Insights into how we work and what goes into every job...
Ever wondered what goes into ABPLAS fabrication jobs? In this behind-the-scenes Q&A, our expert team of fabricators share insights into their day-to-day work, the challenges they tackle, and how they put their problem-solving skills to good use.
What’s the strangest request you have ever received from a customer?
We’ve had two requests for coffins to be made from clear Perspex. One coffin was to be supplied without a top or bottom! Another, which springs to mind is Planchette’s to accompany Ouija boards for a Motor head album. This was a limited addition rerelease. We also made a table for snails to move across, so that they could be filmed from underneath.
What’s the most complicated thing you’ve made?
One of our most complicated fabrication jobs was a freestanding piece of artwork which was 4m tall and 2.5m wide and 3m long. The structure had many components which not only had to support its’ own weight but also had to be made to be flat packed so that it could be shipped to different locations and rebuilt on arrival. Another complicated project was laser cutting a cross section of a Jaguar for the Geneva motor show. Each panel lined up to bring the car to life.
What have you made the most of over the years?
Acrylic boxes in all shapes, colours and sizes for a variety of reasons. We often supply them with LED lights too. One of the tallest being for a man to stand in, others have been museum grade to house valuable artefacts. Many of our high-end bespoke cabinets are used to protect unique items. Last year we made a bespoke display case to house Lando Norris’ race helmet from 2024.
What is the most unusual request you’ve had?
To clad a piano shaped metal structure in acrylic so that it would not only look good, but it would also fit a keyboard in it, and support the weight of a singer standing on it! A separate unusual request for a fabrication job was from an event company who asked us to fabricate holders for breast implants which was used at an exhibition.
What is the coolest thing you’ve made?
Our fabrication team listed quite a few, here are some of them….
- Working behind the scenes at Buckingham Palace. Measuring, templating, and fitting protective acrylic in preparation for Buckingham Palace to be opened to the public.
- Protecting Banksy’s artwork; keeping it safe from being defaced, so that it could be enjoyed by everyone.
- Fluorescent tables and signage for a pop-up Drunk Elephant store.
- The 360 individually printed hexagons to be displayed on the Southbank also looked fantastic once they were in situ. They were displayed by suspending them above the public’s heads and looked really effective. The colour printed on each hexagon was different from the next.
What’s the best part of the job?
Every day is a challenge with new problems to solve. There is never a dull moment!
What’s the worst part?
Receiving large deliveries in the middle of our lunch break!
To find out more about our bespoke fabrication projects you can look here or as we are Approved Perspex Fabricators take a look on their website here.
