3 Tips For Making Acrylic Fabrications

If you've been to the bank and seen a glass shield at the teller window, or to a restaurant that had a sneeze guard at the buffet, you are actually looking at acrylic fabrications more often than not. It is a clear wall-like structure that you can set up to help you with different protective measures in your business. It looks just like glass, only acrylic is 50% lighter. A lot of these fabrications are made from scratch and will be made into any kind of shape you need.

1. Design the fabrication for the right temperature resistance and thickness

Because acrylic is so transparent, it is useful for almost any application. Just a few of the ways that people use acrylic fabrications are medical boxes, museum displays, jewelry cases, collector shows, and marketing products. They won't fade as easily as plastics or break as easily as glass. It is also scratch-resistant and can be cut however needed. Acrylic fabrications are also resistant to impact and are easy to shape or engineer how you need.

2. Have a mold cast so that your acrylic fabrication is the right dimensions

For a display case, shelf, window, or other fabrication, it starts with getting a mold cast. The acrylic fabrication will then be made to the right dimensions. Custom injection molding is accurate and lets you work with any kind of prototype. Paying around $12,000 for a custom mold for your acrylic fabrication is quite common. Getting the mold is the most time-consuming part, but then you'll be off to the races after your prototype is made.

3. Clean and maintain the acrylic materials until they sparkle

Acrylic is a low-maintenance material, which is good for your fabrication. It only takes a little bit of cleaning to keep it shining. This is important for your light transparency and to give it a good appearance. You should still be gentle with it. Use lightweight cloths instead of rigid cleaning rags to give it a good shine, and avoid touching your hands to the fabrication whenever possible.

Don't use glass cleaners on your acrylic, because it will strip it and create scratches. The chemicals are the problem, so don't use a cleaner on your fabrication until you know what is included in the bottle. Clean your fabrications a few times per week and you will be wowed by how much they sparkle.

Start with a design, take it to a mold, and watch your acrylic fabrication come to life.

For more information, contact an acrylic fabrication service.