Acrylic (Perspex®) Fabrication Specialists
Acrylic – commonly referred to by the brand name Perspex® – is one of the most versatile and visually striking plastics used across modern fabrication. At Dipec, we have over 40 years of experience producing high‑quality acrylic products and components for retail, industrial, architectural and commercial applications.
Using advanced CNC machining, polishing, thermoforming and other bespoke plastic fabrication techniques, we deliver durable, optically‑clear acrylic products and parts with exceptional accuracy and finish.
Whether you require prototypes, one‑off custom applications or full production runs, Dipec provides a reliable, cost‑efficient and expert service trusted by organisations across the UK.
Benefits of Acrylic Perspex®
Acrylic is a premier engineering and display material, favoured for its superior optical transparency, long-term durability, and exceptional workability. It serves as a high-performance, shatter-resistant alternative to glass in demanding environments.
Core Properties of Fabricated Acrylic:
- Superior Optical Clarity: Offers up to 92% light transmission, exceeding the clarity of standard glass.
- Exceptional UV & Weather Resistance: Inherently stable against yellowing or degradation, making it ideal for long-term outdoor use.
- High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Remarkably strong yet 50% lighter than glass, simplifying installation and handling.
- Enhanced Impact Resistance: Significantly tougher than glass, providing a safer solution for protective screens and public-facing displays.
- Versatile Aesthetic Finishes: Available in a vast range of clear, opal, tinted, frosted, and vibrant colour-matched options.
- Excellent Thermal Formability: Perfectly suited for complex heat bending, line bending, and vacuum forming.
- Precision Finishing: The ideal substrate for high-quality diamond polishing, CNC machining, and intricate laser engraving.
- Broad Chemical Compatibility: Resilient against many common industrial chemicals and cleaning agents.
Precision Acrylic Perspex® Fabrication Services
Dipec combines decades of technical craftsmanship with advanced plastic fabrication technology to deliver high-specification components from Perspex® and premium acrylic sheets.
Precision CNC Machining & Routing
Custom Thermoforming & Line Bending
Using temperature-controlled heating, we expertly shape acrylic into bespoke curves, structural bends, and complex 3D forms without compromising the material’s clarity or strength.
Edge Polishing & Surface Finishing
Specialist Acrylic Bonding & Welding
Utilising advanced solvent bonding and UV-curing cements, we create high-strength, seamless joins that are essential for museum-grade display cases and pressure-resistant housings.
Laser Engraving & Technical Marking
High-precision engraving for industrial branding, permanent part identification, and decorative architectural elements, providing a permanent and professional finish.
Bespoke Prototyping & Scale Production
We support your product journey from initial rapid prototyping to full-scale batch production, ensuring consistent quality and exacting tolerances across every unit manufactured.
Bespoke Applications of Acrylic Perspex®
Due to its high optical clarity, structural durability, and incredible design flexibility, Acrylic is the industry standard for both aesthetic and functional plastic fabrication. At Dipec, we specialise in transforming raw acrylic sheet into high-performance components across various sectors.
- Retail & Point-of-Sale (POS): Custom display stands, plinths, and branded signage units.
- Industrial Safety: Impact-resistant machine guards, clear protective screens, and acoustic barriers.
- Lighting & Signage: High-efficiency light diffusers and precision-cut illuminated letters.
- Exhibition & Museum Displays: Museum-grade display cases, brochure holders, and plinth covers.
- Architectural Features: Bespoke interior panels, balustrades, and decorative glazing.
- Scientific & Medical: Sterile laboratory equipment, medical housings, and transparent enclosures.
- Product Protection: Custom-sized dust covers and high-visibility inspection windows.
Acrylic (Perspex®) Grades & Thicknesses Available
At Dipec, we stock and fabricate an extensive range of premium Perspex® and acrylic sheet grades to suit any structural or aesthetic requirement.
We ensure the material grade matches your specific application for optimal performance and longevity.
Our Material Portfolio Includes:
- Cast Acrylic (Perspex®): The industry standard for CNC machining and laser engraving; offers superior thermal stability and a high-quality finish.
- Extruded Acrylic: A cost-effective solution with excellent thickness tolerances, ideal for flat panels, glazing, and simple heat bending.
- Frosted & Matte Finishes: Anti-reflective surfaces perfect for modern interior design, privacy screens, and premium retail displays.
- Tinted & Solid Colours: A vast spectrum of translucent and opaque colours for branded signage and architectural features.
- Acrylic Mirror: A lightweight, shatterproof alternative to glass mirrors for retail and public-space environments.
