I was contacted by a customer today who wants some corporate awards. They asked for 1" clear acrylic 6"x6" square. 300-350 pieces. Either screen printed logo or engraved. He mentioned his budget was around 12-14 bucks each. After talking to one of my plastic suppliers, i worked with a scrap piece i had. I was told to sand and flame polish (burn) the sides, to make them smooth and clear. My first try gave decent results. But cant imagine doing this to 1200 edges. Is there an easier or faster way to achieve an acceptable edge? I dont think the edge needs to be totaly clear, but smooth and consistent. I have worked with acrylic before, but never any over 1/4". I was quoted $12.85 per piece (finished plastic) by one local company. And .80 per piece printed. At this price obviously i cant do them in budget. So i am hoping i can do the cutting and polishing my self. Any suggestions or suppliers/fabricators will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Posted by Monte Jumper (Member # 1106) on :
Brad...There are always ways to "short cut" but you've got to ask yourself can I really make money by cutting someone elses prices.
Now maybe you can...but think about it long and hard ...this thought process has put many a good person out of business. Most especially if they continue to think this way.
If you are really good at it you can "wipe" a polished finish on with Methalene Chloride after sanding the plex smooth with a fine grade sanding paper. Be sure you use a lint free fabric or sponge, wipe it only once and be careful not to get it on the surface.
Another way is to buff the edges with white jewelers rouge and a buffing wheel but only after it has been sanded with a 220 grit or finer paper.
Remember...don't let the gross figure you can get for this job distort what you will really make after you have laid out the cost for materials and labor...make sure it's worth it or let someone else have the job while you are busy making money on better work.
It sounds to me as tho the customer has a good idea what this job is worth since all the info your getting from others match his figure.
Just wanted to point this out ...good luck to you whatever you decide.
Posted by AZBrad (Member # 1351) on :
Thanks Monte, Good points. I am getting other quotes, hoping we can do it. Thanks for the info!
Posted by bronzeo (Member # 1408) on :
Brad, I going to give you a totally different idea that should look better and is easier. Their are glass suppliers , like PPG that have access to beveled heavy plate glass in those prefinished sizes. I was sent a sample about 4x6, a few years ago. They were pretty cheap. I would think it would be a lot more appealing and cheaper than plexi. Here is a link to a retail outlet for that sort of stuff. They might want to sub the job for you. Wholesale on glass is much less than 50% of retail prices. Seems like the blank sample was like 4.50 to 5.50. I'm sure there are wholesale places even for preformed plexi if you need it , Bronzeo http://www.riordanartistry.com/htm/cat1/
Not only do they have a number of award blanks ready to go on their site, they have the perfect way for you to engrave or blast the copy onto the award.
Posted by AZBrad (Member # 1351) on :
Jack & Mike, thanks for the help! I will check into both options.
