RIBS AND LOUVERS

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GUIDELINES:

The distance between each rib or louver should be greater than or equal to its depth.

OVERVIEW:

The ability of the material to form into the recesses created by the mold will determine the dimensioning of the ribs or louvers. Typically the louvers are molded in and trimmed off from the back of the part.

SPECIFICS:

The ability to form in features relates directly back to the discussion of draw ratio. Material can be pushed into a recess but it might thin out to an unacceptable gauge. In other instances the sheet is unable to form into a recess because the sheet is thicker than the recess and the hot strength of the material will not allow it to form into the recess.

Louvers can also be trimmed in with a CNC router. This, however, does not allow for a molded in return which would increase the strength of the louver and improve the appearance.