Custom Acrylic Boxes
Acrylic display cases and boxes are a versatile solution for showcasing merchandise and memorabilia. Understanding the basics of acrylic and acrylic box displays, how custom acrylic boxes are made, and their benefits over glass will help you choose the right one. This article explains the advantages of acrylic displays, including why they outperform glass for safety and clarity, how acrylic boxes are fabricated and what design options are available, and tips on getting the perfect clear acrylic display for your needs.
What are Acrylic and Plexiglass Display Cases?
Acrylic is a type of clear plastic (chemically known as PMMA) that looks like glass but is far more durable. In fact, Plexiglas (with one “s”) and Lucite are popular brand names for this material. (All of these materials are types of plastic.) Acrylic has excellent optical clarity with no green tint unlike ordinary glass. Large acrylic sheets (plastic sheets of acrylic) can be cut and bonded into boxes and cases, such as a standard 5 sided acrylic display case (often called a 5-sided box) that you place over an item or on a base or pedestal. Because acrylic is lighter and about 17 times stronger than glass of similar thickness, an acrylic box is essentially a sturdy clear plastic box that provides glass-like transparency with greater durability. Additionally, acrylic can be drilled, bent, or glued during assembly, allowing custom shapes and sizes to be made. For comparison, other clear plastics like polycarbonate (e.g. Lexan) offer higher impact resistance but tend to have less optical clarity; still, acrylic is usually preferred due to its crystal-clear appearance and rigidity compared to glass. For these reasons, acrylic is used to fabricate everything from large museum display cases to small plexiglass boxes for personal collections.
Why Use Custom Acrylic Display Boxes for Collectibles and Memorabilia?
Clear acrylic cases are popular in museum and gallery settings and in retail because they protect items while displaying them elegantly. By using a custom acrylic case, you can showcase everything from art pieces to heirlooms or rare collectible figures. These cases offer 360-degree visibility so your item can be admired from all angles. For example, shops often use acrylic displays to feature items for sale (like jewelry or electronics) while keeping them secure and dust-free. Even small plexiglass display boxes or cubes can showcase products on a countertop. Acrylic boxes are also safer for high-traffic environments – unlike glass, an acrylic or plexiglass display case won’t easily break if knocked over, ensuring your items (and visitors) stay safe. According to display experts, acrylic cases are used to safeguard items like flags and artwork; they even serve as ballot or donation boxes at events. Because of their transparency, these enclosures blend into any décor and create displays that attract attention without overshadowing the contents.
How Are Custom Acrylic Boxes Made, and What Options Can You Choose?
One big advantage of acrylic is how easy it is to customize. These custom made acrylic boxes can be built to any size or shape you need. Skilled craftsmen and custom acrylic fabrication processes use advanced techniques like laser cutting and polishing to create custom acrylic plexiglass cases tailored to your specific requirements. You can order a custom acrylic box built to your exact dimensions – manufacturers offer many stock sizes (for example a 12 x 12 inch cube) which are often in-stock for quick shipping. Acrylic also comes in different thicknesses; larger display cases may use thicker acrylic panels for added strength. You can also request any custom size. Acrylic is available in a variety of colors besides clear, including colored acrylic or tinted panels and opaque options like black acrylic for bases or backgrounds. Modern plexiglass fabrication methods can incorporate special features as well: for instance, UV printing can add logos or artwork directly onto the acrylic, and pieces can be bent or shaped with heat to achieve unique forms. Many manufacturers even focus on sustainable practices in their production processes to reduce waste without compromising quality. If you need multiple units, some suppliers offer wholesale prices for larger orders. Whatever acrylic products you require – from display cases to sign holders – customization ensures your solution is both functional and aesthetically pleasing to meet your needs.
Are Acrylic Display Cases Better Than Glass?
For most purposes, acrylic plexiglass display cases are the superior choice over glass. Acrylic is far more impact-resistant and much lighter in weight, which means it’s safer and easier to move or mount on walls. A high-quality clear acrylic case also offers exceptional clarity; unlike regular glass (which can have a slight green tint), acrylic provides a nearly invisible showcase. If an acrylic display does crack under extreme force it won’t shatter into sharp pieces – a safety advantage for valuables. Additionally, acrylic is easier to cut or drill into for custom fabrication, making it ideal for unique display needs or mounting hardware. While glass is more scratch-resistant, modern acrylic can be polished or manufactured with coatings to minimize scratching. Overall, a well-made acrylic case offers durability and elegance for your valuable items. It’s no surprise that acrylic displays are widely used in settings from retail shops to high-end museum exhibits.
