Overview

An etched brass nameplate is a decorative and identification plate cut from C2600, C2680 or H62 brass by deep photochemical etching, so lettering, borders and logos stand proud of a recessed background. Stock from 0.3 to 1.5 mm is imaged on one face and etched to a depth of 0.15–0.4 mm, producing a genuine relief rather than a printed or engraved surface line. The raised characters are then filled with enamel, brushed, patinated or plated in gold or nickel. Because the detail is in the metal itself, a deep-etched plate keeps its three-dimensional look and legibility through abrasion, cleaning solvents and years of outdoor exposure.

Depth is what separates relief work from shallow marking. The artwork is compensated for the etch factor so a 0.3 mm stroke still has square shoulders after a 0.3 mm deep cut, and etch time, temperature and spray pressure are held to keep the recess flat across a large plate. Multi-colour enamel is applied in separate passes with a cure between them, and a darkened or antique patina is often used to push contrast into the recess. For premium equipment, architectural hardware and commemorative plates, etched brass nameplate work is chosen where a flat printed label would look cheap and a stamped die would be too costly for short runs.

Parameter Window

• Available Materials: brass C2600/C2680 (H62/H65), bronze, nickel silver, copper on request
• Material Thickness Range: 0.3–1.5 mm, with 0.8–1.2 mm typical for relief plates
• Tolerance: ±0.05 mm on profile, ±0.03 mm on relief depth, flatness <=0.1 mm per 100 mm
• Minimum Feature: 0.3 mm character stroke, 0.4 mm line, 0.15 mm minimum relief depth at 0.8 mm stock
• Surface Options: brushed, mirror, antique patina, enamel fill, gold/nickel plating, lacquer, adhesive backing
• Compliance: ISO 9001 process control, RoHS/REACH material traceability

Manufacturing Process / Workflow (8 Steps)

1. Artwork & Depth Review — Convert the layout to vector art, set stroke widths against relief depth, and confirm colours and bleed.
2. Alloy Selection — Choose brass grade and temper for the finish, then inspect the sheet for scratches before lamination.
3. Cleaning & Lamination — Degrease and laminate a thick dry film resist able to survive a long, deep etch.
4. UV Exposure — Expose the artwork through high-resolution film, registering borders and text to the sheet edge.
5. Development — Develop the resist and inspect fine strokes and corners so no scum protects the background.
6. Deep Etching — Spray ferric chloride at controlled Baume and temperature to cut the recess to the set depth with square shoulders.
7. Stripping & Enamel Fill — Strip resist, neutralize, then fill recesses with enamel in separate colour passes and cure.
8. Finishing & Inspection — Brush, patinate or plate, then verify relief depth, colour and flatness against the approved sample.

Core Advantages

1. Genuine relief: Lettering is raised out of the background, giving a three-dimensional look that printing cannot imitate.
2. Durable graphics: Detail sits in the metal, so abrasion, solvent and weather cannot wear the copy away.
3. No die cost: Each new design is a new film, so short runs and frequent revisions stay economical.
4. Rich finishes: Brushing, antique patina, enamel and gold plating combine on one plate for a premium appearance.
5. Flat large plates: Controlled chemistry keeps the recess even across a 300 mm plate, so enamel fills uniformly.
6. Lasting legibility: A well-controlled etched brass nameplate keeps crisp characters and contrast after years of outdoor service.

Typical Applications

• Equipment identification plates: Model, rating and serial data on 1.0 mm brass for industrial machinery.
• Architectural signage: Door plates, directory boards and donor plaques with deep relief and antique patina.
• Premium brand badges: Gold-plated logos with enamel fill for instruments, audio gear and luxury packaging.
• Instrument faceplates: Scales, dial markings and unit labels on brushed brass for meters and gauges.
• Commemorative and award plates: Numbered plaques with raised borders and multi-colour enamel.
• Marine and outdoor labels: Lacquered relief plates that resist salt spray and UV better than printed tags.

Design Notes & Process Considerations

1. Stroke versus depth: Keep the narrowest stroke at least equal to the relief depth, or shoulders will undercut and letters lose definition.
2. Depth callout: State recess depth, typically 0.15–0.4 mm, and say whether the plate is half-etched or through-cut.
3. Colour separation: Allow at least 0.4 mm between enamel colours, with a cure between passes to avoid bleeding.
4. Finish sequence: Specify brushing or patina before plating, since the order changes the final contrast in the recess.
5. Flatness and backing: Call out flatness per 100 mm and name the adhesive grade if the plate is supplied with PSA backing.
6. Edge and corner detail: Give a minimum radius on sharp corners, because deep etches round them and close small counters.