Materials & Expertise for Precision Plastic & Aluminium Fabrication
Proven knowledge in plastics, aluminium and fabrication built for performance and precision
At Rhino Custom Innovation, material selection is central to every successful project. With over two decades of experience in plastics and hybrid fabrication, we deliver products that combine strength, clarity and long-term performance. Our team specialises in the use of advanced materials, from crystal-clear acrylics to high-strength polycarbonate and aluminium composites.
Each product is carefully developed and manufactured to meet the demands of its environment. We supply businesses across sectors including retail, healthcare, manufacturing and corporate spaces, offering high-spec results with full material traceability.
Expert guidance on materials
Our role goes far beyond cutting and assembly. We advise on material suitability, support with early-stage prototyping and carry out production with care and consistency. This approach has earned us a reputation for technical reliability and visual excellence.
We work with each client to understand the purpose and performance demands of their product. Based on this, we recommend the most appropriate material and fabrication technique for both the short and long term.
Materials we work with
Foam PVC & Foam Centre Board Materials
Foam PVC is a cost-effective, rigid board suited to short- and medium-term applications such as displays, signage, and distributor panels. It is lightweight, durable, and easy to work with, making it a popular choice for promotional and exhibition projects.
Foam Centre Board offers greater strength while still maintaining a lightweight core. It can be directly printed and CNC routed, making it ideal for display panels, printed worktops, and other branded installations.
Processes available: CNC routing, digital printing.
Acrylic & Polycarbonate for Clear, Durable Components
Acrylic is one of the most versatile materials in fabrication, widely used in point-of-sale displays, protective screens, and machine guards. Its ability to be heat bent and folded means it delivers seamless, stronger results without the need for bonded joints. Rhino Custom Innovation works with a wide range of acrylic thicknesses (1mm–50mm) and finishes, with access to extensive options as a Perspex partner.
Polycarbonate is chosen where impact resistance and durability are key. Stronger than acrylic and up to 250 times stronger than glass, it is used in high-traffic and safety-critical environments such as equipment covers and guards.
Processes available: CNC routing, diamond polishing, flame polishing, heat bending and folding, laser cutting, digital printing.
Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) for Lightweight Strength
ACM is a modern material composed of thin aluminium skins with a polyurethane core. This combination provides a rigid, waterproof, and lightweight board suitable for both interior and exterior applications.
It is commonly used in signage, display boards, machine panels, and divider panels, offering excellent results when directly printed. With the addition of V-grooving, ACM can be bent and folded into precise shapes, making it a strong alternative to bonded seams.
Processes available: CNC routing, V-grooving & bending, digital printing.
Rigid Plastics (Inc ABS, Nylon, PetG, PP, HIPS)
Rigid plastics provide a durable, waterproof, and easy-to-clean solution for medium- to long-term applications. Rigid PVC in particular is valued for its strength and versatility, often used in dispensers, machine guards, dividers, and healthcare products.
Other rigid plastics such as ABS, Nylon, PetG, PP, and HIPS offer varying levels of toughness, flexibility, and chemical resistance, giving clients a wide choice of performance characteristics depending on the environment.
Processes available: CNC routing, digital printing, heat bending and folding.
Wood and MDF for Structural and Decorative Builds
For projects requiring a natural finish, Rhino Custom Innovation also works with wood and MDF. These materials are widely used in worktops, tabletops, carved features, and point-of-sale display items.
Wood offers durability and a premium aesthetic, while MDF provides a versatile and consistent option for precise machining. Both materials can be shaped and engraved to suit functional or decorative requirements.
Processes available: CNC routing & engraving.
Our Manufacturing capabilities
Our workshop is equipped to handle complex and high-volume jobs with efficiency and attention to detail. We use a range of advanced machinery and finishing tools to achieve consistent results across every production run.
CNC machining and routing
We profile plastic and metal components using computer-controlled tools for accurate shapes and repeatable parts.
