Plate Making
Materials

We introduced the 3D Gel system around 16 years ago, and were the first to bring 4D and Krystal Plates to the market in 2015 – Over 60 styles are now available -To order on-line, please visit our Partner’s Website below:

NPM (Click to order on-line)

Wholesale suppliers of number plate printing systems and materials. Including acrylic, 3D gel & 4D laser cut characters

Want to start a Number Plate Business? How do you start a Number Plate Business? We specialize in setting up businesses in becoming road legal number plate manufacturers by
offering number plate making equipment and all of the materials required to make number plates
for use in the UK.

If you would like to become a Registered Number Plate Supplier with the DVLA and would like
to retail made-up number plates, we can offer all of the number plate consultancy and
advice you need.

We have Legal Number Plate Law Consultants available to help you determine whether your number plates meet the legal obligations, ANPR and the British Standards, BSAU145e (BS AU 145e), and can help you register with the DVLA smoothly, giving you advice of what to

 

Are 3d and 4d number plates BSAU145d and BSAU145e compliant?

 

Everybody seems to have their own opinion of the law, and most base their conclusion on their preference, rather than the facts. We are perhaps the only company who is in the process of testing their 3d and 4d digits to the BSAU145e standards at great time and expense. In the meantime, our conclusion is that our 3d BLACK and 4d BLACK digits are perfectly road legal, based upon our extensive analysis of the BSAU145e standards, and the various back and forth documents from the Department for Transport and the DVLA.

Firstly, the Department for Transport (DFT) made it clear in their response to a petition calling for a stop to the “ban of 4d and 3d registration plates” that “The new British Standard for retroreflective number plates does not state that number plates with raised characters, including 3D gel and 4D number plates, will not be permitted.” Please click below to see a screenshot of the response posted on the 3rd of February 2021:

https://www.plate-factory.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/4d-Number-Plates-Petition-Response-Department-For-Transport.png

The DVLA also sent an email to registered number plate suppliers stating that “On number plates with raised characters, including 3D gel and 4D number plates, the entire number plate must be able to comply with both the standard and legal requirements. This also includes the characters of the registration number.”

https://www.plate-factory.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/DVLA-3d-4d-legalities-update-email.png

The above proves that the concept of 3d and 4d plates is not an issue for the DFT and the DVLA.

So why do some authorities have an issue with 3d/4d number plates?

Firstly, BSAU145e states that characters must not be removable. This is a major issue, as if characters fall off, you could be left in the position where your vehicle is no longer identifiable! Some suppliers use cheap vinyl for their 3d digits and cheap adhesive for their 4d digits to keep costs down. By stating that they use “3M adhesive” does not mean that the correct adhesive has been used for an automotive application – 3M also make double sided tape for craft in schools, which wouldn’t work too well on roads! Our 3d gel has been on UK roads for over 15 years, and we have not had any failures, which is why we offer a lifetime warranty on them. As for the 4d digits, when we introduced the concept, our engineers worked hard to choose the correct adhesive, and tested the plates on the roads throughout various seasons before officially launching the product – again, our 4d digits have been on the roads for the longest amount of time without failure. Are they removable? Well, the number plate they sit on is also removable, as are the bumpers the plates are attached to! So what is removable defined as, according to BSAU145e? If the strength of the adhesive is less than that of the sticky pads, then the characters can be deemed to be removable. Our characters were tested, and the strength was way in excess of the strength required by sticky pads – this cannot be said about the digits produced by all manufacturers. Please see our testing video for further clarification:

The second issue is that BS AU 145e was primarily brought forth to ensure that all future number plates would be Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) friendly. This is why the characters must now be a single shade of black, there must be an isolation area of 7mm of the registration mark, and the border must now be a minimum of 10mm away from the registration mark. Furthermore, the use of screws is now not recommended, as these could innocently fool some ANPR cameras.

