What are the differences between Acrylic, 3D Gel, and 4D Number Plates?
What are the differences between Acrylic, 3D Gel, and 4D Number Plates?
The main differences between Acrylic, 3D Gel, and 4D Number Plates lie in their appearance, materials, and the effect they create. Here's a breakdown of each:
1. Acrylic Number Plates
- Material: Made from a flat, rigid sheet of acrylic plastic.
- Appearance: These are the most basic type of number plates, typically featuring a flat surface with standard printed characters.
- Customization: Acrylic plates are more limited in customization. They generally feature the standard black characters on a white or yellow background.
- Legibility: These plates are highly legible and compliant with road safety standards.
- Durability: Acrylic plates are durable but can be more prone to scratches and fading compared to 3D or 4D plates.
- Price: Acrylic plates tend to be the most affordable option.
Note: Acrylic Number Plates are fully compliant with Irish regulations.
2. 3D Gel Number Plates
- Material: These plates feature raised characters, which are created using a special gel material that gives the numbers and letters a 3D effect.
- Appearance: The 3D effect gives the plate a more modern and high-end look. The gel is typically clear and allows the characters to stand out, making the plate appear more dynamic.
- Customization: 3D gel plates provide more visual depth and customization.
- Legibility: These plates are still highly readable, as the raised characters make the plate stand out.
- Durability: 3D gel plates are durable, scratch-resistant, and less likely to fade over time compared to acrylic plates.
- Price: Generally, 3D gel plates are slightly more expensive than acrylic plates due to the added customization and premium effect.
- Note: 3D Gel Plates are not compliant with Irish regulations.
3. 4D Number Plates
- Material: Similar to 3D gel plates, but the characters are raised using a more rigid material (often plastic or acrylic), which provides a more pronounced, bold, and striking 3D effect.
- Appearance: The characters on 4D plates are usually black (though they can be customized) and have a distinctive, high-definition look. The material used to create the characters is often thicker than that of 3D gel plates, giving a more solid and bold appearance.
- Customization: 4D plates allow for highly customizable designs, and you can choose from a range of fonts and styles to achieve the desired effect.
- Legibility: 4D plates are very legible though they should still follow the required spacing and size for the characters.
- Durability: 4D plates are quite durable, with the raised characters being less prone to damage than gel plates.
- Price: Typically, 4D plates are more expensive than both acrylic and 3D gel plates due to the advanced design and the materials used.
Note: Only 4D Black Gloss on a standard Acrylic plate are fully compliant with Irish regulations, all other 4D Plates are not compliant with Irish regulations.
Summary of Key Differences:
| Feature | Acrylic Plates | 3D Gel Plates | 4D Plates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Flat acrylic plastic | Raised gel material | Raised rigid plastic or acrylic |
| Appearance | Flat, standard printed characters | 3D raised characters, glossy finish | Bold 4D raised characters, high-definition |
| Customization | Basic, limited options | More customizable in terms of gel finish | Highly customizable with various fonts and effects |
| Legibility | Standard, easy to read | Easy to read with raised letters | Bold and easy to read |
| Durability | Durable, but can scratch or fade | Scratch-resistant, durable | Very durable, less prone to damage |
| Price | Most affordable | More expensive than acrylic | Most expensive |
Each type of plate offers a different look and feel, allowing you to choose based on your preferences for design, durability, and budget.
NEON 4D NUMBER PLATES
Add a touch of style to your vehicle with our stunning Neon 4D Plates. These unique number plates come with a bold, neon effect that will make your car stand out. Whether you're looking for a futuristic look or just want to be seen, our Neon 4D Plates are the perfect choice.
3D GEL NUMBER PLATES
For a sleek and modern appearance, our 3D Gel Plates are an excellent option. Crafted with precision, they provide a raised effect, giving your number plates a 3D, high-end feel. These plates are durable and perfect for anyone looking to upgrade their vehicle’s aesthetic.
NCT APPROVED 4D PLATES
Our NCT-approved plates comply with all required regulations, ensuring your vehicle is roadworthy and legal. We take pride in providing plates that are not only stylish but also fully certified for use across Ireland.
NCT APPROVED ACRYLIC PLATES
Don’t compromise on legality or style. Our NCT-approved plates meet all regulations, ensuring that your vehicle is both compliant and visually stunning
PRESSED ALUMINIUM NUMBER PLATES
Our pressed aluminium number plates are the ideal choice for those looking for a durable and stylish option. Designed to withstand harsh conditions, these plates are the perfect balance of strength and style. Made with high-quality materials, our German Metal Pressed number plates are perfect for vehicles in need of a sleek, European look. These plates are built to endure the elements while providing a stylish, modern appearance.
Our NCT Metal Pressed number plates are fully compliant with Irish regulations, providing both a premium look and legal authenticity. Available in pairs, these plates are perfect for those who need approved, long-lasting number plates.
FAQ
Are 4D Plates Legal?
Yes, 4D plates are legal in Ireland, provided they comply with the Irish Road Safety Authority (RSA) regulations for vehicle registration plates. These regulations ensure that your plates meet the necessary standards for size, font, reflectivity, and legibility.
To ensure your 4D plates are fully compliant with Irish law, they must meet the following criteria:
- Font and Characters: The font used must be a standard style (such as Charles Wright), and the characters must be of an appropriate size and spacing as required by the RSA.
- Reflectivity: The plates should be reflective for visibility at night, as required for all number plates in Ireland.
- Legibility: The numbers and letters on the plates must be clear and legible, ensuring they can be easily read by authorities, cameras, and automated systems.
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Mandatory Features: Your number plate must include:
- The national identifier (e.g., IRL or the European flag symbol if registered in Ireland).
- The correct spacing between characters.
- The appropriate size and positioning of the characters for both front and rear plates.
If your 4D plates follow these requirements and are made by an approved manufacturer, they should be fully legal and compliant for use on Irish roads.
To avoid any issues, it’s always a good idea to have your plates made by a reputable supplier who ensures they meet the legal standards.
Is Collection Available?
Collection is available in the checkout by selecting your local store. After placing your order, you should receive a confirmation by way of email. We aim to have collection orders ready within 24hrs, depending on how busy it is but please wait until you receive your email that your order is complete before arriving to collect.
Do You Supply Tinted Number Plates?
We do supply tinted number plates, this is a plate which darkens the white/yellow background of the number plate to a grey tint. This is not NCT compliant or road complaint.
Ready to upgrade your plates? Explore our collection of Acrylic Number Plates or our stunning 4D Number Plates or maybe our 3D Gels are the look you are going for. Shop all our Number Plates styles online today!