Cast Bronze & Aluminum Plaques
- Prices include natural color of metal with satin finish and a brushed surface on all raised areas against standard a color background and texture with protective coating.
- Proof will be supplied for approval before casting. Approximate lead time 4-5 weeks after final approval, please allow at least one week for shipping.
- High polished finishes on cast bronze plaques are only available by quotation. Non-standard plaques require a quotation.
About Cast Plaques
Materials
- Cast Bronze - Equivalent to Copper Development Association Alloy C92200; 88% Copper, 6% tin, 4% zinc, 2% lead.
- Cast Aluminum - Alloy Designation C443.2. Aluminum is approximately 1/3 the weight of cast bronze.
Raised vs. Recessed Graphics
The casting process creates plaques with two levels of graphics: raised & recessed. Graphic images are raised .100" from the background texture.
Letters can be recessed on a cast plaque if the stroke of the letters is at least 1/8" at all points or serifs. (extra cost)
Sizes
Please refer to our standard sizes section. Special sizes, special shapes or depths are available.
Maximum Sizes - The largest size cast plaque is 96" x 96" with capabilities to cast up to 120" in one dimension. Large sizes can be cast in sections and fabricated together by welding or mechanical fasterners.
Exact Sizes - The back side of cast plaques will measure larger than the front dimensions due to the casting process. Advise if plaque must fit into a recessed opening.
Borders
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| Straight Edge | Single Line | Bevel Edge* | Single Line/ Bevel Edge* |
Double Line* |
* Additional charges may apply depending on size.
Note - Ornamental Borders & Flat Decorative Borders are available at an additional cost on most standard sizes.
Background Texture
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| Leatherette | Pebbled (up to 30x40" size) |
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| Sculptured | Travertine |
Background Color
The background of most cast metal plaques are painted with one standard color. Click here for other standard colors.
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| Light Brown | Dark Brown | Metallic Gray | Black |
*Additional colors are available for an additional price.
Protective Coating
Semi-gloss Lacquer - Providing a low gloss appearance, this clear coating was developed by Matthews to inhibit oxidizing. Use when matching older plaques or when a lower gloss look is desired, particularly for interior applications.
Diamond Shield Coating - Exclusively available from Matthews, this patented clear coat is factory-applied only. It has a higher gloss than our clear protective lacquer. Provides maximum durability in harsh, exterior environments, where plaques are exposed to salt, pollution and weather.
Emblems, Logos & Portraits
Portraits of people, places, events, any emblem, seal, logo, or crest may be incorporated onto cast plaques using a variety of techniques. The best method depends upon many factors, including the artwork available, the final appearance, the installation location and budget.
ImageCast™ | Bas-Relief & Flat-Relief | AlumiColor | Etched Plaques & Metalphoto
Mounting Methods
- Concealed Studs Bosses (extra pads) are cast onto the back of the plaque. These are drilled and tapped to accept a threaded stud. Flat-backed plates (generally, smaller sizes) are drilled & tapped for studs without bosses on the back.
Recommended Uses - for concealed, permanent mounting to Brick walls, Stone walls, & Masonry surfaces. - Toggle BoltsHoles are drilled through the face of the plaque for toggle bolts. They are threaded machine screws 4" to 6" long with spring-loaded butterflies that fold up and pass though holes in the wall. Rosettes are optional.
Recommended Uses - for semi-permanent mounting to: Hollow tile, Cement block, Drywall.
- Machine Screws & Expansion Sleeves Holes are drilled through the face of the plaque for machine screws. Each metal expansion sleeve (or lead anchor) has a threaded interior to house a machine screw.The lead anchor will expand when a screw is inserted and tightened. Rosettes are optional.
Recommended Uses - for semi-permanent mounting to: Brick walls, Stone walls, & Masonry surfaces.
- Wood Screws Holes are drilled through the plaque and countersunk to accept a flat head wood screw. Larger sized wood screws, #14
or #16, have the heads drilled and tapped to accept a rosette cover.
Recommended Uses - For semi-permanent mounting to: Wood walls, & Plaster walls (small plates only) - Rosettes (optional) - are decorative elements used to cover the screw heads of at least 1/4" diameter on a plaque installation. All rosettes (except R77) are available in cast bronze, brass or aluminum. Rosettes included in the plaque price are styles R2, R4, R5, R16, R32, R74, and R77. Other styles are availabe at an additional cost.
*Optional mounting methods priced at additional cost.
Cast Plaque Requirements
Almost any typeface or logo can be cast as long as they meet the requirements below. You may choose from any of our different letterstyles or you can provide us your own file. Please refer to the artwork requirements.
- Minimum castable letter height is 1/4" all capitals or 3/8" caps and lower case.
- Typesetting must allow at least 1/16" white space between each letter
- Line stroke in letters and artwork can be no smaller than 1/16" or 4 pts thick.
- To allow for plaque margins and borders, add 2 inches to the "longest line" width requirement for medium size plaques or up to 4 inches to large size plaques.