Some authorities have claimed that 4d number plates are illegal, because they are reflex-reflecting, citing Regulation 11:

How is this linked to BSAU145e? For part (1) of the above, the reflex-reflecting clause here is to prevent people from applying the “anti-flash” film to their number plates to prevent being fined for traffic offences. The standards have a retroreflection test (test 2) in which the black characters must have a coefficient of retroreflection not greater than 0.5 cd/lx per square metre. Practically all surfaces are retroreflective to some degree, and the clear acrylic which is placed on top of most printed plates is also retroreflective – simply take a picture, and you’ll see reflections on the acrylic. The material of which 4d characters are made of is also acrylic, and hence they would be reflective to some degree, however if the coefficient of retroreflection is less than 0.5 cd/lx per square metre, they should not be classed as reflex-reflecting according to BSAU145e.

As for part (2) of the above, the word “treated” implies changes made intentionally to make the registration mark more difficult to read, or to have photographs taken of. 4d plates are as legible to read as 2d plates when it comes to testing according to the standards.

Part (3) again refers to individuals placing screws or bolts in positions which may affect the reading or photography of the number plate.

 

The standards also have a Near Infrared (NIR) test (test 10), in which it states that “Most modern ANPR systems operate in the near infrared region in a wavelength range 780 nm to 940nm.” The standard also states that “ANPR systems operate using edge detection and optical character recognition which rely on the contrast between the characters and the reflective background.” With simple testing using ANPR cameras, there are occasions where traditional 2d number plates are not able to be read. Therefore, it would be reasonable to say that the same could apply for 4d number plates. We are able to state that our testing has shown that our black 3d and 4d characters have adequate contrast between the background and characters.

Authorities have also noted that the DVLA has stated that it “has not seen any evidence to show that number plates displaying raised plastic, acrylic or Perspex lettering (3D/4D plates) are able to meet the requirements of […] the British Standard.” Our analysis of the law, standards and guidance leads us to believe that our 3d and 4d products conform to the standard, however to formalise this, we are perhaps one of the only companies which is currently in the process of having our 3d and 4d number plates tested to the BSAU145e standards (as shown below), and will have our results in due course. The results will only apply to our products and will not be a blanket yes/no for all 3d/4d number plates on the market.

Please note that some 4d digit suppliers ARE using acrylic which is reflex-reflecting (retroreflective), which may render them non-compliant. When choosing a supplier, if their price of 4d characters is too low to be true, you will probably discover that they are using acrylic which is not UK made, and/or the cheaper version of acrylic which may be reflex-reflecting. If this is the case, be prepared to receive many customer complaints about letters received from the Police in the post about their 4d number plates being illegal.

 

 

How do you make Number Plates? What is the process for making 3d Gel Number Plates? What is the process for making 4d Number Plates? We can answer all of your questions!

In order to begin selling number plates, you will need to complete the following steps:

Register.
Purchase your equipment.
Buy materials.

Register.

Register as a number plate supplier with DVLA RNPS Registered Number Plate Suppliers by applying here: https://www.gov.uk/register-as-number-plate-supplier/dvla. This is a simple form which will have a number of questions. If you are applying by post or on-line, please contact us if you require any help in filling out the RNPS form. This will allow you to register as a number plate maker.

Purchase your equipment.

There are two types of 2D number plate printing systems available: laser or thermal. Plate Factory are able to set you up with printing systems for whichever you prefer. If you want to read the differences between the two, you can click here.

Buy materials.

We are manufacturers and suppliers of materials for the thermal number plate printing systems, and so you can expect a high quality product at reasonable prices. Suppliers of number plate making materials are only allowed to supply number plate printing materials to registered number plate suppliers.

Once you are up and running with your 2d Number Plate Making System, you can then move on to manufacturing 3d Gel Resin and 4d Next Generation number plates using the characters (letters and numbers) which we manufacture and supply to the trade.

Plate Factory - Plates

Thermal Number Plate Printers

These printers will print black ink on to your yellow or white reflective, with a maximum reflective size of 520mm x 110mm (the UK Standard Size). These printers can also produce the prints for shorter number plates too. Order on-line.

Plate Factory - Plates

Laser Number Plate Printers

Our choice for printing larger number plates is a MONO laser printer. This is more stable and cheaper to run than the colour laser printers. The beauty of this printer is that it will still print on to yellow or white reflective, which is then laminated with 3mm of clear acrylic in the same way as our thermal systems. Order on-line.

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Number Plate Laminators and Rollers

We offer a variety of number plate rollers to help laminate your number plates. Order on-line.

