Custom Plastic Fabrication Services
High-quality custom plastic parts in days | International prototype pricing includes tariffs | ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485, IATF 16949, AS9100D certified. ITAR registered.
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Plastic Fabrication
Plastic can be processed using a wide range of manufacturing methods. One of the lowest-cost methods is plastic fabrication—techniques such as machining, precision cutting, bonding, welding, and thermoforming. We offer a custom plastic fabrication service that helps you succeed with any plastic fabrication project while maintaining the highest levels of quality.
Our Instant Quoting Engine enables instant pricing, DFM feedback, and lead times on custom plastic components. What you see is what you pay. Internationally produced plastic prototypes include tariffs.
Plastic Fabrication Processes and Machinery
Plastic fabrication is the process of shaping, forming, or bonding plastic sheets, tubes, rods, or bars. It does not include melt processing like injection molding. The process typically starts with expert consultation to define requirements and check DFM; operating conditions (temperature, chemical exposure, load) determine plastic choice. Then the design is finalized and fabrication drawings produced.
Rigorous quality inspections—material, dimensional, and visual checks—are performed before release.
CNC Machining
Plastic machining can be fast and does not place excessive wear on tooling (unless filled with carbon or glass). Cutting tools are kept sharp to avoid heat build-up.
Bending
Most plastics can be bent; some may need heating (e.g. acrylic).
Welding
Extrusion welding tool with hot air; fillet or butt welds. Ultrasonic welding also used to fuse components.
Routing
Router used like wood routers. Chamfers, rounds, pockets. High-speed tools can melt plastic—keep tools sharp.
Sawing
Jigsaws, circular saws, band saws, table saws. Purpose-made blades with coarse tooth spacing.
Thermoforming
Plastic sheets vacuum-formed over shapes by heating and draping; vacuum forces heated plastic over the form.
Drilling
Plastics drill easily. Keep bits sharp and speed relatively slow to avoid melting.
Benefits of Plastic Fabrication
Versatility
Many plastics with a wide range of properties; additives for UV, thermal, chemical resistance. Many forming techniques.
Light Weight
Densities around 1000 kg/mÂł; some approach aluminum strength. Ideal for aerospace and automotive.
Cost Effective
Commodity plastics are cost-effective vs metals. No expensive tooling required.
Durability
Tough, withstand impact; no rust or corrosion. Ideal for hard-wearing applications in public spaces.
Chemical Resistance
Some plastics resist extremely corrosive chemicals. Ideal for chemical processing facilities.
Low Friction
PTFE and UHMWPE have very low friction. Ideal as liners for chutes in bulk materials handling.
Disadvantages of Plastic Fabrication
Limited Temperature Resistance
Plastics do not match metals for very high temperatures and tend to creep at elevated temperatures.
Susceptibility to Chemical Degradation
Common plastics can degrade with specific chemicals. Even resistant plastics like PVDF can experience stress corrosion cracking over time.
Less Rigid Than Metal
Plastics are tough but not as rigid; creep at lower temperatures. Not ideal for heavy-duty structural use but suitable for light-duty where low weight is required.
Applications of Plastic Fabrication
Plastics are used in almost every industry.
Product Enclosures
Consumer electronics, household appliances, scientific instrumentation and equipment.
Displays
Marketing displays: wide colors, textures, ease of fabrication, low cost. Resists outdoor exposure.
Components
Gears, cams, valves. CNC machining for precise components.
Prototyping
Cost-effective and easy to work with; iterate without complex processes or expensive equipment.
Packaging
Low cost and durability protect fragile or food items during transport; form into almost any shape.
Process Tanks
Chemical resistance. E.g. electroless nickel plating tanks from welded polypropylene panels.
Industries Served
Electronics
Structural enclosures, electrical connections, screen guards. Low weight, cost, electrical insulation.
Automotive
Lightweight, tough, long-lasting. Gear wheels, valves, exterior or interior panels.
Healthcare
X-ray transparency (some grades), low weight, sterilizable, chemical resistance. Diagnostic equipment, surgical tools.
Consumer Goods
Appliances, tools, electronics, packaging. Low raw material cost, weight, and fabrication cost.
Aerospace
Lightweight, strong, resistant to chemicals and environment. Specific properties shaped into long-lasting parts.
Process Engineering
Chemical resistance. Tanks, vessels, piping in chemical processing.
Alternatives to Plastic Fabrication
Metal Fabrication
When temperature resistance and structural strength are required. Heavy-duty equipment.
Wood Fabrication
Prototyping: easy to work with, lightweight. MDF/chipboard cheaper than plastic. No thermal or chemical resistance.
Composites
Lightweight and strong. Laminating glass or carbon fiber over a form. Widely used in aerospace.
Why Choose Artemis 3D for Custom Plastic Fabrication?
Endless Options
Millions of combinations of materials, finishes, tolerances, markings, and certifications.
Easy to Use
Our platform and experts manage the project from manufacturing partner to delivery.
Vetted Network
ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485, AS9100D certified. Only top shops pass our qualification process.