Case Study: Custom Delivery Pipe Built for Performance

Sometimes, the difference between a working system and an efficient one comes down to a single component.

A Delivery Pipe Designed for the Job

In this case study, a customer needed more than just a pipe—they needed a purpose-built component that could perform reliably within a larger system.

We fabricated a 12-foot delivery pipe with a plugged end and multiple outlet nozzles, designed specifically for their application. This wasn’t a standard product—it was a tailored solution built to meet exact operational needs.

The Value of the Right Fabrication Partner

Projects like this highlight an important point: custom fabrication isn’t just about making a part—it’s about solving a problem.

Customers choose custom solutions when they need:

• Greater control over design and materials.
• Confidence the part will perform in real conditions.
• A partner who can move from concept to production efficiently.

With the right team, a complex requirement becomes a straightforward process. Read more on our website!

Let’s Build Your Solution

If you need a part that fits your application instead of one that forces compromises, custom plastic fabrication is worth a closer look. Your project deserves a solution designed around your specifications, your performance goals, and the environment the part will face. The best way to work with us is to give us a call. A discovery call lets us learn more about your project and ensures we’re prepared to find a solution to your problem. Call us at 800-783-3674 to get started!

Why Custom Plastic Fabrication Is Replacing Standard Parts

Need a part that fits your system exactly instead of forcing a workaround? 

Looking for a lighter, corrosion-resistant alternative to metal?

Custom plastic fabrication gives manufacturers the ability to design parts around performance requirements, not the limitations of off-the-shelf options. Whether it’s tight dimensional constraints, chemical exposure, or installation challenges, custom solutions are built to match the job.

Why Plastics Are a Practical Choice

Across industries, plastic components are widely used because they offer:

• 
  Lightweight construction that reduces installation effort.
• Strong resistance to corrosion and many chemicals.
• Flexibility in design for complex or specialized geometries.

These advantages make plastics especially valuable in piping and fluid handling systems. Compared to traditional materials, plastic piping supports smoother flow, reduces buildup, and is easier to handle in the field.

Why Go Custom?

When a project demands precision, standard parts often introduce compromises. Custom fabrication removes those limitations by allowing:

• Exact sizing and configuration.
• Material selection based on environment.
• Improved integration into existing systems.

Instead of adapting your system to fit a part, you get a part designed to fit your system. Read more on our website!

Ready to Build Smarter?

If you need a part that fits your application instead of one that forces compromises, custom plastic fabrication is worth a closer look. Your project deserves a solution designed around your specifications, your performance goals, and the environment the part will face. The best way to work with us is to give us a call. A discovery call lets us learn more about your project and ensures we’re prepared to find a solution to your problem. Call us at 800-783-3674 to get started!

Why Precision Plastics are Taking Over Medical Tech

When lives are on the line, every decibel and vibration matters. In modern healthcare—specifically in surgical robotics and diagnostic imaging—the "clank and grind" of metal gears simply isn't acceptable.

Plastic gears are becoming the go-to choice for medical device engineers for three primary reasons:

1. Vibration Damping: Unlike rigid steel, polymers have an inherent elasticity that absorbs micro-vibrations, resulting in the whisper-quiet operation required in hospital rooms.
2. MRI Compatibility: Because they are non-metallic and non-conductive, plastic components can safely operate within the powerful magnetic fields of an MRI suite.
3. Lightweight Precision: For portable medical devices like insulin pumps or handheld surgical tools, every gram counts. Plastic gears offer an incredible strength-to-weight ratio that keeps devices light without sacrificing torque.

Want to see how we helped a customer solve their plastic gear challenge? Read more on our website!

By switching to engineered plastics, medical manufacturers are creating equipment that is not only more durable but significantly more comfortable for patients and providers alike. Call us today at 800-783-3674 to get a quote on your next custom plastic fabrication project!

Shifting Gears—Why the Auto Industry is Ditching Metal

Have you noticed how much quieter modern car cabins have become over the last decade? While better insulation plays a part, much of that silence comes from a fundamental change under the hood and inside the dash: the replacement of heavy metal gears with high-performance engineered plastics.

In the automotive world, the move toward plastic gears isn't just about cutting costs—it's about survival in an era of efficiency and electrification.

The Plastic Advantage in Modern Vehicles:

• Weight Reduction: Every ounce saved translates directly to better fuel economy or longer battery range for EVs. Replacing a heavy steel gear with a reinforced polymer can reduce the weight of a sub-assembly by up to 50%.
• NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness): Metal-on-metal contact creates a high-frequency whine. Plastics like Nylon and POM (Acetal) naturally dampen vibrations, making everything from power windows to electronic steering columns quiet
• Corrosion Resistance: Components located near the chassis or wheel wells are constantly pelted with road salt, water, and grime. Unlike steel, plastic gears will never rust or seize up due to oxidation.

