One of the greatest joys of wealth is being able to treat yourself to all of life’s little luxuries, and often, it’s the smallest things that bring the greatest pleasure.
For motoring enthusiasts, owning a dream car is a common ambition, but it’s customisation that makes your vehicle really feel special, and gives it a personalised feel as if it was made just for you.
And 3D number plates are emerging as a popular way to upgrade your car, adding to the eye-catching appeal of your vehicle with a subtle yet distinguished accent that is pleasing to all the most discerning of eyes.
If you’re new to the concept of 3D number plates, then allow us to introduce you – and explain why they are worth the splurge.
What are 3D number plates?
3D number plates are just like standard number plates, only with extra aesthetic appeal, with the characters of your registration number displayed in a three-dimensional format for extra visibility and of course, evidence of impeccable taste.
The letters and numbers are raised, which provides depth and a sense of volume. Made using high-quality materials such as acrylic, stainless steel, or chrome, 3D number plates showcase exceptional craftsmanship, which adds a little something more to the sense of exclusivity your luxury drive already exudes.
A stylish and sophisticated way to personalise your most prized possession, they’re a sought-after choice for car owners seeking a more refined aesthetic overall.
A meticulous manufacturing process
One of the factors that makes 3D number plates so coveted amongst high-end car owners is the meticulous manufacturing process required to bring them to life. Creating a 3D number plate is a precise process that uses cutting-edge technology to ensure accuracy and a high-quality finish, and can be broken down into several steps.
First, a design is created based on the specified registration number, which is then used to generate a template for the 3D characters displayed on the plate. This template needs to be precise to ensure the characters are accurately formed.
Then comes thermoforming, where the 3D characters are shaped by heating a plastic sheet to a pliable forming temperature before moulding it over a positive or negative mould to create the 3D effect based on the template created earlier. The plastic is shaped around the mould and then cooled to retain the desired shape. Then cut and trimmed to fit the plate’s required dimensions. This process should be performed with great precision to ensure that the characters fit perfectly onto the plate and that the plate is the correct size at the end.
Next, a reflective material is applied. The characters are coated with a unique, highly reflective acrylic material that enhances their visibility, especially in low-light conditions, and gives the 3D characters a glossy finish to further increase their aesthetic appeal.
Finally, the 3D characters are affixed to the number plate. The plate is typically made from a durable, weather-resistant material to withstand external conditions, and the characters are securely bonded to it, ensuring that they won’t come loose over time or under adverse weather conditions.
This precise production technique, combined with the use of high-quality materials, ensures that 3D number plates are visually appealing and built to last.
Aesthetic appeal and legal advantages
The primary benefit of 3D number plates is their visual appeal, as they can’t help but give any vehicle a sleek and modern look and always ensure that it stands out from the crowd. The 3D effect adds depth to the plate design, lending it a premium, high-end finish – and the visual impact is something that shouldn’t be underestimated – however, it’s not just about aesthetics. 3D number plates also fully comply with UK law, meeting all the necessary British Standards (BS AU 145d) and ensuring they are legally acceptable for use on UK roads.
Not only that, but thanks to the increased readability they offer, 3D number plates aid law enforcement agencies in identifying vehicles more easily, contributing to public safety and crime prevention – and, while this might not be one of the reasons you opt to invest in yours, it’s certainly worth bearing in mind.
The bottom line
If you’re looking to add an additional sense of luxury to your vehicle then 3D number plates are a subtle and understated way to go about it, and will take your car to the highest of aesthetic heights.
Investing in 3D number plates showcases how technological innovation can benefit even the most traditional elements of our most prized drives, and this modern take on car plates allows vehicle owners to combine style with functionality, all whilst staying within the legal framework.
So, whether you are a car enthusiast looking to give your vehicle a fresh look or simply someone interested in the latest automotive trends, they’re a simple upgrade that is certainly worth considering.
