrument panel gauge faces is polycarbonate as mentioned above.

 

[patprimmer]

PC will withstand -30 to 120 deg C, but 120 is close to it's upper limit for light load.

PC has a natural colour which is fairly clear, so can be coulured or tinted to just about any colour.

PC has very good impact strength, so is considered "safe" in areas likely to impact the occupant.

PC is fairly good to UV, but I would think that it should be UV stabilised for a dashboard application.

PC has lousy scratch resistance, unless treated with a special (and expensive) scratch resistant finish.

PC is very sensitive to attack from a number of common solvents, especially aromatics and chlorinated types.

Acrylic will NOT withstand 120 deg C, and is considered brittle. It has excellent scratch resistance, clarity and UV resistance, and is much better to PC re common solvents, but still susceptible to some solvents.

The move to PC was driven by temperature and impact strength. Regards
pat