Beyond the Counter: Expanding the Use of Safety Shields in Public Spaces

While sneeze guards are commonly seen at checkout counters, the benefits of safety shields extend far beyond traditional retail settings. This blog post explores how these versatile barriers can be implemented in various public spaces to minimize the spread of germs and create healthier environments for everyone.

Rethinking Public Spaces:

From public transportation to schools and community centers, public spaces are areas where people congregate and interact, increasing the potential for germ transmission. Implementing safety shields in these spaces can provide an extra layer of protection and promote a greater sense of public health awareness.

Expanding the Scope of Protection:

• Public Transportation: Partitions or dividers in buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation can help minimize the spread of germs between passengers, particularly during peak travel times.
• Schools and Daycares: In classrooms, cafeterias, and common areas, safety shields can create separation barriers between students and staff, reducing the risk of transmission in these high-contact environments.
• Healthcare Settings: In waiting rooms and reception areas of clinics and hospitals, safety shields can help protect vulnerable patients from exposure to airborne illnesses.
• Community Centers and Libraries: These public spaces often host events and gatherings where people are in close proximity. Implementing safety shields can help mitigate the risk of germ transmission during these activities.

Creating a Culture of Prevention:

The presence of safety shields in public spaces serves as a visual reminder of the importance of hygiene and social distancing. This can encourage individuals to be more mindful of their actions and take responsibility for preventing the spread of germs.

A Shared Responsibility:

While safety shields are a valuable tool, they are most effective when used in conjunction with other preventative measures such as hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and staying home when sick. By working together and implementing a multi-layered approach, we can create healthier and safer public spaces for everyone.

Read more on our website!

We bring together the experiences and successes of Imperial Industries and Ann Arbor Plastics to manufacture superior custom products - especially in the face of the most difficult design challenges. From plastic safety shields, plating tanks and retail displays to OEM plastic components and food processing equipment, our portfolio of custom-engineered and fabricated sheet plastic solutions continues to grow. And don’t worry. If you don’t see what you need here, it just means we haven’t been asked to take a crack at it yet. No matter how big or complicated your project, we’re ready for your challenge. Engineered and made in America since 1945. Contact us today!

Protecting Public-Facing Workers During Cold Season: The Role of Sneeze Guards

The cold and flu season brings with it a heightened awareness of germ transmission, particularly in public spaces where interactions are frequent. For workers in customer-facing roles, the risk of exposure is even greater. Sneeze guards – a simple yet effective safety measure – can provide crucial protection for these essential workers.

The Front Line of Germ Exposure:

Cashiers, receptionists, bank tellers, and other public-facing employees are constantly interacting with numerous individuals throughout the day. This puts them on the front line of potential germ exposure from coughs, sneezes, and even regular conversation. While handwashing and other hygiene practices are important, they don't offer complete protection against airborne droplets.

Enter the Sneeze Guard:

Sneeze guards, also known as cough shields or cashier shields, provide a physical barrier between employees and the public. Typically made of clear acrylic or polycarbonate, these shields are strategically placed at counters and transaction points to intercept droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking.

Benefits Beyond Physical Protection:

• Reduced Sick Days: By minimizing the transmission of germs, sneeze guards can help reduce employee sick days, leading to improved productivity and reduced staffing shortages.
• Increased Employee Confidence: Knowing that they have an added layer of protection can boost employee morale and confidence, leading to better customer service.
• Customer Reassurance: The presence of sneeze guards also reassures customers that businesses are taking their health and safety seriously, fostering trust and loyalty.

Read more on our website!

We bring together the experiences and successes of Imperial Industries and Ann Arbor Plastics to manufacture superior custom products - especially in the face of the most difficult design challenges. From plastic safety shields, plating tanks and retail displays to OEM plastic components and food processing equipment, our portfolio of custom-engineered and fabricated sheet plastic solutions continues to grow. And don’t worry. If you don’t see what you need here, it just means we haven’t been asked to take a crack at it yet. No matter how big or complicated your project, we’re ready for your challenge. Engineered and made in America since 1945. Contact us today!

Designing Plastic Enclosures for Harsh Environments

Plastic enclosures, once primarily used for indoor applications, have evolved to become a reliable solution for a wide range of harsh environments. From extreme temperatures to high humidity and impact, these enclosures protect sensitive electronic components and ensure optimal performance.

Key Considerations for Harsh Environment Design

• Material Selection:
• Polycarbonate: Offers excellent impact resistance, heat resistance, and UV stability. Ideal for outdoor applications.
• Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS): Provides good impact resistance, chemical resistance, and dimensional stability. Suitable for general-purpose use.
• Nylon: Offers high strength, stiffness, and heat resistance. Ideal for high-temperature and high-stress applications.
• Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT): Provides excellent chemical resistance, heat resistance, and dimensional stability. Suitable for automotive and industrial applications.

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When It’s Not in ANY Catalog... 

In need of a plastic part that doesn’t exist? Since 1945, we’ve been engineering and building custom plastic containers and products from scratch to help our customers. From medical devices, to plating tanks and retail displays, to OEM plastic components and food processing equipment, our portfolio of custom-engineered and fabricated sheet plastic solutions continues to grow. How can we help you? Contact us today to find out!

The Real-Life Application of Electroplating

Electroplating, a process that involves depositing a thin layer of metal onto a conductive surface, is a cornerstone of modern manufacturing.

