Plated 3D Metal Emblems
A raised emblem where the plating layer carries the visual finish: chrome, gold, or nickel tone over cast relief. Plating thickness is set to match the finish, not the other way round.
Description
Plating is often the first thing a buyer notices on a raised emblem, before the shape or the mounting. Chrome, gold, and nickel tones are built up in a 5-25 micron layer over the cast base. The plating choice can change how sharp the relief edges read under light.
Build options
Zinc alloy is the usual cast base under the plating; aluminum and nickel are used when the plating spec calls for a different substrate. Chrome and nickel give a bright, reflective surface. Gold-tone and PVD colors such as rose gold or gun-black give a flatter, tinted finish.
Common dimensions
Plated emblems come in 40mm, 60mm, 80mm, and 100mm formats most often, sized from about 30mm to 120mm overall. Base thickness runs 2-5mm with relief up to 3mm, and the plating layer adds 5-25 micron over that. Custom sizes follow your drawing.
Fit & applications
- Automotive badges where a bright plated finish is part of the brand look
- Motorcycle and truck emblems exposed to weather and handling
- Appliance and equipment badges needing a reflective or metallic surface
- Decorative parts where plated tone carries the design
Typical applications
| Industry / setting | How this product is used |
|---|---|
| Passenger car chrome trim lines | Nickel-chrome plated zinc emblem mounted on the grille or trunk lid to match surrounding chrome trim pieces on the same vehicle. |
| Motorcycle and cruiser badging | Bright-plated tank emblem on cruiser and touring models where the badge sits next to polished engine covers and mirror housings. |
| Truck grille and mirror caps | Plated emblem bolted to the grille surround alongside plated mirror caps and door handles for a matched-finish front end. |
| Marine outboard and console covers | Plated brand emblem on outboard motor covers and helm consoles, giving a reflective finish that stands out against dark cowling colors. |
Specifications
| Material | zinc die-cast (other grades on request) |
| Thickness | 2-5 mm |
| Size | 40mm, 60mm, 80mm, 100mm (custom to your drawing) |
| Marking | zinc die casting, metal stamping, electroforming, plating |
| Surface finish | chrome/gold/nickel plating (5-25 micron), painted, PVD (gun-black, gold, rose gold, matte black) |
| Mounting | 3M adhesive, pins, screws, studs |
| Tolerance | +/-0.10-0.20 mm (die-cast) |
| MOQ | 100-500 pcs (by complexity) |
| Lead time | sample 5-7 days; bulk 12-30 days (by quantity) |
| Tooling | US$150-2,000 one-time (by complexity) |
Size & price reference
| Example spec | Ref US$/pc |
|---|---|
| zinc die-cast, 50 mm, 2.5 mm, simple finish | US$0.45-0.92 |
| zinc die-cast, medium size, standard finish | US$0.85-1.40 |
| zinc die-cast, large or specialty finish | US$1.26-2.07 |
Indicative only. Final price depends on surface finish, mounting method, marking complexity, and order quantity. Send your drawing for a factory-direct quote.
How to order
Send the artwork with your preferred plating color, and request a sample before the full run for a factory-direct quote.