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3d & 4d Character Placement Jig

Available for many Acrylic Sized Plates, our jigs are designed to allow you to place your 3d and 4d characters on top of your number plates with exceptional speed and accuracy. Order on-line.

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Number Plate Reflective

Available in Yellow and White, with or without pre-printed Euro Badges, we have a number of branded and non-branded products available, such as Nikalite, Kiwalite and Oralite. These are available in various sizes to suit shaped number plates, standard oblong number plates as well as 4×4 number plates. Order on-line.

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Number Plate Acrylics and Plastics

Our materials must be tested to meet the strict criteria of BSAU145d, and as such we steer clear of the un-tested imported materials which have flooded the UK market. Our tested materials are offered in a number of types, such as injection moulded, rounded and bevelled number plate blanks, machine cut rounded and bevelled number plate acrylics and laser cut rounded number plate plastics. These are usually available from stock in most number plate sizes. Order on-line.

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3d Black Gel Characters

These are UK made with long life vinyl and UV stable resin. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 4, and can be stuck on top of our rounded 4d laser cut characters. 4d Laser Cut Letters are also available which match the 3d gel characters with perfection. Order on-line.

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3d Carbon Brickwork Gel Characters

These are UK made with long life vinyl and UV stable resin. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 4, and can be stuck on top of our rounded 4d laser cut characters. 4d Laser Cut Letters are also available which match the 3d gel characters with perfection. Please note that these characters are for sign making purposes only. Order on-line.

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3d Brushed Carbon Gel Characters

These are UK made with long life vinyl and UV stable resin. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 4, and can be stuck on top of our rounded 4d laser cut characters. 4d Laser Cut Letters are also available which match the 3d gel characters with perfection. Please note that these characters are for sign making purposes only. Order on-line.

Plate Factory - Plates

3d Galaxy Carbon Gel Characters

These are UK made with long life vinyl and UV stable resin. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 4, and can be stuck on top of our rounded 4d laser cut characters. 4d Laser Cut Letters are also available which match the 3d gel characters with perfection. Please note that these characters are for sign making purposes only. Order on-line.

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3d Look Gel Characters

These are UK made with long life vinyl and UV stable resin. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 4, and can be stuck on top of our rounded 4d laser cut characters. 4d Laser Cut Letters are also available which match the 3d gel characters with perfection. Please note that these characters are for sign making purposes only. Order on-line.

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3d Hi-Line Gel Characters

These are UK made with long life vinyl and UV stable resin. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 4, and can be stuck on top of our rounded 4d laser cut characters. 4d Laser Cut Letters are also available which match the 3d gel characters with perfection. Please note that these characters are for sign making purposes only. Order on-line.

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Premium Platinum Gel Characters

These are UK made with long life vinyl and UV stable resin. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 4, and can be stuck on top of our rounded 4d laser cut characters. 4d Laser Cut Letters are also available which match the 3d gel characters with perfection. Please note that these characters are for sign making purposes only. Order on-line.

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3d Cosmos Gel Characters

These are UK made with long life vinyl and UV stable resin. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 4, and can be stuck on top of our rounded 4d laser cut characters. 4d Laser Cut Letters are also available which match the 3d gel characters with perfection. Please note that these characters are for sign making purposes only. Order on-line.

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3d Ruby Gel Characters

These are UK made with long life vinyl and UV stable resin. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 4, and can be stuck on top of our rounded 4d laser cut characters. 4d Laser Cut Letters are also available which match the 3d gel characters with perfection. Please note that these characters are for sign making purposes only. Order on-line.

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3d Topaz Gel Characters

These are UK made with long life vinyl and UV stable resin. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 4, and can be stuck on top of our rounded 4d laser cut characters. 4d Laser Cut Letters are also available which match the 3d gel characters with perfection. Please note that these characters are for sign making purposes only. Order on-line.

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3d Emerald Gel Characters

These are UK made with long life vinyl and UV stable resin. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 4, and can be stuck on top of our rounded 4d laser cut characters. 4d Laser Cut Letters are also available which match the 3d gel characters with perfection. Please note that these characters are for sign making purposes only. Order on-line.