From the sleek finishes on our cars to the intricate components of our electronics, electroplating is everywhere in our daily lives.

By harnessing the power of electricity, we can enhance the appearance, durability, and functionality of a wide range of products, making electroplating an indispensable technique in industries as diverse as automotive, electronics, and jewelry.

Learn more on our website!

Bring Your Ideas to Life with Custom Plastic Parts Fabrication!

Custom plastic parts fabrication continues to be a valuable asset in the field of electroplating. Its versatility, affordability, and ease of use make it an indispensable material for achieving precise and efficient metal coatings. How can we help you?

From medical devices, plating tanks and retail displays, to OEM plastic components and food processing equipment, our portfolio of custom-engineered and fabricated sheet plastic solutions continues to grow.

And don’t worry. If you don’t see what you need here, it just means we haven’t been asked to take a crack at it yet. No matter how big or complicated your project, we’re ready for your challenge! Contact us today to learn more.

Plastic's Role in Electroplating: A Versatile Support Material

Why does plastic hold such a vital role in the intricate process of electroplating?

How can this everyday substance contribute to the creation of durable and functional products?

The process of electroplating is when a thin layer of metal is deposited onto a conductive surface through an electrochemical process. To ensure precise and efficient plating, plastic serves as a versatile support material, offering several advantages:

Plastic as a Molding Material

• Custom Shapes and Sizes: Plastic's malleability allows for the creation of intricate molds that can replicate a wide range of shapes and sizes. This flexibility is essential for producing components with complex geometries.
• Economical Production: Plastic molds are relatively inexpensive to produce, making them a cost-effective solution for both large-scale and small-scale production runs.

Plastic as a Masking Agent

• Selective Plating: By using plastic as a masking agent, specific areas of a component can be protected from the plating solution. This technique enables precise control over the plating process, resulting in components with targeted metal coatings.
• Patterned Coatings: Intricate patterns can be achieved by using plastic masks with specific cutouts. This allows for the creation of decorative or functional coatings with unique designs.

Learn more on our website!

Bring Your Ideas to Life with Custom Plastic Parts Fabrication!

Custom plastic parts fabrication continues to be a valuable asset in the field of electroplating. Its versatility, affordability, and ease of use make it an indispensable material for achieving precise and efficient metal coatings. How can we help you?

From medical devices, plating tanks and retail displays, to OEM plastic components and food processing equipment, our portfolio of custom-engineered and fabricated sheet plastic solutions continues to grow. And don’t worry. If you don’t see what you need here, it just means we haven’t been asked to take a crack at it yet. No matter how big or complicated your project, we’re ready for your challenge! Contact us today to learn more.

The Durability and Cost-Effectiveness of Custom Retail Displays

Need a durable display to show off your products?

Plastic may be your answer! 

Custom plastic retail displays are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they are also durable and cost-effective. 

Take our past project for University of Michigan’s football memorabilia case for example:

A few years back, the Athletic Department built a football museum to honor the true legends of Michigan football. Unfortunately, all their display cases were built out of heavy and fragile glass sheets. They started falling off the walls and shattering into razor sharp shards - as glass tends to do. As fast as you can say “Go Blue”, we built 12 replacement display cases from 3030 Green Edge acrylic sheet. It looks just like glass, but it’s eight times as strong and weighs four times less. Another resounding victory for plastic over glass! Check out the project here. 

Unlike glass or metal alternatives, plastic can be molded into precise designs with minimal waste. Its lightweight structure ensures easy setup and rearrangement, making it ideal for high-traffic environments. In addition, plastic displays can be easily cleaned and maintained, ensuring they look fresh even after prolonged use.

To learn more, check out our latest article here!

Our Custom Retail Displays Provide Durability and Cost-Savings

When it comes to showcasing your products, custom retail displays offer the perfect combination of durability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. 

Whether you need a lightweight, shatter-resistant alternative to glass or a sleek, modern design, plastic displays provide a reliable and long-lasting solution. 

Ready to invest in durable, eye-catching displays? Contact us today to learn how our custom retail displays can elevate your product’s aesthetic. 

How Custom Retail Displays Elevate Brand Presence

When you’re shopping, you’re most likely drawn first to displays with clean, attractive designs. 

This shows the power visual appeal has on buying habits! Consumers are drawn to well-organized, visually interesting displays that make it easy to engage with products. 

The Power of Visual Appeal

Custom plastic displays provide endless design possibilities, ensuring that your products take center stage. With the flexibility to create various shapes, colors, and finishes, you can build a display that catches the eye and guides customers through your store naturally.

Enhancing Brand Presence and Identity

A well-crafted retail display doesn’t just highlight products—it reinforces your brand’s image. Custom plastic retail displays allow for creative branding elements such as logos, color schemes, and shapes that align with your overall aesthetic. 

This level of customization not only draws attention but also builds brand recognition and loyalty among your customers.

Learn more in our latest article here. 

Elevate Your Brand Presence with Custom Retail Displays! 

In the world of retail, making a lasting impression is key to standing out from your competition. Custom retail displays not only enhance the visual appeal of your products but also strengthen your brand’s identity. 

By incorporating creative branding elements and designing displays that align with your aesthetic, you can engage customers on a deeper level, boosting both recognition and loyalty. 

Ready to elevate your brand presence? Contact us today to learn how our custom retail displays can transform your business!