Gold Name Plates

Gold Name Plates

Gold name plates are thin, 2 dimensional metal plates that display text and are usually used for decorative applications. They are rarely made of solid gold; the few that are belong in the jewelry industry as tags and plates that display an individual's name or initials to be worn as a necklace. Because solid gold is very expensive and heavy, all other gold name plates are composed of materials like plastic or copper, that have been brushed with liquid gold-a process known as plating. Gold plating gives name plates an expensive and elegant finish, without the actual cost or heavy weight of actual solid gold. They are mostly used for labeling applications, both indoors and out. Gold plating is corrosion resistant, and can be electro-plated to withstand severe outdoor weather in any climate. The automotive, marine, electronics, appliance, office and indoor temperature control industries all use gold name plates to identify, label or decorate an area, individual or object. In offices, they are used to designate areas like the break room or conference room, as well as sit atop a desk or on a door with someone's name and job title. Vehicles like boats, golf carts, utility vehicles, lawn tractors and mowers, agricultural equipment, trailers and snowmobiles are commonly adorned with a gold nameplate to display information and branding. Tool boxes, briefcases, trunks, luggage and chests also commonly have a gold nameplate mounted to their exterior, which are usually used to assign ownership.

Gold name plates, those that are plated, are generally made of a copper alloy. The nameplate is formed and then inscribed with text, usually by etching. This method includes chemical etching, a process that uses a stencil to cover the bare nameplate and then an abrasive chemical to corrode away the text design. Engraving with the use of a metal needle, diamond or lasers is also an effective way of giving the nameplate's text 3 dimensional detail that doesn't require topical paint or ink, which wears away quickly in comparison. In addition to text, name plates can also display company logos, images and photographs, which are usually applied by CNC operated machinery. The gold plating process is one of the last post-process applications done to the nameplate. If the material isn't a copper alloy, it is first plated with copper. Then, liquid gold or an alloy of gold is painted on in layers by a small brush. After the gold has dried, it is polished and buffed. The result is a lightweight and resilient product that looks like it is made of solid gold.