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3d Bike Gel Character

These are UK made with long life vinyl and UV stable resin. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 4, and can be stuck on top of our rounded 4d laser cut characters. 4d Laser Cut Letters are also available which match the 3d gel characters with perfection. Order on-line.

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3d Bike Carbon Fibre Look Character

These are UK made with long life vinyl and UV stable resin. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 4, and can be stuck on top of our rounded 4d laser cut characters. 4d Laser Cut Letters are also available which match the 3d gel characters with perfection. Order on-line.

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4d Black Laser Cut Characters

These are UK made with long life adhesive and UV stable materials. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 20. These have sharp edges which give a very crisp look. Order on-line.

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4d Carbon Fibre Effect Laser Cut Characters

These are UK made with long life adhesive and UV stable materials. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 20. These have sharp edges which give a very crisp look. Please note that these characters are for sign making purposes only. Order on-line.

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4d Silver Characters

These are UK made with long life adhesive and UV stable materials. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 20. These have sharp edges which give a very crisp look. Please note that these characters are for sign making purposes only. Order on-line.

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4d Gold Characters

These are UK made with long life adhesive and UV stable materials. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 20. These have sharp edges which give a very crisp look. Please note that these characters are for sign making purposes only. Order on-line.

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4d X 5mm Thick Characters

These 5mm THICK characters are UK made with long life adhesive and UV stable materials. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 20. These have sharp edges which give a very crisp look. Order on-line.

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4d Sparkle 5mm Thick Characters

These 5mm THICK characters have a subtle glitter effect and are UK made with long life adhesive and UV stable materials. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 20. These have sharp edges which give a very crisp look. Please note that these characters are for sign making purposes only. Order on-line.

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4d Chrome Characters

These are UK made with long life adhesive and UV stable materials. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 20. These have sharp edges which give a very crisp look. Please note that these characters are for sign making purposes only. Order on-line.

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4d Hi-Line Characters

These are UK made with long life adhesive and UV stable materials. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 20. These are designed to be stuck on top of our 4d laser cut character range. Order on-line.

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4d Ghost X Laser Cut Characters

These are UK made with long life adhesive and UV stable materials. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 20. These are designed to be stuck on top of our 4d laser cut character range. Order on-line.

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4d Ghost Clear Laser Cut Characters

These are UK made with long life adhesive and UV stable materials. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 20. These are designed to be stuck on top of our 4d laser cut character range. Please note that these characters are for sign making purposes only. Order on-line.

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4d Black Bike Character

These are UK made with long life adhesive and UV stable materials. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 20. These have sharp edges which give a very crisp look. Order on-line.

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4d Rounded Characters Krystal Clear

These are UK made with long life adhesive and UV stable materials. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 20, and are designed to have 3d Gel characters stuck on top of them with perfection, to offer an enhanced 3d look. Please note that colours other than black and clear are for sign making purposes only. Order on-line.

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4d 5mm Krystal X Characters

These are UK made with long life adhesive and UV stable materials. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 20. These have sharp edges which give a very crisp look, and are designed to have 4d laser cut letters stuck on top of them. Please note that colours other than black and clear are for sign making purposes only. Order on-line.

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4d Black Rounded Laser Cut Characters

These are UK made with long life adhesive and UV stable materials. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 20. These have rounded edges to allow our gel range to fit on top. Order on-line.

Plate Factory - Plates

4d Ruby Coloured Characters

These are UK made with long life adhesive and UV stable materials. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 20. These have sharp edges which give a very crisp look, and are designed to have 4d laser cut letters stuck on top of them. Please note that colours other than black and clear are for sign making purposes only. Order on-line.

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4d Topaz Coloured Characters

These are UK made with long life adhesive and UV stable materials. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 20. These have sharp edges which give a very crisp look, and are designed to have 4d laser cut letters stuck on top of them. Please note that colours other than black and clear are for sign making purposes only. Order on-line.

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4d Neon Yellow Characters

These are UK made with long life adhesive and UV stable materials. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 20. These have sharp edges which give a very crisp look, and are designed to have 4d laser cut letters stuck on top of them. Please note that colours other than black and clear are for sign making purposes only. Order on-line.

