Ask a Custom Acrylic Display Manufacturer Anything

You have a vision for a unique display. A custom acrylic display manufacturer can bring it to life. As demand for these displays grows, you likely have key questions. We provide direct answers to help you plan your project.

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): You can order small batches or larger runs of 100+ units.
Average Lead Time: You should plan for a production timeline of about 2-4 weeks.
Core Pricing Factors: Your final cost depends on material choice, design complexity, and order volume.

MOQ Insights from a Custom Acrylic Display Manufacturer

A Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) is the smallest number of units you can buy in one order. Understanding MOQs helps you plan your budget and project scope effectively.

Standard Minimum Order Quantities

You might wonder why you cannot always order just one or two items. A custom acrylic display manufacturer has MOQs because every new project requires significant setup. This includes:

Organizing all the necessary materials.
Setting up an assembly line and specific equipment.
Planning for unique packaging and quality testing.

These initial steps carry a fixed cost. MOQs help the manufacturer cover these costs. For many companies, the standard MOQ is around 50 to 100 pieces. However, many manufacturers are flexible. They often work with businesses in retail, cosmetics, and exhibitions that need smaller, specialized batches.

Prototypes and Single-Piece Orders

What if you only need one display? You can order a single piece, which is considered a prototype. A prototype allows you to test your design and make sure it is perfect before full production. You can often receive a prototype very quickly, sometimes in just 3-5 days after you approve the design. A prototype costs more than a mass-produced unit because it involves manual processes like laser cutting and hand-bonding for a single item.

How Quantity Affects Per-Unit Price

Ordering more displays lowers the cost of each one. This is called economies of scale. When a custom acrylic display manufacturer produces a large batch, the initial setup costs are spread across many units. This efficiency leads to a lower per-unit price for you.

Tip: The more you order, the less you pay per display. An order of 100 units will have a much lower per-unit cost than a small batch of 10.

Here is a simple breakdown of how volume impacts cost:

Production Stage	Order Volume	Average Unit Cost
Prototype	1 Unit	~$30
Mass Production	2,000+ Units	~$4

This table shows that larger orders significantly reduce your final cost per item.

Project Lead Times Explained

A clear timeline helps you manage your project from start to finish. Knowing the production schedule allows you to plan your marketing campaigns, retail rollouts, or event preparations without any surprises. The total time from your order to delivery involves a few key stages.

Average Lead Time from Order to Delivery

Your project moves through distinct phases, each with its own timeline. Once you approve the final design, the manufacturing process begins. A typical project timeline breaks down like this:

Prototyping (3–7 Days): First, you will receive a sample. This step lets you see and approve the physical display before full production. This stage is quick, often taking just a few business days.
Mass Production (10–20 Days): After you approve the prototype, the main production run starts. A standard order usually takes about two to three weeks. Larger or more complex orders may require up to four weeks.
Shipping (1–7 Days): The final step is delivery. Domestic shipping within the US generally takes between one and seven business days to arrive at your location.

Here is a quick overview of the timeline:

Stage	Average Duration
prototyping	3–7 Business Days
Production	10–20 Business Days
Shipping (Domestic)	1–7 Business Days

Factors That Can Extend Your Timeline

Several factors can add time to your project. You should keep these in mind during planning to avoid unexpected delays:

Complex Designs: Displays with unique curves, intricate joints, or multiple bonded parts require more time to manufacture.
Special Materials: If your project needs a specific color, thickness, or type of acrylic that is not in stock, the manufacturer must source it.
Approval Delays: The timeline starts after you give final approval. Any delay in approving the design or prototype will push back the production start date.

Expedited Services and Rush Orders

What if you need your displays faster than the standard timeline? Many manufacturers offer expedited services to meet tight deadlines. A rush order moves your project to the front of the production queue.

Note: 📝 Rush orders are a great option when you are short on time. However, this premium service comes with additional fees to cover the costs of rearranging production schedules and overtime work. Always ask about rush options and costs upfront if you have an urgent deadline.

Deconstructing Custom Display Pricing

Understanding the price of your custom display helps you budget effectively. The final cost is not just one number; it is a combination of your design choices and material selections. Let's break down what goes into the price.

Core Factors That Determine Cost

Four main factors influence the final price of your display. A professional custom acrylic display manufacturer will consider each one when preparing your quote.

Material Type: You can choose between extruded or cast acrylic. Extruded acrylic is more cost-effective and great for many projects. Cast acrylic is a premium option with higher clarity.
Material Thickness: Thicker acrylic adds durability but also increases cost. A 6mm sheet costs about twice as much as a 3mm sheet. Thicker material also weighs more, which can affect shipping costs.
Dimensions: Larger displays require more material, which directly increases the price.
Design Complexity: Simple box shapes are less expensive. Designs with many bends, polished edges, or glued joints require more labor and time, adding to the cost.

UV-Filtering and Anti-Glare Options

Special coatings can protect your products and improve how people see them. Adding a UV-filtering coating can increase the cost by $10 to $50 per sheet. This option is great for protecting valuable items from sun damage. Anti-glare acrylic has a matte finish that reduces reflections, making it easier to see the display in bright light.

Feature	Standard Acrylic	Anti-Glare Acrylic
Finish	High Gloss	Matte
Glare	Highly reflective	Reduced reflections
Best For	Controlled lighting	Bright environments

Archival Materials and Security Features

For high-value items, you may need museum-grade materials. Archival acrylic, like ACRYLITE® OP3, blocks nearly 100% of harmful UV rays and is shatter-resistant. This material is the standard for museums and galleries. You can also add security features.

For example, a small countertop display case with a built-in cam lock and keys might cost around $87.00. This feature protects your valuable merchandise from theft.

How to Get an Accurate Project Quote

To get a precise price, you need to provide clear information. A custom acrylic display manufacturer needs specific details to understand your vision. The more information you give, the more accurate your quote will be.

Tip: 📝 Avoid vague requests. Be clear about your needs to get a display that meets your expectations and budget.

Before you ask for a quote, gather the following:

Your design drawings or a 3D model
The exact dimensions (height, width, and depth)
The type and thickness of the acrylic you want
Any special features, like locks or logos

You are now ready to begin your project. Planning ahead ensures a smooth process. Before you contact a custom acrylic display manufacturer, remember these key steps:

Clarify Your Quantity: Know how many displays you need to check against MOQ requirements.
Budget Your Time: Plan for a realistic lead time of at least a few weeks.
Prepare Your Design: Sketch your ideas and gather your exact dimensions and material needs.

Ready to start your project? Contact us today for a precise quote based on your specific needs.

FAQ

Can I add my company logo to the display?

Yes, you can add your logo to any display. We offer screen printing and laser engraving to feature your brand. This customization service adds a small fee to your total cost. It is a great way to make your display unique.

What file format should I use for my design?

You should provide a vector file for your design. These files help us create the most accurate product for you. We prefer the following formats:

.AI (Adobe Illustrator)
.EPS (Encapsulated PostScript)
.PDF (Portable Document Format)

How do I clean and care for my acrylic display?

You can easily clean your display. Use a soft, non-abrasive cloth with mild soap and water. You should avoid harsh chemicals like ammonia or alcohol. These products can damage the acrylic surface over time and cause cloudiness.

Is acrylic a better choice than glass for displays?

Acrylic offers many advantages over glass. It is much lighter and stronger, making it more resistant to impact. It also provides superior optical clarity. This material choice makes your products look their best while ensuring greater safety.