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Our bespoke plastic display cases are expertly crafted to serve a wide range of purposes, from preserving and protecting delicate artefacts in museums, galleries, and retail environments, to elegantly showcasing prized memorabilia. We carefully select high-quality plastic materials and use advanced fabrication methods to create display cases that are not only visually impressive but also structurally robust, ensuring maximum protection and longevity.
Types of Plastic Display Cases
Memorabilia Display Cases
Memorabilia display cases are designed to showcase collectibles, such as sports jerseys, autographed items, and action figures. These cases offer protection from dust, moisture, and physical damage while enhancing the presentation of valuable items. Acrylic is commonly used due to its excellent optical clarity and lightweight nature.
Protective Display Cases
Protective display cases provide an extra layer of security for delicate or valuable objects, such as coins, jewellery, and antiques. These cases often feature lockable enclosures and UV-resistant coatings to prevent damage from sunlight. Polycarbonate is a preferred material due to its impact resistance and durability.
Museum Display Cases
Museum display cases are designed to meet stringent conservation requirements while offering an unobstructed view of artefacts. These cases often include climate control features to regulate humidity and prevent deterioration. Acrylic and polycarbonate are popular choices due to their strength, but specialised UV-filtering plastics may also be used to minimise light damage.
Retail Display Cases
Retail display cases serve to present products attractively while ensuring security. These cases can be found in jewellery stores, electronics shops, and exhibition booths. Acrylic and PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) are commonly used for their clarity, affordability, and ease of fabrication.
Types of Plastic Materials Used
Acrylic (PMMA – Polymethyl Methacrylate)
- High optical clarity and transparency
- Lightweight and shatter-resistant
- UV-resistant options available
- Easily fabricated and polished
Polycarbonate (PC)
- Exceptional impact resistance (up to 250 times stronger than glass)
- High optical clarity with good UV resistance
- More expensive than acrylic but offers superior durability
- Commonly used for high-security applications
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
- Strong and impact-resistant
- Food-safe and widely used in retail environments
- Easily thermoformed and fabricated
- Less prone to cracking than acrylic
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
- Cost-effective and durable
- Resistant to chemicals and moisture
- Less transparent than acrylic or polycarbonate
- Commonly used for industrial or commercial protective cases
Bespoke Fabrication of Display Cases
Bespoke (custom) fabrication allows businesses and collectors to design display cases tailored to their specific needs. This includes:
- Custom Sizing and Shapes: Tailored dimensions ensure a perfect fit for unique or irregularly shaped items.
- Special Features: Locking mechanisms, UV filters, lighting, and humidity control can be integrated.
- Material Combinations: Using a mix of materials such as acrylic and metal for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
- Branding and Aesthetics: Custom finishes, engravings, and colours can match branding requirements in retail settings.
Plastic display cases are available in various types and materials to suit different applications. Whether for memorabilia, retail, museum exhibits, or protective purposes, the right choice of plastic and fabrication method ensures optimal display and protection. Acrylic, polycarbonate, PETG, and PVC each offer unique benefits, making it essential to select the right material for the intended use. Bespoke fabrication further enhances the effectiveness of display cases by catering to specific requirements, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and durability.
If you’d like to talk to us about our bespoke display cases, reach out on sales@dipec.co.uk or 029 2059 8393, or fill in our enquiry form here and we’ll be in touch.
FAQs
What is the best material for a display case?
The best material for a display case depends on its intended use. Acrylic is widely chosen for its high optical clarity, lightweight properties, and resistance to shattering, making it ideal for memorabilia and retail displays. Polycarbonate is the best option for high-security applications due to its extreme impact resistance. PETG is often used in retail environments because it is both strong and food-safe, while PVC is a cost-effective choice for industrial and commercial protective cases. When selecting a material, consider factors such as durability, transparency, UV resistance, and security needs.
Are acrylic display cases better than glass?
Yes, acrylic display cases are often preferred over glass for several reasons. Acrylic is significantly lighter than glass, making it easier to transport and install. It is also much more impact-resistant, reducing the risk of breakage. Additionally, acrylic offers excellent optical clarity, often exceeding that of standard glass, and can be polished to remove scratches. Unlike glass, acrylic does not shatter into sharp fragments, making it a safer option for both commercial and museum settings.
Do display cases provide UV protection?