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4d Neon Green Characters

These are UK made with long life adhesive and UV stable materials. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 20. These have sharp edges which give a very crisp look, and are designed to have 4d laser cut letters stuck on top of them. Please note that colours other than black and clear are for sign making purposes only. Order on-line.

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4d Sunset Orange Characters

These are UK made with long life adhesive and UV stable materials. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 20. These have sharp edges which give a very crisp look, and are designed to have 4d laser cut letters stuck on top of them. Please note that colours other than black and clear are for sign making purposes only. Order on-line.

Plate Factory - Plates

4d Glass Look Characters

These are UK made with long life adhesive and UV stable materials. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 20. These have sharp edges which give a very crisp look, and are designed to have 4d laser cut letters stuck on top of them. Please note that colours other than black and clear are for sign making purposes only. Order on-line.

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4d Grey Characters

These are UK made with long life adhesive and UV stable materials. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 20. These have sharp edges which give a very crisp look, and are designed to have 4d laser cut letters stuck on top of them. Please note that colours other than black and clear are for sign making purposes only. Order on-line.

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4d Royal Blue Characters

These are UK made with long life adhesive and UV stable materials. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 20. These have sharp edges which give a very crisp look, and are designed to have 4d laser cut letters stuck on top of them. Please note that colours other than black and clear are for sign making purposes only. Order on-line.

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4d Baby Blue Characters

These are UK made with long life adhesive and UV stable materials. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 20. These have sharp edges which give a very crisp look, and are designed to have 4d laser cut letters stuck on top of them. Please note that colours other than black and clear are for sign making purposes only. Order on-line.

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4d Red Characters

These are UK made with long life adhesive and UV stable materials. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 20. These have sharp edges which give a very crisp look, and are designed to have 4d laser cut letters stuck on top of them. Please note that colours other than black and clear are for sign making purposes only. Order on-line.

Plate Factory - Plates

4d Violet/Purple Characters

These are UK made with long life adhesive and UV stable materials. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 20. These have sharp edges which give a very crisp look, and are designed to have 4d laser cut letters stuck on top of them. Please note that colours other than black and clear are for sign making purposes only. Order on-line.

Plate Factory - Plates

4d Yellow Characters

These are UK made with long life adhesive and UV stable materials. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 20. These have sharp edges which give a very crisp look, and are designed to have 4d laser cut letters stuck on top of them. Please note that colours other than black and clear are for sign making purposes only. Order on-line.

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4d Onyx White Character

These are UK made with long life adhesive and UV stable materials. We are so confident about their quality, that we offer a lifetime warranty for all of our characters. These are supplied from stock in multiples of 20. These have sharp edges which give a very crisp look, and are designed to have 4d laser cut letters stuck on top of them. Please note that colours other than black and clear are for sign making purposes only. Order on-line.

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Oblong Acrylics

Standard sized and shorter sizes available for registration marks which have less than 7 characters. Order on-line.

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Oversized Acrylics

Available for the more prestigious vehicles out there. Order on-line.

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New Product Line

See our other sizes available. Order on-line.

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Hex Acrylic Sizes Available

A large number of sizes available from stock. Order on-line.

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Hex Plate Side Badges

Available in boxes of 20 with a special jig to align perfectly every time!

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Square & Import Acrylics

A number of sizes available for 4×4’s and Imports. Order on-line.

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Motorcycle Number Plate Acrylics

Various bike sizes available from stock. Order on-line.

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Metal Aluminium Number Plate Blanks

Blanks available in various sizes and colours for manual presses. Order on-line.

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Legal Marking Lips

To add additional 4d style. Order on-line.

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4d Side Badges

Enhance your plates with these 4d badges. Order on-line.

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4d Corner Flags

Available in boxes of 20 with a special alignment jig included. Order on-line.

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Hex System for Premium Vehicles

Individually made 4d rear bumper recess fillers in a variety of styles and colours to fit our standard Hex Plates

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Number Plate Surrounds

Available in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours. Order on-line.

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Super Pad

300% more coverage than standard sticky pads! Order on-line.

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Number Plate Fixing Kits

Rolls of sticky pads and spacing pads available as well as screws. Order on-line.

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4d Borders

Available in a variety of styles and colours. Order on-line.

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Number Plate Gift Boxes

Flast packed and easily assembled – available with or without your logo. Order on-line.

