What Is The Difference Between 3D Plates And 4D Number Plates?

When shopping for your Custom Number Plate, we know it can be a difficult choice, whether you’re buying a Custom Plate because you’ve bought a Private Registration, or you’re buying a Number Plate as a gift. As a market leader in making Number Plates, DWDPLATES bring you a wide variety of choices, when it comes to shopping for your next Custom Number Plate. One common choice, is the choice between 3D Plates (also known as doomed gel plates) & 4D Plates.

We want to make it as easy as possible for you to choose, in this article blog, we will be answering the common question, what is the difference between 3D Plates and 4D Number Plates?

What Are 3D Number Plates & 4D Number Plates?

In a nutshell, a gel plate is a term that refers to a number plate which has raised characters which are altered to achieve a distinct 3-dimensional (3D) raised appearance on characters which follow the Charles Wright Font. This is achieved by manufacturing either acrylic or gel letters, and applying industrial strength, long-lasting resin beneath the characters. Whether it’s a 3D Plate, or a Custom Plate, these new and improved methods of manufacturing boast several advantages. Not only are the Plates more modern, they are more durable and easier to read.

It’s worth noting that the British Number Plate Manufacturers Association (BNMA) released new regulations in September 2021, outlining and governing Number Plates in Great Britain. The new guidelines detail the new and current BS AU 145e. If you’d like to read detailed guidelines from the UK Government, refer to our blog. We understand this might be concerning, especially for those contemplating buying a custom number plate for their private plates or even standard plates. Rest assured, at DWDPLATES, we provide comprehensive guidance on legally permissible plates for your vehicle.

While 3D and 4D plates share multiple similarities, they have distinct and unique differences, which we’ll explain and describe below.

The Comparison Between 3D and 4D Plates

When shopping for a set of custom plates, you might be wondering what the primary difference between both custom styles are? The difference is actually within the production and look of these plates. Both styles of Plates are meticulously manufactured using top of the range equipment, here at DWDPLATES. All of our plates are hand made, this is due to the complexity and physicality of the characters for this style of plate. Whilst both styles follow the same Charles Wright font, they certainly look different.

3D Number Plates 

3D Number Plates are manufactured from Polyurethane Resin which is a thermoplastic polymer. Each digit is manufactured using this material, this leaves a 3D letter which extrudes from the base of the plate by around 3MM depending on the manufacturer. In order to extract the characters for a number plate, DWDPLATES use top of the range laser cutters to remove digits out of a sheet, then we cover this template with the resin to create the numbers and letters. To ensure the characters have a beautiful finish, we bake them in a low-grade oven then allow them to cool. These 3D Plates are a perfect option for customising your vehicle, at a low cost.

• Characters are placed manually, by hand.
• Manufactured from Polyurethane Resin (Thermoplastic Polymer)
• Raised Characters which are around 3MM in thickness
• Laser Cut From Sheet Material

4D Number Plates 

4D Number Plates are in fact similar to 3D Plates in the way that they are manufactured. However, 4D Number Plates are manufactured using Sheet Acrylic. Here at DWDPLATES, we use Laser Cutters to extract required letters form this Acrylic. 4D Characters are fairly blocky in shape and tend to extrude up to 6MM out from the plate base. You might be wondering, how can an object be in the 4th Dimension? Your thinking is correct! Over the years, there has been a wide variety of Number Plate styles, due to the vast variety of Number Plates, 4D is simply a term used to differentiate between the 3D Gel Number Plates and the ‘3D’ Acrylic. Rest assured, these Number Plates are in fact very different in looks. 

• Characters are placed manually, by hand.
• Manufactured from Sheet Acrylic (Industry Recognised 3M)
• Blocky Shape, Raised by 3MM up to 6MM.

Customisation of the characters:

Whilst we’ve highlighted the key differences of 3D Plates & 4D Plates, over the years, as an industry leader, we have created several different styles and Customisation options to complement these styles. Below are just a few examples of customisation options for the characters of your number plate.

If you’d like more in formation and a more in-depth comparison of 3D and 4D plates, explore our blog for more insights.

4D Styles

• 4D 3MM
• 4D 6MM
• 4D Gel
• 4D Glitter Gel
• 4D Gel Carbon
• 4D Krystal

3D Styles

• Black
• Carbon Brickwork
• Carbon Galaxy
• Glitter Gel

Are 3D and 4D Plates Legal?

In short, yes. Custom Number Plates are 100% Road Legal and MOT Compliant as long as they are manufactured following BSAU 145e Standards!  DWDPLATES are a DVLA Registered Manufacturer and we follow these standards very closely, you can be sure that any Number Plate you purchase from us, whether it’s 3D or 4D will be manufactured to the correct standard! Popular to contrary belief, raised characters are fully road legal and permitted on a Number Plate as long as they follow the correct BS AU 145e Standards. There is also common misconception, regarding the shape of the acrylic/number plate. The British Number Plate Manufacturers Association (BNMA) has not set out rules regarding this, as long as the Number Plate Letters fit on the backing plate, it is legal and permitted.

How Can I Order Custom Plates From DWDPLATES?

At DWDPLATES, our top priority is to provide you with a straightforward, hassle free service. If you’d like to order custom plates from us:

1. Visit Our Website and Choose Your Preferred Style. This Can Be A 3D Number Plate, or a 4D Number Plate.
2. Choose Your Customisation Options. This Can Be Show Plate, Tinted Plate or Even Short Plates.
3. Enter Your Reg and Checkout
4. Finally, Enjoy the UKs Number 1 Plates!

DWDPLATES have specialised in Number Plates for years, we can install your plates for you, hassle free.

As an officially recognized supplier and installer of custom plates, we ensure your plates comply with legal specifications. Reach out to us via email at dwdplates@gmail.com, or phone at 07415 362021, or use our built in contact form to get in touch.

In Summary:

• 3D Number Plates, 4D Number Plates & 4D Gel Number Plates Are All Different In Their Own Ways
• 3D Number Plates are manufactured from Polyurethane Resin which is a thermoplastic polymer.
• 4D Number Plates are in fact similar to 3D Plates in the way that they are manufactured. However, 4D Number Plates are manufactured using Sheet Acrylic.
• 3D Plates & 4D Plates Are Full Road Legal & MOT Compliant As Long As They Are Made By a DVLA Registered Manufacturer