Want to see how we helped a customer solve their plastic gear challenge? Read more on our website!

From the precision actuators that adjust your side mirrors to the robust gears found in cooling fans and electronic throttles, custom plastic fabrication is the "silent partner" driving the next generation of automotive innovation. Call us today at 800-783-3674 to get a quote on your next project!

How Plastic Fabrication Enhances Protection in Manufacturing Environments

Is unpredictable downtime making it hard to meet production targets? 

Do you struggle to find enclosures that fit specialized equipment or withstand corrosive conditions? 

Are maintenance headaches and frequent repairs holding back your growth? Discover how advanced plastic fabrication methods deliver tailored enclosures and lasting protection.

Why Plastic Fabrication Matters

Custom plastic fabrication offers unmatched flexibility, allowing companies to engineer enclosures with precise shapes and dimensions to meet stringent operational demands. 

Unlike rigid metal options, plastics can be fabricated for high tolerance to chemicals, impacts, and heat, making them ideal for environments where corrosion, rust, and moisture are concerns. 

You can select from a wide range of materials, including thermoplastics and advanced polymers, to ensure optimal performance and longevity for each application, whether in a chemical processing plant, an automotive shop, or an electronics lab.

Read more on our website!

Problem-Solving With APS Solutions

We leverage advanced plastic fabrication techniques to provide enclosures tailored for durability, chemical and electrical protection, and efficient installation. You’ll benefit from flexible design options such as custom cutouts, specialized finishes, and reinforced structures optimized for unique requirements in chemical, automotive, or electronics manufacturing. 

Call us today at (800) 783-3674 for a personalized consultation and unlock the benefits of expertly engineered plastic fabrication for your business.

Efficiency, Sustainability, and Cost Savings of Plastic Fabrication

Are equipment failures and costly replacements draining your resources? 

Do harsh chemicals shorten the lifespan of your enclosures and compromise safety? 

Have poor-fitting parts caused slowdowns and wasted hours on the factory floor? 

The right approach to plastic fabrication can transform these frustrations into reliable, efficient solutions.

Plastic fabrication streamlines production through quick turnaround times and scalable customization, reducing downtime and letting businesses respond rapidly to changing market needs. The lightweight nature of fabricated plastics minimizes transportation and installation costs while their durability helps cut long-term maintenance expenses. Additionally, advanced fabrication methods reduce material waste, supporting sustainability initiatives without sacrificing quality or functionality.

Read more on our website!

Problem-Solving With APS Solutions

We leverage advanced plastic fabrication techniques to provide enclosures tailored for durability, chemical and electrical protection, and efficient installation. You’ll benefit from flexible design options such as custom cutouts, specialized finishes, and reinforced structures optimized for unique requirements in chemical, automotive, or electronics manufacturing. 

Call us today at (800) 783-3674 for a personalized consultation and unlock the benefits of expertly engineered plastic fabrication for your business.

The Case for Custom Plastic Fabrication—Benefits You Can’t Ignore

Custom plastic fabrication is more than just a luxury—sometimes, it’s a necessity for achieving precise performance, compliance, and innovation. Here’s why many industries consider it a strategic investment.

The Standout Benefits

• Precision & Tailored Fit: Get parts engineered to your exact specifications—no rework, just seamless integration.
• Advanced Material Choices: Use specialized resins for critical requirements:
• Automotive: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, durable against chemicals and heat.
• Medical: Biocompatible, hygienic, tailored for patient- or device-specific needs.
• Retail: Impact-resistant materials that last in public, high-wear environments.
• Design Freedom: Create complex shapes, integrated functions, and on-brand aesthetics.
• Cost Efficiency Over Time: While setup can cost more, expect savings through improved fit, less waste, and reduced downtime.
• Rapid Prototyping & Agile Production: Test and refine designs quickly—catch flaws early and beat competitors to market.
• Scalable & Consistent: Whether you need a handful of parts or thousands, get reliable quality every time.

Industry Applications

• Automotive: Achieve weight reductions, resilience, and regulatory compliance.
• Medical: Meet strict standards and design patient-centric tools.
• Retail: Diversify displays, enhance product visibility, and maximize in-store lifespan.

Read more on our website!

Bring Your Ideas to Life with a Custom Plastic Fabrication!

