Display Cases & Showcases

Acrylic display cases protect and present valuable objects — from museum artifacts and retail merchandise to personal collectibles. The right case combines optical clarity, physical protection, UV filtering, and aesthetic design. This guide covers the types of display cases, material selection, construction methods, and ordering considerations to help you specify the perfect solution.

Types of display cases

Museum and gallery cases

Museum-grade requirements

UV filtering: blocks 98%+ of UV radiation (wavelengths below 380 nm) to prevent photodegradation of artifacts
Optical clarity: ≥92% light transmission, anti-reflective options available
Climate control: sealed cases with humidity buffering (silica gel compartments) for sensitive artifacts
Security: lockable, tamper-resistant, optional alarm integration
Material: UV-filtering cast PMMA or museum-grade glass (depending on size and budget)

Museum display cases demand the highest standards for artifact preservation. UV-filtering PMMA is preferred over glass for several reasons: it is lighter (easier to handle during installation), safer (does not shatter into dangerous shards), and can be fabricated into seamless, bonded structures without the visible metal frames required by glass cases.

Retail showcases

Retail display cases prioritize product visibility, durability, and brand alignment. They must withstand daily handling, cleaning, and frequent merchandise changes. Common configurations include:

Countertop cases: compact cases placed on existing surfaces. Typical sizes: 200–500 mm per side. Open-top or hinged lid.
Floor-standing vitrines: full-height cases (1200–1800 mm) with integrated bases. Often include LED lighting and lockable doors.
Wall-mounted cases: shadow box style, 50–200 mm deep. Magnetic or hinged front panels for access.
Rotating displays: motorized turntable base with acrylic dome or column cover.

Collector and hobbyist cases

Cases for model cars, figurines, watches, minerals, coins, and sports memorabilia. Key considerations:

Dust protection: close-fitting lid with minimal gaps
UV protection: important for items prone to fading (fabrics, paper, photographs)
Display tiers: internal shelves or risers to showcase multiple items
Custom dimensions: cases tailored to specific objects for optimal presentation

Material selection for display cases

Material	Light transmission	UV filtering	Impact resistance	Weight	Best for
Cast PMMA (clear)	92%	Standard: partial; UV grade: 98%+	Low (brittle)	Light	Museum, premium retail
Cast PMMA (anti-glare)	90%	Available	Low	Light	Illuminated exhibits, galleries
PET-G	90%	Moderate	Very high	Light	High-traffic retail, children’s museums
Polycarbonate	88%	With UV coating	Extremely high	Light	Security-critical, vandal-resistant
Float glass	90%	Low	Low (shatters)	Heavy	Budget retail
Low-iron glass (Optiwhite)	91%	Low	Low	Heavy	High-end retail where glass is specified

Why PMMA over glass?

For most display case applications, PMMA (acrylic glass) offers significant advantages over mineral glass: it weighs 50% less, transmits more light, can be seamlessly bonded without metal frames, is easier to fabricate into custom shapes, and does not shatter. The main drawbacks are lower scratch resistance (mitigated by anti-scratch coatings) and higher thermal expansion.

Construction methods

Five-sided bonded box

The most common display case construction: five acrylic panels (four sides + top) bonded together with solvent or reactive cement, placed over a base. For details on bonding methods and achieving optically clear joints, see Joining Techniques.

Typical wall thickness: 3–6 mm (cases up to 400 mm), 6–10 mm (larger cases)
Edge finishing: diamond-polished for visible edges
Joint type: butt joint with capillary cement or reactive cement for maximum clarity

Bent (thermoformed) construction

A single sheet of PMMA is line-bent to form a seamless cover with rounded edges. This eliminates visible joints and creates a sleek, modern appearance. Limited to cases where all bends are along parallel lines.

Hybrid construction

Combines an acrylic cover with a wooden, metal, or HPL base. The base provides structural support, houses LED lighting, and can include lockable drawers or compartments. Popular for museum and high-end retail applications.

LED lighting integration

Proper lighting dramatically enhances display impact. LED strips or modules can be integrated into the base, top frame, or shelf edges of a display case.

Lighting type	Color temperature	Application	Notes
Warm white LED strip	2700–3000 K	Jewelry, watches, warm-toned items	Most flattering for gold tones
Neutral white LED strip	4000–4500 K	General retail, museums	True color rendering (CRI 90+)
Cool white LED strip	5500–6500 K	Technology products, silver items	Modern, clinical appearance
Edge-lit acrylic panel	Variable	Shelf lighting, signage	Uniform glow, requires opal or engraved PMMA

Museum lighting standards

For sensitive artifacts, illumination levels must comply with conservation standards: ≤50 lux for textiles, watercolors, and photographs; ≤200 lux for oil paintings and most objects. LED lighting must be UV-free (no emission below 380 nm) and generate minimal heat. Always specify CRI ≥90 for accurate color reproduction.

Ordering a custom display case

When requesting a quote for a custom display case from PlexiSystem, please provide:

Internal dimensions (W × D × H in mm) — the space the object needs
Material preference — clear PMMA, UV-filtering, anti-glare, PET-G, etc.
Wall thickness — or let us recommend based on dimensions
Base type — acrylic, wood, HPL, metal, or no base (cover only)
Access method — lift-off, hinged door, sliding panel, removable top
Lighting requirements — type, color temperature, power supply location
Quantity — single prototype or production series
Special requirements — locking mechanism, ventilation holes, cable pass-throughs

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