getting plastic sticks 'made' for client...

[CkretAjint]

Have a client that has a 'learning kit' they sell, they hand make everything in it (it's a LOT to do). Well the kit has these wooden dowls made that are different lengths, shapes and they hand paint them different colors.

Anyone know of a place to get these molded out of plastic or made and cut to length??? They aren't SUPER long, but size does matter with these, colors can change as long as each stick length is a different color in the set.

They would even be willing to look into getting them made in China.

Square Sticks:
Sizes: 10.5”, 8”, 5”, 2.5” and 4”
Colors Supplied: Purple, Orange, Blue, Red and Yellow

Round sticks:
Sizes: 4.5”, 3.75”, 3.25”, 1.75” and 1.5”
Colors Supplied: Red, Yellow, Green, Blue and Orange

Flat Rectangular Sticks:
Sizes: 10.5”, 6”, 4.5”, 4” and 2”
Colors Supplied: Blue, Yellow, Green, Orange and Purple



HELP??!?!?! :confused: :D

[DesignVHL]

http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/category.asp?catalog%5Fname=USPlastic&category%5Fname=115&Page=1&utm_source=google&gclid=CJTd26fznY4CFRHzPgodEVDaxw&cookie%5Ftest=1

does this help?

[CkretAjint]

Actually it does. I emailed them about producing such items in various colors. The client could order them in bulk 4' lengths and then cut them down to size, thus not having to paint them which seems to be the time consuming part they want to eliminate as of right now.


w00t w00t

Thanks VHL!!! :D

[DesignVHL]

:) anytime Ck! :) Glad I could help!

[CkretAjint]

I emailed them about producing such items in various colors.

So I got a reply back and they only offer the shapes I need in clear. NOTHING is made from different colors. MAJOR BOO!!! :(

Any other suggestions anyone?

[DesignVHL]

Here are a few others to check out:

http://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/GSDRVSM?PMTYPE=&SITEXT=PLASTIC%20RODS

http://www.professionalplastics.com/cgi-bin/main/co_disp/displ/prrfnbr/100468/sesent/00/Dowel-Rods---High-Strength

You probably have to call these places and talk to them over the phone...some places may do custom work ( I know my company does custom work - we mfc wire and cable and often have customers wanting custome colors that fit their branding)....so while they may not show anything on the website, if you call them, its possible they could add color into it for you - would be a custom job and cost more - so this really depends on the qty. your client needs!

Also, this is a great resource for finding a manufacturer or related "industrial" businesses - I am sure other companies do this and can add color....

http://www.thomasnet.com/

I did a quick search - there are a TON of companies...

Try searching out:

Plastic Dowel Rods
Colored Plastic (Or PVC) Dowel Rods...

Plastic Rods and Color...

Try that at the Thomas Register site, and also in google. :) Good luck!

[PrintDriver]

Not all 'plastics' are equal. Be sure to get a sample of the plastic you choose.
Acrylic breaks with a very sharp edge.
Polycarb and several other types of plastic in between will bend rather than snap.
And check that the usage (ie the colorants used) are safe for your purpose.

Why don't they dip the wooden sticks instead of painting them indivually?

[DesignVHL]

Great suggestions PD - ALWAYS get samples first....thats a given. :)

worse comes to worse, yep they could be painted...hell you can always hire china to do it with their cheap ass lead paint. :P

[CkretAjint]

Why don't they dip the wooden sticks instead of painting them indivually?

They do right now. But it is WAY time consuming... Literally takes a whole afternooon between painting, measuring, cutting and sorting them out... Huge PITA. Trust me I help them do this on the weekends sometimes. LOL

[DesignVHL]

keep searching, there has to be a company that can do this in color for you guys...

lol have you tried seeing if these things are sold at craft stores?

[balou]

Safest to look for US resources first IMO.

[CkretAjint]

Have you tried seeing if these things are sold at craft stores?

*I* haven't, but the client has been doing this for a few years now and said she has looked several times, but can't find anything. I will go out and take a look when I get some time coming up for these little buggers...

[DesignVHL]

Safest to look for US resources first IMO.

Absolutely! I was joking about going to china....i wouldn't go over seas....no-no...i'm all about supporting US companies. :)