Product construction
Roller or Fold-Flat Roof Shade
Edited by LesomTech
The word sunshade does not identify a product. A removable roller roof shade, a fold-flat framed panel, a side-window mesh set, a folding windshield shade and an exterior snow cover are five different constructions, with different patterns, different hardware and different ways of failing in service. The construction has to be decided before a design can be quoted.
This guide compares the two roof constructions and the constraints that decide them, and lists what to send so the factory can quote the right one.
1. Two roof constructions, two development briefs
A removable roller shade is fabric with an internal roller mechanism and a supporting frame. It is operated in place: the handle is moved to open the fabric and retract it, and the shade stays attached to the vehicle.
A fold-flat shade is a fabric panel supported by a metal perimeter frame with clip-on mounting. It is removed from the vehicle, folded and stowed. These are separate briefs, not two finishes of the same product.
2. Roller: travel, handle and headroom decide it
A roller needs somewhere to live when it is retracted. Confirm the travel, the operating clearance, the handle location and the attachment points, and check the headroom inside the cabin with the shade fitted.
Also confirm whether the opening should stop short of the full roof opening. A roller that travels the full length leaves less storage space and can interfere with a second roof panel or a closing mechanism.
3. Fold-flat: outline, clips and packed size decide it
The panel has to match the opening, and the clips have to hold it without marking the trim. Check the panel outline, edge gaps, headroom and clip retention on the target vehicle.
The folded size is a design constraint, not a packing detail. Agree the folded dimensions and the storage-bag size in the brief, because they determine the frame profile, the fabric tension and the carton.
4. Side windows and windshields answer to different constraints
A side-window set competes with the door and window mechanism. Test attachment, removal and window operation on the vehicle, and agree coverage and sight lines before approving.
A folding windshield shade competes with the mirror, the sensors and the driver's view. Coverage, fold direction and the stored size are decided first; logo placement and packaging follow. The instruction to remove the shade before driving belongs on the product.
5. What to send so the construction can be quoted
Send the covered opening, the vehicle or a dimensioned drawing, clear photographs with the opening closed and open, and the construction you want developed. For a vehicle-specific design include the make, model, production period and market.
State the quantity per style, the fabric and colour, the storage requirement and the branding and packaging. LesomTech reviews material, logo, packaging and final fit with the buyer before a quotation, and production starts at 100 pieces for each style.
Copy this checklist into your enquiry
- Covered opening and the construction being quoted
- Vehicle details, or a dimensioned drawing plus photographs
- Fabric, colour, edge finish and hardware
- Operating, folding or stowage requirement and the stored size
- Coverage, sight lines and any removal instruction
- Quantity per style, branding, labels and packaging
- Sample scope and the checks to perform on the vehicle
Product and factory information
100 pieces / style
What would you like to make?
Send a vehicle model, product reference or drawing. A clear brief is enough to start the conversation.