[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Read this article to learn the manufacturing process behind 3D gel number plates, what they are, and what you need to know about them.
We all want our vehicles to look the part, and for many people, that means getting dimensional plates. However, what is the manufacturing process behind 3D gel number plates, what materials are used, and what exactly is involved?
If you want to learn about how these plates are made, we will be going through what you need to know in this article. So, if you have any questions, hopefully you will have all the answers by the time you’ve finished reading, and maybe you’ll even order a plate for yourself!
Read through our terms and conditions, privacy policy and refund policy before making a purchase. You can also learn about our workshop and affiliate program, or find out more by speaking with our customer service if you want to purchase high-quality, DVLA-compliant number plates.
Now, let’s look into the manufacturing process behind 3D gel number plates.
3D gel number plates are different from their standard counterparts, as the characters have domed resin over them to give them a different effect. Also called 3D gel resin or 3D domed gel plates, these plates are made with an acrylic or aluminium sheet base and laser cut vinyl characters. The characters are then covered with a polyurethane gel resin, which is what gives the characters that attractive raised profile that we see on these plates – and also why they are called 3D gel resin plates.
Provided you follow the government guidelines on plate manufacturing, 3D gel plates are 100% legal in the UK and can be seen by cameras, including ANPR and ULEZ, and they will not stop you from passing your MOT. However, because plates other than standard ones are considered a modification, it’s best to declare them when doing your insurance, just to cover yourself.
Most of us want to know where the things we buy come from, and a few like to understand the manufacturing process. When it comes to the manufacturing process behind 3D gel number plates, it’s all a lot simpler than you might think.
The primary materials needed to make 3D gel number plates are the acrylic (or aluminium) background sheet, the vinyl characters, and the polyurethane gel resin. An industrial-grade adhesive is also used to tick the characters to the sheet, and additional materials such as different gel finishes or colour options for varying plate aesthetics.
The materials most commonly used for manufacturing 3D gel number plates:
In terms of machinery and manpower, equipment such as laser cutters and low grade ovens are necessary. Everything that goes onto the plate needs to be precisely measured out if you want the plate to be road-legal. This means following the correct sizes and dimensions:
These rules also need to be followed, as showcased on the government website:
Incorrect manufacturing processes or low-grade materials used in the process can result in number plates that are not road legal. For this reason, it’s always important to get your plates from trusted number plate supplies – like us.
3D gel number plates undergo several processes in order to achieve their distinctive appeal. Once the characters are laser cut from a vinyl sheet and the template is covered with resin, they are left to harden and are baked in a low-grade oven
This process is called doming, as the characters are raised from the surface of the plate and get that attractive and crystal clear appearance we all love. As soon as the doming is done and the characters fully cool down, an industrial-grade adhesive is used to secure the numbers and letters to the acrylic plate.
Because of the doming technology and process, opting for 3D gel number plates means that there are customisation options right at your fingertips. There are a number of subtle changes that you can opt for to make your plate stand out from the crowd even more, such as:
Thanks to the gel resin that is used during the manufacturing process of 3D gel plates, these number plates offer more flexibility compared to other plate types. These plates don’t tend to break easily, and are known to be better at withstanding impacts and crashes.
Though we don’t recommend it, you could easily drill through these plates and through the characters, and they would not break. However, for the sake of keeping the plate whole and in the best possible condition, we will always recommend using adhesive pads when installing your plates to avoid any damage.
Understandably, manufacturing 3D gel plates is more expensive than standard printed plates due to the additional time and materials involved in the process. This is reflected in the retail price of the plates as well, where you can expect to pay around £30 for a standard plate at Number Plate Clinic and between £60 and £65 for your 3D gel plates. EV plates cost £5 more than non-EV plates due to additional work, too
However, this is not as much as 4D number plates cost. 4D plates can require even more time and materials depending on the variation and customisation. At Number Plate Clinic, you can expect to pay anywhere from £70 to £165 depending on the type of plate.
There are so many number plate options to choose from out there, from standard printed plates to 3D and 4D options for anyone who wants to stand out. By understanding the manufacturing process behind plate making, you can understand why some plates are more expensive than others, and appreciate all the work that goes into making them.
Find out more about the world of number plates, like the most expensive private plate sold in the UK, why there is no Z in number plates, 2024 private plate laws, the difference between legal and show plates, why carbon gel plates are illegal in the UK, and what to do if your plate falls off. As the best alternative to Halfords, we pride ourselves in our plates, from our fast delivery to our incredible quality
The manufacturing process behind 3D gel number plates isn’t as straightforward as some other plate types, but it also isn’t too challenging. With the lower cost and enhanced appearance of these plates, there are lots of reasons to consider getting them – especially now that you know how they are made.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
