7 Factors That Make Acrylic Boxes Costly

Some people might wonder why acrylic boxes are costly. They might think it is branding or something like that, but the reasons are something else. There are many manufacturers worldwide, and almost everyone has to face challenges in it. Then, they face difficulties in keeping the acrylic boxes’ cost of production low, even in bulk production. You will find the reasons in this blog, which will make things clear. 

Material and Processing Cost 

Acrylic is one of the most elite types of plastic. You can expect its value and the impact on its cost. The primary reason for the high cost of production is always the material, and acrylic has the same case. It doesn’t matter how much you try to reduce the operational cost; if its material is expensive, you can’t do anything. 

Besides raw acrylic’s cost, there is a high cost of intense processing. CNC machines and various types of laser-cutting machines contribute to an increase in the production cost. Since CNC laser machines are already efficient and fast, so their machining cost adds up. Even the transparency quality of acrylic depends on the level of processing that takes place in it. The higher the process is, the higher the transparency will be.

High Pigmentation Cost in Colored Boxes

The transparent acrylic is expensive, but its colored version is also costly. The amount of colors used in the pigmentation process leads to an increase in the production cost. Various shades require lots of different combinations. These combinations of colors are not cost-effective at all. They can increase the worth of acrylic at a high cost. It is a costly method because the color retention in acrylic is very high. The way it absorbs color maintains color retention for a long time.  

Some colors are expensive, depending on the availability and absorption power. These colors also affect the cost of production. Simple colors are less costly in this case.

Costly Customization 

Some materials can not coordinate with low-cost customization. They need intense colors and printing methods to absorb the ink. Acrylic is one of them, and its customization is also costly. Cutting, printing, and designing factors increase the cost of acrylic and its value. Shapes, colors, brand logos, patterns, and designs keep increasing costs as customization increases. 

A customized acrylic box is costlier than a simple one. Therefore, the boxes manufactured for special seasons, themes, promotions, and campaigns are more expensive for companies. Even if manufacturers have to deal with it in bulk, customization increases the per-unit cost.

Increased Thickness Level Adds Up More Cost

When the thickness increases, the material cost also increases. Therefore, the increase in the thickness of the acrylic box leads to additional fees. This rise in cost affects the budget of the entire project. A batch of thin acrylic boxes is less costly than thick boxes. Moreover, the weight and requirement for extra care increase because of that. 

Different Types of Surface Finishing Increase the Cost

The beauty of an acrylic box depends on the quality of the acrylic, precision, and surface finishing. Many types are followed in surface finishing, which affects the cost of production. Gloss, matte, transparent, mirror, and other types have different costs. The additional cost depends on the kind of finishing. Some customers like glossy surfaces, and some like matte. However, some like other surface finishes that could meet their customization demands. Gifts and packaging purposes require acrylic boxes because of the pristine and aesthetic looks they give. What acrylic has is hard to find in any other type of material. 

Specialized Bonds, UV Curing, and Skilled Laborers

Acrylic boxes require special bonding glue, which also affects its cost. Since it is a type of plastic, it can’t create a bond with a general glue. Therefore, special bonding chemicals and also UV curing methods are used. Moreover, skilled laborers can handle the complex processes of manufacturing acrylic boxes. They know about the level of sensitivity in acrylic boxes when working on them. Their handling is not the same as any other material.

Handling Cost Increases Overall Supply Chain Cost

Likewise, the handling cost is higher when dealing with acrylic boxes. Some of them appear like glass, which means they need special care. The fingerprints and other marks could appear on the surface if special care is not given to them. It increases the handling cost and then also the supply chain’s cost. Of course, they need special cushioning to move trucks and vessels safely. Acrylic can get scratched easily, which could ruin its appearance and shine. The gloss or matte surface will get abrasions if they don’t get safety layers. 

Conclusion

 

This is why you can’t treat acrylic boxes like the ordinary ones. First, the material value of acrylic is high. Then, the detailing and value-adding activities further increase their overall cost. Ultimately, the handling and shipping costs increase because of the sensitivity level against scratches.