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Packaging Solutions for Number Plates

Available with or without your branding. Order on-line.

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Pre-Printed Blank Number Plates

Pre-Printed and rolled plates with your supplier details on ready for the application of 3d or 4d characters

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Reverbon Bespoke Number Plates

Another Plate Factory Invention which employs REAL carbon fibre material for an amazing look

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Negative Number Plates

Bespoke number plates with a gloss black finish

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Branding Plates

Branding plates in 4d for your business with a fixing system to temporarily attach to vehicles for photographs

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Branding

Branding plates in 4d for your business with a fixing system to temporarily attach to vehicles for photographs

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Branded Keyrings

Promotional products for your business

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Taxi Plate Holders

Designed to fit a variety of vehicles and taxi plates. Order on-line.

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Thermal Number Plate Printers

Thermal Number Plate printers, accessories and spares. Order on-line.

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Number Plate Printer Stands

Heavy duty stands available. Order on-line.

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Number Plate Laminator

Adjustable Heavy Duty Number Plate Roller available with a metal construction for improved durability. Order on-line.

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3d & 4d Characters

3d Gel & 4d Laser Cut Digits in wholesale bulk quantities – over 60 styles available. Order on-line.

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3d & 4d Character Placement Jig

A special jig to help align 3d gel and 4d laser cut digits. Order on-line.

Our Materials

All of our 3d gel and 4d laser cut characters are UK made, and backed by our lifetime warranty, giving your customers the confidence that their number plates won’t fail. Our materials have been tried and tested over the years, and unlike our competitors we do not compromise on quality over cost. 3d Gel Resin characters have rounded corners to aid the manufacturing process, whereas 4d laser cut letters have sharp edges to give that crisp look.

Not all Gel Characters are the same! If you are offered the characters at a lower than standard market rate, you must know that there are a number of variable factors when it comes to making the Gel Characters which can be tuned to decrease the price. Suppliers can use cheap vinyl to lay their resin on to, or they can use a non-uv stable resin, or they can place less resin on the characters to cut down on cost, or they can make the characters at home using a DIY kit, thereby not guaranteeing the quality and repeatability of their supply. Some even source from countries outside the UK and save by using cheaper labour and materials. Our 3D Resin characters use the highest quality vinyl, and are made in the UK using an industrial process and UV stable resin. To be sure – ask if your supplier can offer a lifetime guarantee for the characters not falling off the number plates, or going dull over time. If they can’t – you have your answer. All of our characters have a lifetime guarantee as long as they haven’t been damaged or drilled through.

Similarly – not all 4d Laser Cut characters are the same either! You’ll come across new suppliers who have purchased a laser cutter and begin offering characters at ridiculously cheap prices. Again – there are many factors to consider! The acrylic they use may be of inferior quality, and the glue (which is the most important part) must be chosen correctly (it’s expensive stuff!). When a supplier says “We use 3M Glue”, that can be one of hundreds of different glues which 3M make – cheaper glue for less demanding applications or more expensive glue for harsher applications (such as road use!). Again – ask if their material has a lifetime guarantee, and if it doesn’t, ask why.

It’s important to note that it is not possible to buy the 3d gel characters from one supplier and expect them to fit on top of 4d characters sourced from another supplier. There is not just one “Charles Wright” font, which further adds to the confusion.

At plate factory, we use a standardized Charles Wright font, and so all of our 4d characters fit perfectly on top of each other for when your customer requests extra layers. We also supply rounded 4d laser cut characters for customers who like to stick their 3d gel characters on top with perfection.

Our experience in the Number Plate Manufacturing market, as well as conversations with the DVLA and Road Traffic Police ensures that we can guide you to work within the framework of BSAU145d as well as new BSAU145e.

 

WHOLESALE Terms & Conditions:

https://www.plate-factory.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/TermsConditions.pdf

How do you become a Number Plate Maker?

Need advice on how to register with the DVLA RNPS (Registered Number Plate Supplier)? Simply call our Technical Support Help Line on 07843 907908 to discuss your requirements.
You can also visit our wholesale showroom and trade counter, NPM (Number Plate Material) for number plates supplies and material in Birmingham Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm
(Saturdays Half Day) for further advice.