Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
What does Architectural Plastics, Inc. do?
We are a plastics distributor and custom fabrication shop. We supply plastic sheet materials and produce high-end, custom fabricated parts, assemblies, and finished displays. Many projects run from material sourcing through fabrication and delivery under one roof, which simplifies coordination and reduces risk for our clients.
What markets do you serve?
We work with retail brands, artists, museums and cultural institutions, exhibit and trade show teams, designers, builders, wineries, companies and private individuals that need precision plastic materials and fabrication delivered reliably.
What makes Architectural Plastics different?
We’re turnkey, detail-driven, and service-oriented. Clients rely on us to solve problems early, manage complexity, and deliver work that fits, finishes cleanly, and shows up ready to use. We’re often the behind-the-scenes partner that makes difficult projects go smoothly.
Are you just a distributor, or do you fabricate as well?
Both. We distribute plastic materials and also fabricate finished parts and assemblies. Clients often start with us for material supply and stay because fabrication, finishing, and logistics are handled by the same team.
Materials & Distribution
What types of plastics do you distribute?
We distribute acrylic and other commonly specified plastic sheet materials used in architectural, retail, exhibit, and industrial applications. We help clients select materials based on performance, appearance, thickness, environment, and fabrication requirements.
Do you sell plastic sheet and cut-to-size material?
Yes. We supply full sheets and cut-to-size material, including fabrication-ready prep such as clean cuts, finished edges, and polished surfaces when required.
Do you stock material locally?
Yes. We maintain access to a wide range of sizes and thicknesses through our facility and supplier network, allowing us to respond quickly to both standard and oversized material needs.
Can you source oversized or hard-to-find plastic sheets?
Yes. Sourcing oversized and specialty material is a core strength. If it’s available anywhere, we can usually get it—or tell you quickly if it’s not realistic.
Why work with a distributor who also fabricates?
Because material selection, availability, and fabrication are handled together. That shortens lead times, prevents material mismatches, and gives clients confidence that what’s specified will actually fabricate and perform as intended.
Design, Engineering & Process
Do I need complete drawings to start a project?
No, but they’re helpful if you have them. Sketches, reference photos, and basic dimensions are often enough to begin.
Do you provide shop drawings?
Yes. For most custom projects, we produce shop drawings to lock in dimensions, seams, access, and interfaces before material is cut.
Do you help solve design or fabrication challenges?
Absolutely. We regularly refine details to improve fit, strength, appearance, lead time, or cost—without compromising the intent of the project. This is where many clients see the most value.
Fabrication Capabilities
What fabrication processes do you offer?
CNC machining, bonding and assembly, polishing and finishing, thermoforming, and large-format sheet processing. We keep critical processes in-house to control quality and timelines.
Do you do tight-tolerance work?
Yes. Precision fabrication is a core competency. We plan machining and assembly around critical dimensions so parts align correctly and assemble without field modification.
Can you handle large or oversized work?
Yes. We regularly fabricate and handle large acrylic components and assemblies, with experience planning for rigidity, handling, packaging, and safe delivery.
Do you build multi-material assemblies?
Yes. While plastics are our core focus, we regularly integrate MDF, plywood, and solid wood components to deliver complete, finished assemblies when a project requires it.
Display Cases (Vitrines) & Wall Cases
What is a vitrine?
A vitrine is a display case—typically a clear acrylic enclosure designed to protect and present an object cleanly and professionally.
What types of display cases do you build?
Freestanding vitrines, pedestal vitrines, wall-mounted display cases, counter cases, and oversized cases for large or heavy objects.
Do you design custom wall cases?
Yes. We design wall cases with clean sightlines, proper access, and practical servicing in mind, especially for public-facing environments.
Do you offer museum-grade or UV-filtering acrylic options?
Yes. When required, we can specify premium, museum-grade acrylics including UV-filtering options to meet conservation or display requirements.
Can cases be designed for access and servicing?
Yes. Access strategy is planned from the start so cases are safe to service and maintain without risking the object or the enclosure.
Retail Displays & Brand Installations
Do you build retail displays and fixtures?
Yes. Retail displays are a major part of our work. We fabricate custom product displays, pedestals, risers, branded fixtures, and architectural acrylic elements for high-visibility environments.
Can you produce retail displays in quantity?
Yes. We support one-off hero pieces as well as repeatable production runs, maintaining consistency in fit and finish across units.
Are retail displays designed for durability?
Yes. We design for real-world use—handling, cleaning, lighting, and traffic—so displays look good long after installation.
Artist Fabrication
Do you fabricate work for artists?
Yes. We work directly with artists to fabricate acrylic components and finished pieces, including polished forms, bonded assemblies, and large-scale elements.
Can you help engineer an artist’s concept?
Yes. We frequently assist with material selection, structural logic, and fabrication strategy to ensure the final piece performs as intended.
Lead Time, Shipping & Delivery
Can you handle short lead times?
Often, yes. If you have a deadline, tell us up front and we’ll give you a direct, realistic answer on feasibility.
What is your typical lead time for a small job?
2 weeks is common unless we are running beyond full capacity.
Do you ship projects nationwide and internationally?
Yes. We ship globally and coordinate freight based on size, fragility, and schedule.
Do you crate projects in-house?
Yes. We build custom crates and protective packaging to safeguard finished surfaces and polished edges during transport.
Working With Us
What should I expect for communication and service?
We are known for our industry leading service, clear communication, fast responses, and proactive problem-solving. If there’s a risk or constraint, we address it early—no surprises.
How do I get a quote?
Send dimensions, drawings or photos, material expectations, intended use, quantity, and deadline. If details are still evolving, we can start with a budget range and refine it as the scope is finalized.
How do I contact you?
Our contact information is directly below in our website footer. We’re happy to speak with you on the phone, email, via video conferencing or in person by appointment.