Why Choose Canal Plastics for Acrylic Display Cases
Our team brings more than 60 years of NYC fabrication experience to each case we build. We work closely with artists, curators, retail designers, and galleries to produce display pieces that meet professional visual standards. All fabrication is completed in-house at our SoHo shop, allowing us to control quality at every stage. The result is display cases with crisp edges, strong seams, high clarity, and a clean, professional finish suitable for exhibitions, product showcases, and interior installations.
Customers trust Canal Plastics Center for cases that combine durability, clarity, and refined craftsmanship. We understand the needs of creative professionals: accurate sizing, clean joints, reliable assembly, and a polished final presentation.
Materials and Fabrication Quality
We fabricate display cases primarily from clear cast acrylic, which offers excellent optical clarity and professional-grade edge finish. Colored, frosted, or specialty acrylics can be used when a design calls for a specific visual effect. Cases can be made with open bottoms, slip-on lids, bases, risers, platforms, and integrated mounting details. All seams are assembled using professional solvent bonding techniques to achieve strong, clean, and nearly invisible joins.
Edge finishing is available in a range of styles from clean saw-cut edges to fully polished, museum-grade edges. When needed, we can advise on material thickness for structural support, clarity, or stability.
Types of Display Cases We Build
Acrylic display cases are used across NYC’s creative and retail communities. Our shop produces cases for exhibitions, product launches, trade shows, retail rollouts, photography sets, gallery installations, collectible displays, awards, artifacts, architectural models, and custom presentation pieces. We fabricate both individual cases and multi-unit orders for large projects or installations.
If your project requires a specific aesthetic, such as matte surfaces, frosted panels, or integrated bases, let us know your preferences and we can tailor the fabrication accordingly.
How Our Display Case Fabrication Process Works
To begin, send us your desired dimensions, material thickness, style, and any additional details such as bases or mounts. You may use our custom order form or email your specifications directly. Our fabrication team reviews your request, recommends material options, and provides a quote with an estimated timeline.
Once approved, we begin fabrication by cutting, fitting, and bonding the acrylic components, followed by edge finishing and inspection. When completed, your custom case will be ready for pickup at our SoHo shop or shipment to your location. If you are working toward an exhibition opening or a product launch, let us know your timeline so we can schedule production accordingly.
Display Case Design Guidelines
To achieve the best visual results, consider the clarity and thickness of acrylic relative to the size of the case. Larger enclosures typically require thicker material to maintain rigidity and prevent bowing. Cast acrylic offers excellent optical clarity and is recommended for most cases. If your case requires a specific look—such as a frosted lid, a colored accent, or engraved elements—send us your ideas and we can advise on the best approach.
If you have sketches or design references, include them with your request. Our team can help translate your vision into a practical fabrication plan.
Additional Finishing and Fabrication Options
Many display cases benefit from additional elements such as risers, pedestals, back panels, or integrated mounting bases. We can create removable bases, slip-fit covers, friction-fit lids, or cases designed to sit over existing displays. Edge polishing, engraving, heat forming, and multi-panel assemblies are also available as part of the fabrication process. If your project includes multiple fabricated components, we can build and assemble them together for a clean final presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a custom acrylic display case take to make?
Most cases are completed within several business days, depending on size and complexity. Larger or more detailed builds may take additional time. Let us know if you have a deadline.
What materials do you use for display cases?
We primarily use clear cast acrylic for its clarity and finishing quality. Frosted, colored, or specialty acrylics are available upon request.
Do you create bases or platforms?
Yes. We can fabricate acrylic bases or integrate cases with risers, pedestals, or custom mounting details.
Can you make museum-grade cases?
Yes. Many galleries and institutions rely on our shop for clean, polished, exhibition-ready acrylic cases.
Do you ship display cases?
We offer both local pickup and local messenger shipping. Larger or fragile cases may require special packing or pickup.
Related Services and Materials
Custom cut acrylic in NYC
Laser cutting services in NYC
CNC routing services in NYC
Heat bending & acrylic forming
Acrylic edge polishing & finishing
Clear acrylic sheets
Colored acrylic sheets
Custom fabrication and display projects
Ready to start a display case project?
Submit your dimensions and details through our custom order form or email
sales@cpcnyc.com and we’ll follow up with next steps.