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25-Mar-2025 7 Factors That Make Acrylic Boxes Costly

Some people might wonder why acrylic boxes are costly. They might think it is branding or something like that, but the reasons are something else. There are many manufacturers worldwide, and almost everyone has to face challenges in it. Then, they face difficulties in keeping the acrylic boxes’ cost of production low, even in bulk production. You will find the reasons in this blog, which will make things clear.  Material and Processing Cost  Acrylic is one of the most elite types of plastic. You can expect its value and the impact on its cost. The primary reason for the high cost of production is always the material, and acrylic has the same case. It doesn’t matter how much you try to reduce the operational cost; if its material is expensive, you can’t do anything.  Besides raw acrylic’s cost, there is a high cost of intense processing. CNC machines and various types of laser-cutting machines contribute to an increase in the production cost. Since CNC laser machines are already efficient and fast, so their machining cost adds up. Even the transparency quality of acrylic depends on the level of processing that takes place in it. The higher the process is, the higher the transparency will be. High Pigmentation Cost in Colored Boxes The transparent acrylic is expensive, but its colored version is also costly. The amount of colors used in the pigmentation process leads to an increase in the production cost. Various shades require lots of different combinations. These combinations of colors are not cost-effective at all. They can increase the worth of acrylic at a high cost. It is a costly method because the color retention in acrylic is very high. The way it absorbs color maintains color retention for a long time.   Some colors are expensive, depending on the availability and absorption power. These colors also affect the cost of production. Simple colors are less costly in this case. Costly Customization  Some materials can not coordinate with low-cost customization. They need intense colors and printing methods to absorb the ink. Acrylic is one of them, and its customization is also costly. Cutting, printing, and designing factors increase the cost of acrylic and its value. Shapes, colors, brand logos, patterns, and designs keep increasing costs as customization increases.  A customized acrylic box is costlier than a simple one. Therefore, the boxes manufactured for special seasons, themes, promotions, and campaigns are more expensive for companies. Even if manufacturers have to deal with it in bulk, customization increases the per-unit cost. Increased Thickness Level Adds Up More Cost When the thickness increases, the material cost also increases. Therefore, the increase in the thickness of the acrylic box leads to additional fees. This rise in cost affects the budget of the entire project. A batch of thin acrylic boxes is less costly than thick boxes. Moreover, the weight and requirement for extra care increase because of that.  Different Types of Surface Finishing Increase the Cost The beauty of an acrylic box depends on the quality of the acrylic, precision, and surface finishing. Many types are followed in surface finishing, which affects the cost of production. Gloss, matte, transparent, mirror, and other types have different costs. The additional cost depends on the kind of finishing. Some customers like glossy surfaces, and some like matte. However, some like other surface finishes that could meet their customization demands. Gifts and packaging purposes require acrylic boxes because of the pristine and aesthetic looks they give. What acrylic has is hard to find in any other type of material.  Specialized Bonds, UV Curing, and Skilled Laborers Acrylic boxes require special bonding glue, which also affects its cost. Since it is a type of plastic, it can’t create a bond with a general glue. Therefore, special bonding chemicals and also UV curing methods are used. Moreover, skilled laborers can handle the complex processes of manufacturing acrylic boxes. They know about the level of sensitivity in acrylic boxes when working on them. Their handling is not the same as any other material. Handling Cost Increases Overall Supply Chain Cost Likewise, the handling cost is higher when dealing with acrylic boxes. Some of them appear like glass, which means they need special care. The fingerprints and other marks could appear on the surface if special care is not given to them. It increases the handling cost and then also the supply chain’s cost. Of course, they need special cushioning to move trucks and vessels safely. Acrylic can get scratched easily, which could ruin its appearance and shine. The gloss or matte surface will get abrasions if they don’t get safety layers.  Conclusion   This is why you can’t treat acrylic boxes like the ordinary ones. First, the material value of acrylic is high. Then, the detailing and value-adding activities further increase their overall cost. Ultimately, the handling and shipping costs increase because of the sensitivity level against scratches.

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