Plastic Fabrication Services for Precision, Finish Quality, and Repeatability
Architectural Plastics provides custom plastic fabrication for B2B and private clients who need clean aesthetics, tight tolerances, and repeatable results. We support projects from early prototypes through production runs, with in-house machining, forming, bonding, and finishing.
We’re built for real execution. Our 16,000 sq. ft. facility in Petaluma, California is set up for efficient throughput on both one-off builds and scaled production. When your project requires it, we also integrate wood and metal components to deliver complete, installation-ready assemblies.
Architectural Plastics fabricates plastic parts, panels, and assemblies for project teams who can’t afford surprises. We specialize in acrylic (including clear-bonded seams), tight-tolerance CNC machining, thermoforming, and premium finishing—supported by real process control so parts fit, look right, and install cleanly. From one-off prototypes to repeat production, we build around manufacturability and delivery constraints from day one.
Already have drawings? Email them to us directly for the fastest response: sales@archplastics.com
Shop-ready CNC, finishing, and assembly produced in-house in Northern California.
Tight-tolerance CNC machining for plastics parts, panels, and assemblies
Clean seam strategy and controlled bonding for clear acrylic builds
Thermoforming with molds and process control for consistent geometry
Presentation-grade plastic finishing where optics and edges matter
Packaging, crating, and global shipping coordination for high-value work
Fabrication Projects: Large Material Inventory, Large Format Assembly, Mass Production, Complex Fabrication
Material inventory pull to support fast lead times on fabrication builds.
Large-format acrylic assembly handling and staging for controlled fit-up.
High-volume production run (2,200 assemblies) built for repeatability and consistency.
Inspection to confirm fit of precision CNC-machined acrylic assembly, finish, and tolerance control.
How Clients Typically Work With Our Fabrication Team
Most fabrication projects use multiple processes. The sections below explain how each fits into a complete build.
CNC Machining and Cut Components
Best for:
Tight tolerances, repeatability, clean edges, hole patterns, and precision cutouts. We machine plastics for parts, panels, fixtures, and assemblies using repeatable programs and controlled outputs. The goal is consistency—so reorders match the original.
You receive:
CNC-routed parts with stable dimensions and repeatable geometry
Drilling, countersinks/counterbores, and accurate patterns
Finish planning that matches the application (show edges vs functional edges)
Bonding and Seam Construction
Best for:
Clear acrylic enclosures, display components, structural acrylic assemblies, premium visual requirements. Clean seams don’t happen by accident. We plan seam strategy early—so the finished piece looks intentional, performs correctly, and installs without stress.
You receive:
Seam strategy aligned with geometry, viewing angles, and handling
Controlled bonding for clear assemblies where fit and finish matter
Assembly planning that reduces visible stress and “surprise seams”
Finishing and Polishing
Best for:
Premium optics, museum-grade viewing, edges seen under real lighting, high-touch surfaces. Finish is where plastic projects succeed or fail. We build around edge quality, polish level, and durability requirements so parts look right in real-world use.
You receive:
Polished edges and surfaces matched to viewing distance and lighting
Finish consistency across sets and production runs
Clear guidance on what “show finish” means for your part geometry
Thermoforming Plastic Parts
Best for:
Curved geometry, formed covers and shields, repeatable formed parts, large-format plastic components. When geometry demands it, thermoforming produces complex shapes with controlled results. We design and fabricate with forming constraints in mind so the end product stays consistent.
You receive:
Forming approach aligned with geometry, material, and finish targets
Mold/method planning for repeatability
Formed parts that fit without “fight” during installation
Multi-Material Assemblies
Best for:
Complete deliverables that require plastic + wood + metal integration. We build integrated assemblies when the project requires a complete, installation-ready deliverable. Fit-up, finishing transitions, and delivery constraints are managed as part of the build.
You receive:
Coordinated fit and finish across materials
Assembly sequencing that reduces install friction
Packaging and delivery planning for high-value assemblies
Shipping & Logistics
Best for:
Finished parts and assemblies that need to arrive intact, on time, and ready to install.
Fabrication doesn’t end when a part leaves the machine. We plan packaging, handling, and shipping as part of the build—especially for finished, high-value, or oversized components where damage or delays aren’t acceptable. Crating, palletization, and carrier selection are coordinated to match the geometry, finish sensitivity, and delivery conditions of the project.
You receive:
Packaging and crating designed around part geometry and finish sensitivity
Palletized, crated, or dedicated-load shipments as required
Coordination with carriers for LTL, FTL, or white-glove delivery
Clear labeling, documentation, and delivery sequencing when needed
Fabrication Capability Specs
Typical CNC tolerance range: +/- 0.01”
High-precision CNC tolerance range: +/- 0.005”
Max machined part size: 88” x 150”
Max sheet size handled: 88” x 150”
Thickness range: 0.060” to 6”
Typical prototype lead time (after design approval and material availability): 1-2 weeks
Typical production lead time (after design approval and material availability): 1-2 weeks for small/medium projects. 3+ weeks for larger projects.