- High-Impact Acrylic: Modified grades designed for enhanced durability in demanding industrial machine guarding applications.
- LED Diffuser Sheets: Specifically engineered for back-lit signage to eliminate “hotspots” and provide even light distribution.
Thicknesses & Custom Sourcing
Our standard stock range covers thicknesses from 1mm to 30mm. For specialist engineering projects, we can source and fabricate heavy-gauge blocks up to 100mm+ or bespoke specialist grades upon request.
Looking for the Ultimate Invisible Protection?
While standard Acrylic (Perspex) is excellent for general displays and machine guards, certain high-value projects require zero-glare and maximum conservation. For museum-quality vitrines, delicate artworks, and luxury displays, we recommend Tru Vue® Optium Museum Acrylic. This specialist glazing offers 99% UV protection and an anti-reflective coating that makes the material virtually invisible.
Your Trusted Partner for Quality Acrylic Fabrication
With a long-standing reputation in the UK plastics fabrication industry, Dipec offers:
✔ Over 40 years of acrylic fabrication expertise
✔ Precision CNC machining and advanced forming technologies
✔ Highly skilled in‑house fabricators
✔ Fast turnaround and competitive pricing
✔ Quality assurance across every project
✔ Support from concept to completion
We work with clients across retail, industrial manufacturing, engineering, architectural design and specialist sectors.
Need Expert Acrylic Plastic Fabrication?
Contact Dipec Today for a Quote.
Acrylic Perspex® FAQs
The ideal acrylic thickness depends on your project’s structural requirements, load, and span. For most fabricated parts, 3-10mm is common, while guards, covers and architectural panels may require 10-20mm or thicker for rigidity. Dipec advises on the optimum thickness during project planning.
Yes. Cast acrylic machines extremely well and can achieve precise tolerances suitable for engineered components, enclosures, fixtures and display parts. Dipec uses advanced CNC routing to maintain consistency across single or batch‑run parts.
Acrylic (especially cast acrylic) offers excellent UV stability and weather resistance, making it ideal for exterior signage, protective panels and architectural features. It will not yellow under normal exposure and maintains clarity over time.
Cast acrylic offers better optical clarity, polishability and machining performance, making it preferred for high‑quality fabricated parts. Extruded acrylic is cost-effective but can be more prone to stress and less suitable for detailed machining.
Yes. Acrylic can be polished using flame, diamond or mechanical methods to create high‑clarity, glass‑quality edges. This is especially valuable for retail displays and visual presentation pieces.
Acrylic is rigid and optically superior, but polycarbonate is significantly more impact resistant. For display or clarity‑critical applications, acrylic is ideal. For high‑impact or safety applications, polycarbonate is often recommended. Dipec advises on the best choice based on performance requirements.
Absolutely. Acrylic responds well to controlled thermoforming and line bending, allowing for curved panels, folded shapes and complex 3D forms. Dipec uses precision heating equipment to ensure clean bends without stressing the material.
Acrylic offers excellent rigidity, weather resistance, clarity and surface hardness, making it suitable for machine guards, covers, housings and inspection panels. For high‑impact environments, Dipec may recommend impact‑modified acrylic or alternative materials.
Yes. Acrylic can be chemically bonded using cements that create strong, near‑invisible seams. Dipec uses advanced bonding techniques to achieve clean joins in displays, cases and precision‑fabricated assemblies.
Acrylic is widely used across retail, engineering, manufacturing, medical, laboratory, architectural and signage sectors for its clarity, rigidity and ease of fabrication. Its versatility makes it suitable for both functional and decorative applications.
Yes. Acrylic engraves extremely well, producing sharp, high‑contrast markings suitable for branding, signage, product identification and decorative detailing. Dipec provides precise engraving as part of our fabrication services.
Acrylic is harder than many plastics but can still scratch under heavy use. Light surface scratches can often be polished out, restoring clarity. For environments with regular abrasion, protective coatings or polycarbonate may be recommended.
Acrylic is available in clear, opal, tinted, coloured, frosted, matte, mirrored and speciality finishes, making it suitable for both technical and design-led applications. Dipec works with a wide range of grades to meet visual or performance requirements.
Yes. Acrylic is half the weight of glass and significantly stronger, making it ideal for protective covers, glazing, displays and safety panels. It also offers excellent clarity and is safer to handle during fabrication and installation.
Our plastic fabrication team typically requires a drawing or concept, dimensions, thickness, material grade, quantity, tolerances and any finishing requirements (polishing, bending, engraving etc.). If you’re unsure, our experts can support you from early design through to production.