About Plastics

Acrylic was first introduced in the United States in 1930. Its chemical name is polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) but it is more commonly known by the brand names Plexiglas or Lucite.

In addition to being attractive, Acrylic is also FDA approved, making it ideal for use in food service applications. Acrylic offers a safe alternative to glass and wood products, reducing problems with breakage (it’s many times stronger than window glass) and sanitation.

In order to keep our acrylic products functioning properly, we manufacture most of our food-related products with a rolled or "bull nosed" edge. This edge design is both attractive and safe, eliminating dangerous sharp corners. Flame-polishing edges can stress acrylic, causing it to react with a variety of solvent-based cleaners (including window spray). For this reason, we rarely flame treat the edges of our food-related products unless specifically requested to do so. 

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Materials

Acrylic

Acrylic is a great material for creating store fixtures, signs and point-of-purchase displays.  Acrylic gives designers the flexibility they need to realize their concepts economically. Its versatility and ease of fabrication allows designers to choose from an almost unlimited variety of colors, many standard transparent and translucent colors, and either glossy, smooth matte or textured finishes.  Acrylic now comes in a metal, granite and marble finish.

Sintra

Sintra material is a rigid foamed, closed cell polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material.  Sintra has an extensive history in screen printing, displays and exhibits, signage and in photo mounting and original equipment manufacturing (OEM) applications.  Sintra is available in the widest range of thicknesses (1mm-6mm, 10mm and 13mm) and colors (white, black, light gray, dark gray, beige, dark red, green, yellow, blue and dark blue) 

Properties of Sintra:

  • High strength-to-weight ratio
  • Excellent chemical resistance
  • Ease and versatility of fabrication
  • U.L. fire rated (94-V-O)
  • Excellent screen print substrate

If you would like a sample or technical information on any of these materials, please contact a sales representative for more information.

PETG

PETG (Polyethylene terephthalate, glycol modified) has become the material of choice for displays in demanding retail environments.  With impact strength significantly higher than standard acrylic, PETG has proven to be more than a match for impact from shopping carts and other daily rigors of mass merchandising. This material is FDA compliant and is an excellent choice for bulk food bins and other food proximity and food contact applications.  PETG is a clear, impact resistant material that easily forms at low temperature with excellent detail reproduction.  

Properties of PETG

  • High Impact Strength
  • Excellent Clarity
  • Cold Formable
  • FDA Compliant 
  • Low Forming Temperature

 

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Care and Cleaning

  • Clean acrylic with non-abrasive soap or detergent and water. Do not use window spray or kitchen scouring compounds, as they scratch acrylic.

  • Locate and dislodge any caked dirt with your bare hands or a soft, grit-free cloth, sponge or chamois. Avoid using hard, rough cloths that will scratch acrylic.
  • Dry with a clean damp chamois or soft cloth.

  • Do not put your acrylic product in the dishwasher. Heat and water weakens the glue joints of your product. 

  • Most minor scratches created during the cleaning process can be removed or reduced by applying an acrylic polish (found at any auto parts store). Several applications may be necessary.

  • Use citrus based products to clean hard-to-remove material from the surface of acrylic.

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