Finishing levels available: saw cut, routed, sanded/frosted, flame polished, machine polished, buff polished.
Quality note: Where optical clarity and show surfaces matter, we plan seam strategy, polishing sequence, and handling to protect the finish throughout fabrication and shipping.
How Projects Run
Start with a sketch, reference photos, CAD, or drawings. We confirm material selection, manufacturability, finish targets, tolerance sensitivity, and any assembly or installation constraints. From there, we move into fabrication with repeatability in mind so parts fit, finish, and install the way they should.
If the project is high-visibility or high-risk, we will recommend prototyping to validate seams, finish level, fit, and handling before committing to full production.
Materials We Work With
We fabricate a wide range of plastics and sheet goods, including acrylic (PMMA), Tru Vue Optium Museum Acrylic, polycarbonate, HDPE, UHMW, PVC, ABS, and related materials. Material selection is driven by clarity, impact resistance, wear, chemical exposure, temperature, and finish requirements. If you have a specific material requirement, we will confirm suitability and availability for the application.
Selected Plastic Materials:
Selected Wood Materials:
MDF
Plywood
Solid Wood
Pricing and Quote Factors
Pricing is driven by a few variables. Sharing these details up front helps us quote accurately and avoid change orders mid-build.
Material selection and thickness (clarity, impact, wear, chemical exposure, temperature).
Geometry and machining complexity (tolerances, hole patterns, pockets, edge details).
Bonding and seam requirements (optical seams vs functional seams, visible edges, show surfaces).
Finish level (edge work, polishing, scratch sensitivity, lighting conditions).
Thermoforming requirements (molds, repeatability targets, finish constraints after forming).
Quantity and repeatability (prototype, short run, production run, reorder expectation).
Packaging and shipping requirements (oversize, crating, white-glove, delivery constraints).
Timeline (standard vs expedited).
What We Need To Quote Your Project
Providing clear inputs helps us respond quickly and accurately.
Drawings, sketches, or CAD files (if available).
Overall dimensions and quantities.
Material preference, or performance requirements if you are unsure.
Target timeline or need-by date.
Finish expectations and tolerance sensitivity.
Installation environment and constraints, if applicable.
Shipping destination (city and state).
Send what you have. We will respond with feasibility feedback and clear next steps.
FAQs
What types of plastic fabrication do you do?
We fabricate acrylic and engineering plastics into finished parts and assemblies, including CNC machining, bonding, finishing, thermoforming, and multi-material builds.
What materials do you work with?
We commonly fabricate acrylic (PMMA), Tru Vue Optium Museum Acrylic, polycarbonate, HDPE, UHMW, PVC, and ABS. If you have a specific requirement, send the spec and we’ll confirm suitability for the application.
What tolerances can you hold on machined plastic parts?
Highest precision tolerance of +/- 0.005”.
What is the largest part you can CNC machine?
88” x 150”.
What thickness range do you typically fabricate?
0.060” to 6”.
Can you cut hole patterns, countersinks, and custom cutouts?
Yes. We CNC-machine hole patterns, slots, cutouts, countersinks, and counterbores. Send a drawing or file and we’ll confirm feasibility and recommend the cleanest approach.
Do you provide optical-quality acrylic seams?
Yes. One of our core capabilities is our optically clear seams with controlled bonding and finishing for museum-grade presentation. We are an industry leader in this field.
What finish levels do you offer?
We offer multiple finishing levels based on function and presentation needs, including routed edges, sanded/frosted edges, and polished edges. We’ll recommend the right finish based on visibility, scratch sensitivity, and budget.
Do you offer thermoforming and line bending?
Yes. We thermoform and line bend acrylic and other plastics when required by the geometry and application. Send dimensions and the intended use and we’ll recommend the right forming approach.
Do you build molds and fixtures in-house for thermoforming?
Yes. We design and make precise forms/molds as needed for our thermoforming projects.
What file formats do you prefer for quoting and CNC work?
We can quote from dimensioned drawings. For CNC work, CAD files help reduce ambiguity and speed setup. Preferred formats: DWG and DXF.
Do you ship finished parts and assemblies?
Yes. We coordinate packaging and shipping based on part geometry, finish sensitivity, and delivery requirements, including crating, palletization, and carrier coordination.
What do you need to provide for a quote?
Send what you have: drawings, dimensions, material type and thickness, quantity, finish expectations, tolerance sensitivity, target timeline, and shipping destination. We’ll respond with feasibility feedback and clear next steps.
Why People Choose Architectural Plastics
Excellent customer service from a team that cares deeply about all of our clients’ experiences with us.
Fabrication built around real materials and real tolerances.
Optically clear glue seams, controlled bonding, and premium finishing when optics matter.
Repeatable CNC outputs for prototypes through production runs.
Multi-material capability for complete, installation-ready deliverables.
Packaging and shipping planning for high-value, finished parts.
Ready to Move Forward?
If you are trying to de-risk a plastic fabrication build, especially where fit, finish, or repeatability matters, this is where to start.
Already have drawings? Email them to us directly for the fastest response: sales@archplastics.com Phone: 707-765-9898