Laser cutting
Ideal for acrylic and PETG, laser cutting provides smooth, polished edges without the need for secondary finishing.
Line bending and heat forming
We apply controlled heat to shape plastic sheets into curves or angled forms without compromising structure.
UV printing and vinyl application
We offer direct printing on plastics as well as high-quality vinyl branding for long-lasting, professional finishes.
Assembly and bonding
Our team uses a combination of solvent bonding, adhesives and mechanical fixings depending on the material and project requirements.
Polishing and finishing
We provide flame polishing, edge buffing and other finishing processes to enhance clarity, remove marks and prepare products for installation.
Quality Control, Testing & Material Traceability
Every product that leaves our facility has passed a series of internal checks. We work to consistent tolerances and high finishing standards across both small and large production runs.
Our quality assurance process includes:
- Material inspection upon delivery
- Precision measurement checks during cutting and shaping
- Visual inspection of final product for clarity, bonding and print accuracy
- Traceable records of materials used for compliance and auditing
We source materials only from trusted UK suppliers and use certified grades for food-safe, UV-resistant and flame-retardant requirements where applicable.
Industries We Supply With Custom Fabrication
Our materials and production methods are suited to a wide range of business environments. Clients come to us for projects that demand long-term durability, precise branding or standout aesthetics.
Retail and POS
From countertop displays to large-scale branded units, we supply high-quality finishes that meet the expectations of national retailers and premium product brands.
Healthcare and hygiene
We produce protective screens, partition systems and signage for clinical settings using easy-to-clean, medically compliant materials.
Corporate and reception spaces
We work with interior designers and fit-out teams to produce signage and fixtures that reflect brand standards and architectural styles.
Industrial and manufacturing
We create parts for tool stations, safety screens and enclosures that are built to endure challenging working environments.
Events and exhibitions
We produce graphics, display panels, plinths and other promotional items that combine portability with visual impact.
Responsible & Sustainable Material Use
At Rhino Custom Innovation, we are committed to using materials responsibly and helping clients understand the environmental implications of their choices.
We work with recyclable plastics such as acrylic and PETG wherever possible. Offcuts are repurposed for sample creation or prototypes. We plan our cutting paths to reduce waste and always aim to maximise efficiency.
When required, we advise on alternative options including biodegradable or recycled materials. We also source locally to minimise the impact of long-distance logistics and reduce our overall footprint.
Complete Project Support From Design to Delivery
We offer more than just fabrication. Rhino Custom Innovation provides full support from early-stage development through to installation. Our team is experienced in managing one-off prototypes, national rollouts and everything in between.
You can rely on us for:
- Technical input on drawings and feasibility
- Transparent pricing and practical timelines
- Reliable production from prototype to final build
- Clear communication and dependable scheduling
- Safe packing and nationwide delivery
- Optional installation services for fitted projects
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between acrylic and polycarbonate?
Acrylic provides high clarity and a polished finish but is more brittle than polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is stronger and more impact-resistant, making it suitable for safety-critical applications.Can you help choose the right material for my project?
Yes. We offer material consultation at the start of every project. Our recommendations are based on performance needs, appearance, lifespan and budget.Do you offer one-off prototypes or samples?
We do. We regularly produce samples and prototypes, especially for new designs or when testing material finishes is important before full production.Are your materials certified for safety or food use?
Yes. We work with certified materials and offer flame-retardant, food-grade and UV-stable options depending on project requirements.How quickly can you complete a project?
Most projects are completed in 5 to 10 working days. For urgent jobs, we can often adjust the schedule depending on material availability and design complexity.
Talk to our team
If your business requires reliable production using advanced plastics or hybrid materials, Rhino Custom Innovation is ready to help. Our team brings decades of experience, hands-on knowledge and a commitment to getting the details right.
To start your next project or request a quote, contact us using the details below. We are happy to answer any technical questions and guide you through the options available.
