Light box buyers usually care about three things: how the face is formed, how evenly it lights up, and how easy it is to change the graphic. This page explains how we make vacuum-formed acrylic light boxes, how much they cost to run, and what to specify before you order.
What a Vacuum Forming Light Box Is
A vacuum forming light box starts as an acrylic sheet, heated and drawn over a mould so the face becomes a three-dimensional, evenly lit panel. It is impact resistant, holds a shape and looks more premium than a flat printed box. Typical uses: storefront boxes, column and pylon boxes, mall and metro advertising panels, and illuminated chain store signs.
Vacuum Formed vs. Fabric (SEG) vs. Ultra-Thin
- Vacuum formed - shaped face, premium look, needs a mould; best for formed and branded storefront boxes
- Fabric / SEG light box - aluminium frame with a printed textile; quick graphic changes, flexible sizes, best for large advertising panels
- Ultra-thin light box - slim profile, easy to mount, best indoors on walls
For long-term outdoor shaped boxes choose vacuum forming; if the graphic changes often, choose fabric.
What Determines the Price
Key cost factors: acrylic sheet thickness (from 3 mm upwards, thicker for larger boxes), graphic complexity and whether a new mould is needed, box material (stainless steel, aluminium or painted steel), LED and power supply specification, and installation.
Vacuum formed boxes are usually quoted per square metre; fabric light boxes are quoted as frame length plus graphic area. Treat all figures as an indicative range only - the real price is calculated from size, material and craft. Send your size and we will itemise it.
Specify These Before You Order
- Size and mounting method - wall, suspended or free-standing
- Graphic material and how it changes - front-open or side-open
- LED spacing and brightness, and whether the power supply is waterproofed at the bottom
- Frame colour and whether a back panel is included
How easy the graphic is to change drives your running cost, so confirm it before ordering.
Moulds, Tooling and Batch Size
Vacuum forming requires a mould made to your artwork. Complex, multi-colour or deeply formed shapes cost more to tool, but a mould can be reused, so the unit cost falls as batch size grows. We always approve a sample for shape and brightness before running a batch.
Outdoor Performance: Water and Wind
For outdoor boxes we seal the face, seal or fully weld the body, waterproof the cable joints and mount the power supply low so water cannot collect. Larger boxes also need the wind load and fixing structure calculated, otherwise long-term movement cracks the face.
Lead Time and Shipping
A single box ships once the drawing is confirmed. Volume orders, including chain store rollouts, are scheduled by quantity and tooling, so book early - especially before peak season. We pack for export and can quote sea or air freight to your port.
FAQ
How much does a vacuum forming light box cost per square metre?
Price depends on sheet thickness, box material, LED specification and whether a new mould is required. Treat our figures as an indicative range - the final quote is calculated from size, material and craft details.
Is a vacuum formed box more expensive than a fabric light box?
Fabric light boxes are quoted as frame plus graphic and are often cheaper in small quantities. Vacuum forming needs tooling and a formed face, so it costs more up front but gives a stronger 3D look. Choose by shape requirement and how often the graphic changes.
Can you make non-standard or shaped light boxes?
Yes. Vacuum forming suits shaped and three-dimensional designs; we make a mould to your artwork. Moulds are reusable, so unit cost drops on volume orders.
How are outdoor light boxes made water resistant?
We seal the face, seal or fully weld the body, waterproof cable joints and mount the power supply low. For large boxes we also calculate wind load and the fixing structure.
Can you supply the light boxes for a chain store rollout?
Yes. We produce to a fixed standard and schedule by store, then deliver in batches to match opening dates. Send us your store list, sizes and dates.
What is the lead time?
A single box ships after the drawing and sample are approved. Volume and tooled orders take longer, so order early - the contract lead time is final.
Need a quote, a sample or a factory visit? Talk to us directly.
Dongguan Bolang Advertising Sign Co., Ltd. ｜ No.401, Shutian Shu'an Rd., Humen, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
Tel / WeChat: +86-138-2351-7518