Many display cases can be manufactured with UV-resistant materials or coatings to protect delicate items from sunlight and artificial lighting. Acrylic and polycarbonate both have UV-resistant variants that help prevent fading, discolouration, and degradation of sensitive objects such as artwork, collectibles, and historical artefacts. If UV protection is a key concern, opting for a specialised UV-filtering material or an added UV film is recommended.
Can I get a custom-sized display case?
Yes, bespoke display cases can be fabricated to exact dimensions, ensuring a perfect fit for your items. Whether you need a case for an irregularly shaped artefact, a large museum exhibit, or a compact retail display, we can tailor the size and shape to your specifications. Custom fabrication also allows for additional features, such as lockable enclosures, lighting elements, or branded engravings, to enhance both aesthetics and functionality.
How do I clean and maintain a plastic display case?
To maintain the clarity and condition of a plastic display case:
- Use a microfiber cloth with warm water and a mild soap solution.
- Avoid using abrasive materials or ammonia-based cleaners (such as window spray) as they can cause scratches or cloudiness.
- For acrylic cases, consider using an anti-static cleaner to reduce dust accumulation.
- If minor scratches appear, they can often be buffed out with a plastic polish.
Regular cleaning ensures that your display case remains clear and free from damage over time.
What features can be added to a custom display case?
Custom display cases can be enhanced with a range of additional features, including:
- Locking mechanisms for security, particularly for retail and museum displays.
- UV filters to protect delicate or historical items from light damage.
- Built-in lighting such as LED strips for improved visibility and presentation.
- Humidity control elements for conservation-grade cases.
- Branded finishes such as engraving or custom colours to match your business identity.
Adding these features can significantly improve the functionality and visual appeal of the display case.
Are plastic display cases suitable for museums and galleries?
Yes, plastic display cases – especially those made from acrylic and polycarbonate – are widely used in museums and galleries due to their durability, optical clarity, and ability to incorporate conservation-friendly features such as humidity control and UV protection. Unlike traditional glass cases, plastic display cases offer enhanced impact resistance, making them a safer and more practical option for protecting valuable exhibits.
How do lockable display cases enhance security?
Lockable display cases provide an extra layer of security by preventing unauthorised access to the items inside. This is particularly important for high-value retail products, collectibles, and museum exhibits. Polycarbonate display cases, in combination with lockable enclosures, offer one of the highest levels of protection against impact and tampering. Locking systems can range from simple keyed locks to more advanced mechanisms, depending on security requirements.
What is the difference between PETG and acrylic display cases?
While both PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) and acrylic (PMMA – Polymethyl Methacrylate) offer high optical clarity, they have distinct characteristics:
- Acrylic is clearer and more scratch-resistant but is more brittle than PETG.
- PETG is more flexible and resistant to cracking, making it ideal for high-impact environments like retail displays.
- Acrylic can be polished to remove scratches, whereas PETG cannot.
- PETG is food-safe, making it a popular choice for commercial food displays.
Can display cases be used for food products?
Yes, display cases made from food-safe materials like PETG and certain grades of acrylic are ideal for food presentations in bakeries, cafés, and supermarkets. These materials are non-toxic and easy to clean, ensuring hygiene while keeping food items fresh and visually appealing. If a food display case is required, it’s essential to select the right plastic that complies with food safety standards.
How durable are plastic display cases compared to glass?
Plastic display cases, particularly those made from polycarbonate, are significantly more impact-resistant than glass. Polycarbonate is up to 250 times stronger than glass, making it nearly unbreakable, while acrylic is about 17 times stronger than glass. This makes plastic display cases an excellent choice for high-traffic areas where accidental impacts are a concern. Unlike glass, plastic display cases are also much lighter and easier to transport.
Do you offer bulk orders for businesses?
Yes, we provide bulk manufacturing services for businesses that require multiple display cases for retail, exhibitions, or commercial use. We can fabricate large orders while maintaining consistency in quality, ensuring that all cases meet your exact specifications. Custom branding and design options are also available to match your company’s aesthetic requirements.
How long does it take to manufacture a custom display case?
The production time for a custom display case depends on the design complexity, materials used, and additional features required. We always work closely with clients to meet project deadlines and ensure timely delivery – don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to discuss your display case requirements so that we can provide you with a more accurate lead time.
Can plastic display cases be recycled?
Yes, many plastic display cases, particularly those made from acrylic, PETG, and polycarbonate, can be recycled at the end of their lifecycle. However, the recyclability depends on local recycling facilities and whether the plastic has been treated with coatings or adhesives. Choosing eco-friendly fabrication methods can help reduce environmental impact, and we can advise on sustainable material choices where required.