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Etched Metal Plaques

Deep-etched metal plaques. This process permits exact reproduction of most images. The precise, high quality reproduction makes etched metal plaques particularly appealing when fine detail is required. Etched plaques can also be an economical solution for large recognition panels where a high quantity of names is required. All etching prices include either holes through the face or blind mounting with studs. A scaled proof will be supplied for approval before etching. Any changes from the original information will incur charges.

 

Commerical Bronze
Commercial Bronze
(1/16", 1/8", 3/16", 1/4")
Copper Development Association
Alloy C22000; 90% Copper,
10% Zinc
Standard sized sheet 48" x96"
Aluminum
Aluminum
(1/16", 1/8" 3/16", 1/4")
Aluminum Association Standard
Alloy 6061; Optional: Alloy 2024 for #8 polished finish.
Standard sized sheet 48" x 96"
Muntz Metal
Muntz Metal
(1/16", 1/8", 3/16" 1/4")
Copper Development Association
Alloy C28000; 60% Copper, 40% Zinc.
Standard sized sheet 48" x 96"
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel
(1/16", 1/8", 3/16" 1/4")
Standard: conforms to Alloy 304
Optional: conforms to Alloy 316
Standard sized sheet 48" x 96
Brass
Yellow Brass
(1/16", 1/8", 3/16" 1/4")
Copper Development Association
Alloy C26000; 70% Copper, 30% Zinc.
Standard sized sheet 36" x 96"
Copper
Copper
(1/16", 1/8", 3/16" 1/4")
Copper Development Association C11000.
Standard sized sheet 48" x 96"
Zinc
Zinc
(.064", .125", .153", .250")
Standard sized sheet 25" x 38"
 

Helpful Information

Commercial Bronze is a very close color match to our cast bronze alloy. If etchings and castings are being used together on the same project, specify Commercial Bronze.

When Copper, Muntz Metal, Yellow Brass and Commercial Bronze are specified for exterior use, we recommend a polyurethane coating. For exterior applications that must stand the test of time, we recommends etched stainless steel plaques or cast bronze plaques.

Stainless Steel etchings are not protected by a clear coating and are ideal for exterior use. For exterior applications, Alloy 316 may be more resistant to corrosion in certain types of environments and is available as a special priced option.

Borders

Note: Although square or rectangular shapes are standard on etchings, oval shapes, round shapes or other odd shapes are optional for an additional cost.

Corners

Edges

Round Corners Square Corners Square Edge Square Corners
Square Round Square Bevel
Square corners
(90°) are standard
unless otherwise specified on etched plaques.
Radius corners are optional on all etched plaques. Please specify radius required. The standard edge treatment on an etched plaque is a square edge (90°). Our standard bevel is 45° and is applied to one half the material thickness. Bevel edges on 1/16" thick metal are not available.

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Graphics

General The etching process creates plaques with 2 levels of graphics--recessed and raised. Etched plaques are ideal for reproducing images with fine detail and small lettering. ADA compliant graphics can be created through deep-etching metal plaques.

Etching Depth The depth achievable by acid-etching is dependant upon the letter styles or artwork being etched, as well as the size of the etched plaque. Standard etching depths may range from .007 to .020" depending upon size and detail of the artwork and the material selected. Halftone photographs have a shallow etching depth of .003"-.007". Deep-etching to comply with ADA requirements is .032" and may be accommodated, depending on the artwork, in all metals except aluminum.

Artwork must be camera-ready and must be supplied on a disk or email to us as a B&W Vector file. Artwork requiring any touch-up or modification will be charged separately. FPP can also recreate a logo or artwork for an additional charge.

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Finishes

The standard finish on an etched plaque is a satin belt on the raised areas and a painted recessed background. All metal plaques receive clear protective coating except for stainless steel and Alloy 2024 polished aluminum.

Finish on Raised Areas

Aluminum Satin Finish Brushed Satin The natural metal color with subtle horizontal or vertical grain lines. All materials. Meets NAAMM finish designation M31-C11-R10. The NAAMM finish designation for stainless steel is #4 (brushed satin) or #6 (finer satin finish with lower reflectivity than #4).
Brass Polished Finish Polished The natural metal color buffed to a high gloss, obtained by polishing with successively finer abrasives, then buffing with fine buffing compound. Except Zinc. Meets NAAMM finish designation M21-C11-R10. The NAAMM finish designation for stainless steel is #8 (essentially free of grit lines). (Addn'l cost)
Steel Random-orbintal Finish
Random-Orbital The natural metal color with multi-directional brushed lines, achieved with a random-orbital sander. Meets NAAMM finish designation M35-M4x-C10-060. (Addn'l cost)
Zinc Bronze Tone Zinc For Zinc plaques specify Silver tone, Bronze tone or Brass tone finish. As an alternative to commercial bronze or yellow brass the raised areas of etched zinc are colored to a light bronze/light brass color after the plaque is painted and satin finished. 

Finish on Raised or Recessed Areas

Bronze Oxidized Finish Oxidized A chemical finish on brass alloys produced by various aqueous sulfide solutions. Color can vary from a rich golden hue to almost black. Specify Light, Medium or Dark Oxidized. Except Aluminum, Zinc, Copper. Meets NAAMM finish designation M30-C55-060. (Addn'l cost) 
Magnesium Painted Painted Colors The recessed areas of all etched plaques may be painted with any standard color as shown on in cast plaques background colors. In addition, colors from most color designating systems may be specified for a custom color match.
Fully Painted - On aluminum, magnesium or zinc plaques, the raised areas may be painted with any standard color.
Multiple colors - Two colors cannot touch each other. Multiple colors can be specified on the same plaque, as long as the colors are separated by a recessed or raised areas (Addn'l cost).
Texture Paint - Texture paint is available in brown or black for recessed background areas on deep-etched zinc or magnesium plaques (Addn'l cost).

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Finish on Edges

The standard finish on square and bevel edges is satin. Optional finishes are:

  • Polished
  • Painted (to match background)
  • Satin

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Clear Coatings

Protective clear coatings are used on all metals except for stainless steel and Alloy 2024 polished aluminum. Coatings are available in gloss or semi-gloss. Stainless steel etchings do not receive a clear coat finish and can be used for exterior applications.

Interior or exterior installation should also be specified. Coatings for exterior installation are polyurethane-based, available in gloss or semi-gloss.

If no clear coating is specified, the standard is gloss. Standard clear coating for ADA signage is semi-gloss.

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Mounting Methods

Mounting Method
Double Faced Tape Stud Mount Drill & Tap back Stud Mount Weld to back Silicone Mount Holes Through Face
  • Double Faced Tape Double faced tape is the standard mounting method for etched plaques unless otherwise specified.
  • Stud Mount Threaded studs is an optional mount available for etched plaques. When studs are specified for an etched plaque, if the material is 1/4", the plaque will be drilled and tapped for studs. If the plaque is less than 1/4" thick, the studs will be spot welded on the back.
  • Silicone Mount silicone adhesive may be provided if specified for etched plaques. This is an effective mounting method for etched plaques, although is best when combined with double-faced tape.
  • Holes Through Face Any etched plaque can be provided with holes through the face for mechanical fasteners if requested. Please SPECIFY type of fastener required and whether or not the holes need to be countersunk.

Optional mounting methods priced at additional cost.

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