If your product requires optimized performance, competitive differentiation, and long-term reliability in demanding environments, you should strongly consider custom plastic fabrication. By choosing custom plastic fabrication you can bring your ideas to life, achieving greater efficiency, performance, and competitiveness.

Contact us today to turn your vision into reality!

Off-the-Shelf Plastics vs. Custom Fabrication

Are you choosing between off-the-shelf plastic parts and investing in custom plastic fabrication? 

This decision can influence everything from your project’s cost to its success in the market. 

The Off-the-Shelf Advantage

• Immediate Availability: Ready-made parts let you move quickly, ideal for tight timelines or when standard solutions suffice.
• Lower Upfront Cost: No need for tooling or prototyping, which keeps expenses in check.
• Simplicity: When your requirements are generic, standard parts minimize complexity.

… And The Drawbacks

• Imperfect Fit: Standard parts may not align with unique assemblies, leading to inefficient workarounds.
• Material Limits: Generic plastics may not handle specific stressors (chemicals, temperature, hygiene).
• Design Restraints: Off-the-shelf means conforming to what’s available, not what’s possible, or optimal for your project.

It’s important to ask yourself: Is “good enough” worth possible long-term inefficiencies? Can standard plastics survive your environment or industry standards? Do you want your design to stand out, or simply blend in?

If you find yourself sacrificing on fit, durability, or creativity, it might be time to explore custom plastic fabrication.

Read more on our website!

Bring Your Ideas to Life with a Custom Plastic Fabrication!

If your product requires optimized performance, competitive differentiation, and long-term reliability in demanding environments, you should strongly consider custom plastic fabrication. By choosing custom plastic fabrication you can bring your ideas to life, achieving greater efficiency, performance, and competitiveness.

Contact us today to turn your vision into reality!

Custom Plastic Fabrication: Bring Your Product to Life

You've got a fantastic idea for a new product, maybe even a solution to a nagging problem, and you know plastic is the material that will bring it to life. But how do you actually make something out of plastic? 

Perhaps you're feeling a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of options, or maybe you're worried about making a costly mistake. You're not alone! Many innovators face these exact questions when they're starting out.

Before you even think about machines or molds, get crystal clear on what you're trying to achieve. Ask yourself:

1. What is the purpose of your plastic part or product? Is it structural, aesthetic, functional, or all of the above?
2. What are the critical performance requirements? Does it need to withstand high temperatures, impact, chemicals, or UV light? Is flexibility or rigidity more important?
3. What are the size and complexity of your design? Is it a simple bracket or an intricate housing with multiple features?
4. What is your estimated production volume? Are you looking for a handful of prototypes, a medium run, or mass production? This will significantly influence the fabrication method.

Read more on our website!

Partnering for Success

Our goal is to turn your innovative ideas into high-quality, functional plastic parts. By partnering with us for custom plastic fabrication and considering these design principles, you can ensure a smooth, efficient, and cost-effective fabrication process, delivering parts that meet your exact specifications and stand up to real-world demands.

Ready to discuss your next project? American-made since 1945, if you can dream it, we can make it. Collaborate with us by giving us a call at (800) 783-3674 or fill out our contact form today!

Beginning the Plastic Fabrication Process

Not sure where to start actually getting your part or completed product manufactured?

A strong partnership with a custom plastic fabrication company is key to transforming your innovative designs into high-quality, cost-effective plastic components. 

To truly unlock the benefits of plastic manufacturing, it's crucial to design with the process in mind. Consider:

1. Wall thickness of your product: Wall thickness is fundamental to both the structural integrity of your part and the efficiency of the manufacturing process.
2. Bend radius: Corners and bends in your design might seem minor, but they play a significant role in your part's durability and how easily it can be manufactured.
3. Tolerances: Tolerances mean the acceptable range of variation in the dimensions, properties, or performance characteristics of a manufactured part. 
4. Material behavior: The plastic material you choose is the backbone of your part's performance.

Read more on our website!

Partnering for Success

Our goal is to turn your innovative ideas into high-quality, functional plastic parts. By partnering with us for custom plastic fabrication and considering these design principles, you can ensure a smooth, efficient, and cost-effective fabrication process, delivering parts that meet your exact specifications and stand up to real-world demands.

Ready to discuss your next project? American-made since 1945, if you can dream it, we can make it. Collaborate with us by giving us a call at (800) 783-3674 or fill out our contact form today!

Why Choosing the Right Plastic Material is Crucial

Working on your next great product or invention?

Choosing the right material could be the difference between your product being a success or needing to go back to the drawing board.

How do you make sure you’re choosing the right material? There are so many plastic options on the market and it can feel overwhelming trying to compare them all. We can help! 

