Can we order organizers made out of other materials, like wood or white plastic?
Our manufacturing processes are limited to clear 1/8" acrylic. We do not offer wood or colored materials. We also do no manufacture from thicknesses other than 1/8".
I need something other than rectangles and what about cutting holes and corners out?
Our automated computer design system doesn't allow modifications to your design such as cutting holes in walls, curved patterns, removing the bottom, cutting corners off, special cut-outs, building handles, etc. If you need that type of unique design, you will need to contact your local acrylic or wood fabrication shop for assistance.
How are the organizers made?
We start with blank sheets of 1/8" crystal clear, cast acrylic that is attractive, lightweight, rigid and durable. We then use our laser machines to etch and cut each piece as you designed using our custom software. After that, we connect the finger joints of each part together like a 3D jigsaw puzzle. Finally, we glue the finger joints together using a very strong, crystal clear, adhesive (this technique is much stronger than a lap or butt joint). Once the adhesive is cured, we clean and inspect your organizer, package it and ship it to you. The entire process typically takes just under one hour! Oh, and they're proudly assembled here in the USA.
How quickly are the organizers made?
We begin building your organizer as soon as possible, typically within 2-7 business days. It takes another 2-4 business days for UPS to deliver your order depending on your location from Denver, CO.
Can I put my organizer in the dishwasher? What about liners?
Yes. We've tested our organizers in household dishwashers and they remain strong, clear and clean up nicely. We recommend using the top shelf to reduce the chance of deforming. However, if your organizer has a liner we do not recommend dishwasher as the liner materials and adhesives have not been dishwasher tested. It is likely washing organizers with liners will trap water underneath and cause mold, mildew, etc.
How do I clean my organizer tray? Liners?
Gentle soap and water normally does the trick. Use a non-abrasive cloth. Dry your organizer immediately to reduce spotting. You can use plastic polish to remove fine scratches or if you want it to really shine (we use Novus brand). Do NOT use products that contain ammonia, alcohol, acetone, abrasives, finger nail polish, window cleaners, or other solvents such as thinners, acetone, gasoline, benzene and tetrachloride; these will cloud the plastic surface and may crack and ruin the finish. To clean the liner simply remove the organizer from the drawer and shake it upside down, vacuum, or blow out any debris (i.e. air cans used to dust electronics). A soft cloth with mild detergent may be used to spot clean. Make sure to let the materials completely dry before placing back into service.
What if my organizer gets scratched?
It is normal to see surface scratches on acrylic during use. You can use a plastic polish and non-abrasive cloth to buff out the scratches (we use Novus brand).
How can I repair a crack or broken piece?
For any cracks/broken acrylic pieces, carefully apply a thin bead of clear cyanoacrylate adhesive, i.e. 'super glue' and set the piece back in place. Use a bit of tape to hold the piece in place if necessary. Be careful not to place the tape over any glue. Lastly, avoid getting any adhesive on the laser-cut/manufactured edges to prevent crazing or cracking. If the area that needs repair includes laser-cut/manufactured edges, a clear 2-part epoxy is best, i.e. 'Gorilla' Clear 5-minute epoxy, available at your local home improvement store. This type of adhesive will prevent crazing of any manufactured edges at the repair location.
Are the organizers heat resistant?
Acrylic is a rigid plastic that handles household temperatures well, but it will deform if applied to temperatures over 194°F and may melt at temperatures over 212°F. We recommend keeping your organizers away from hot areas like your stove and oven. Oh, and do not use in the microwave either.
Will my organizer break if I drop it?
Probably. Although acrylic is durable and shatterproof, if it is dropped from a counter it may crack or break apart, so handle your organizer carefully. Although not as fragile as glass, acrylic will crack or break if handled improperly.
Can I use the organizer for food?
Please don't. The adhesive used during assembly is not listed by the FDA as being food safe. Direct contact with food should be avoided.
Are the top edges smooth or rippled?
The edges of our organizers are laser cut and smooth -- the "ripples" you see in some the photos are actually an effect of lighting. Because the acrylic is crystal clear, you can see the joints through the edges of the acrylic. Once you have the organizers in a drawer you don't notice that 'ripple' effect. We use finger joinery and tab-slot construction to assemble our organizers. This technique holds the pieces together to be assembled, and when glued, creates a very strong bond; stronger than a butt joint, and typically stronger than the acrylic itself.
Are the top edges of the walls smooth or sharp?
Yes, each acrylic wall upper edge is lightly belt-sanded with a 45 deg. bevel prior to being assembled to remove any sharp edges from cutting. However, they are not rounded over.
Can you make the organizer without certain outer walls or floors? Customize outside of the design tool?
Not at this time. Our software design tool does not allow removing the floor or the four outer walls. Additionally, any deviations from the design tool capabilities require artwork setup and engineering fees. We may entertain custom requests for orders in large quantites > 25, contact us for more information.
Does acrylic contain lead?
According to Arkema Groups (manufacturer), the acrylic they manufacture does NOT contain lead. North America stopped using lead in acrylic production many years ago.
Where is your acrylic raw material manufactured?
Arkema Group has factories all over the world; the particular type and specification of cast acrylic we use is manufactured in Matamoros, Mexico. It is delivered to Denver in 51"x100" sheets where they are cut to various sizes for use in our factory. We then cut, process, and assemble the acrylic to the final product here in the USA.
What are your fabric liners made from? How are they cut?
Our fabric liners are made from synthetic materials so they can be safely laser cut while reducing any charring or burning. The are non-vinyl, non-chloride synthetic fabrics. Some are woven polyesters, nylons, and others are polyurethanes. They are adhered to a thin polystyrene sheet that acts as a stiffener so the fabric wont roll, shift, or wrinkle - they stay flat in your organizer, in your drawer, or on a shelf. We also use Zero-VOC, environmentally friendly, water-based adhesives to bond our fabric onto the stiffener backing. Our organizer liners are hand-placed into each compartment using a thin, removable, adhesive tape that will not damage the acrylic.
Where is your fabric liner material manufactured?
We currently import our synthetic fabrics from China to keep the prices down. The polystyrene backing is provided by a local plastics company.
How is the fabric liner placed in my custom organizer?
Each organizer liner is laser cut to fit perfectly inside your organizer compartments. We use industrial, removable adhesive to adhere each liner piece to the organizer floor (similar performance of 'post-it' notes). This tape holds each piece firmly in place, yet may be carefully removed if necessary without leaving sticky residue.
How do I add a liner to my custom organizer?
While you are designing your organizer, there is a selection panel on the right side of the view that allows you to select a liner style and add it to your design. The fabric texture and color is then simulated onto the bottom of your organizer in the design view for you to preview. When you add your organizer to your cart, a mating liner will also be added if you selected a liner.
Can I buy a liner for a previously purchased custom organizer?
Yes! If you have purchased an organizer in the past, we have design information that can be translated into a liner design. To buy a liner for a previously purchased organizer, simply Log In and view your My Account page. Select the ORDERED ORGANIZERS tab to display all previously purchased organizers. Click ORDER LINER on the right side of the desired organizer. Then, select the ADD TO CART link of the liner style of your choice. Finally, check out normally.