Starting with strong client communication, solid design, and engineering, we have the experience that dictates how to tackle our process from inception to shipping. From gears to plating tanks, we have all you need for custom plastic fabrication and can help you choose the best material for the job. 

Read more on our website!

Let’s Make Something Together! 

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 on our website, it just means we haven’t been asked to take a crack at it yet.

Contact us today to get started!

How to Choose the Right Material for Plastic Fabrication

Getting ready for your next fabrication project?

Wondering whether plastic is the right choice for your invention? 

No matter what you’re designing, the material you choose can affect everything from durability of your product to the cost of production and distribution.

1. Acrylic – clear, lightweight, durable
2. Polycarbonate – tough, impact-resistant
3. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) – cost-effective, chemical-resistant
4. HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) – strong, durable plastic
5. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) – impact-resistant, often used for consumer products

Read more on our website!

Let’s Make Something Together! 

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 on our website, it just means we haven’t been asked to take a crack at it yet.

Starting with strong client communication, solid design, and engineering, we have the experience that dictates how to tackle our process from inception to shipping. From gears to plating tanks, we have all you need for custom plastic fabrication and can help you choose the best material for the job. Contact us today to get started!

Industries That Benefit from Plastic Fabrication

Bringing a new product to life is more than just having a great idea. To turn a concept into something real, you need a reliable manufacturing partner. That’s where a plastic fabrication company becomes an absolute game-changer.

Imagine having the ability to turn your exact idea into a reality, tailored to your specific needs. Plastic fabrication offers more than just a product; it provides you with a solution that perfectly fits your business.

• Medical: In the medical field, there’s no room for error. Fabricated plastic devices must meet strict specifications, and our custom products are designed to handle the rigorous demands of medical environments. Whether you need sterile, single-use instruments or durable equipment like intubation shields and dissolution tanks, fabricated plastic offers safety and reliability.
  
  
• Automotive: The auto industry thrives off speed, precision, and performance. And guess what? Plastic plays a huge role in keeping those engines roaring. Take our past project for an automotive steel plant for an example. They were struggling to cool down their red-hot steel fast enough. Our solution? A custom-built plastic cooling system. The result? Faster production times.
  
  
• Retail: Let’s face it, retail is all about grabbing attention and making a sale. What better way to do just that than making a custom plastic display that’s as eye-catching as your products? Whether you’re selling gourmet cupcakes, pickles like one of our customers, or cutting-edge electronics, a well-designed plastic display can help you turn browsers into buyers.

Read more on our website!

Bring Your Ideas to Life with a Plastic Fabrication Company!

Custom plastic products are tailored solutions that empower businesses to thrive. By working with a plastic fabrication company, you can bring your ideas to life, achieving greater efficiency, performance, and competitiveness.

Whether you’re in automotive, medical, retail, or practically any industry, plastic fabrication offers versatile and effective solutions for your business’s unique challenges.

Contact us today to turn your vision into reality!

Tailoring Solutions for Every Industry

Have an idea for a plastic product but can’t find anyone who sells it?

Custom plastic fabrication might be the solution you need! 

In today’s competitive market, businesses across all industries are constantly searching for unique and specialized products that set them apart. 

Whether it’s medical devices, retail displays, or industrial components, fabricated plastic products offer you the flexibility to bring your vision to life with precision and efficiency.

Why Custom Plastic Fabrication?

Imagine having the ability to turn your exact idea into reality, tailored to your specific needs. Plastic fabrication offers more than just a product; it provides you with a solution that perfectly fits your business, helping you save time, reduce costs, and stay ahead of the competition. 

Here’s how:

• Versatility: Unlike traditional materials like metal or wood, plastics can be molded and shaped into virtually any form. This means that no matter how complex or unique your idea is, custom plastic fabrication can make it happen.
• Innovation & Precision: Plastic fabrication allows you to be innovative without limits. Looking for a way to accommodate a patient with specific medical needs? No problem. Dreaming of retail displays that’ll stop people in their tracks? Consider it done. Plastic fabrication allows you to achieve the exact look and function that you envision.

Read more on our website!

Bring Your Ideas to Life with a Plastic Fabrication Company!

Custom plastic products are tailored solutions that empower businesses to thrive. By working with a plastic fabrication company, you can bring your ideas to life, achieving greater efficiency, performance, and competitiveness. 

Whether you’re in automotive, medical, retail, or practically any industry, plastic fabrication offers versatile and effective solutions for your business’s unique challenges. 

Contact us today to turn your vision into reality!

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!