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Your Expert Guide: Gemini Plaques

Precision Tooled Plaques, Cast Plaques, Etched Plaques, and Thin Gauge Plates

Here at Gemini, we manufacture four plaque products to bring a design to life. With the number of options we offer, it may be challenging to decide which plaque is right for the project. Our team outlines the plaques we offer, their recommended uses, and common applications for plaques.

 

Precision Tooled Plaques 

Precision Tooled Plaques, also known as machined plaques, are one of our most popular options with the fastest production time and easier installation. These lightweight plaques feature crisp text and clean edges with thinner depths due to our milling process, which results in a lower carbon footprint.

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With design flexibility and limitless possibilities for images, text, and decorative borders, we offer a plaque for every setting. Plus, since the plaques can be painted and oxidized, this results in one-of-a-kind outcomes for any project.

Quick Notes

Size 2 in by 2 in, up to 38 in by 84 in
Depth 1/8 in, 1/4 in, and 5/16 in
Environment Indoor or outdoor use 
Material Aluminum, brass, or bronze with a variety of finish options available 
Price $$
Recommended use For crisp, detailed signage, more flexibility with artwork, ADA braille-capable 
Inspiration Commemorations, memorials, wayfinding signs in schools and businesses, identification plaques, bench plaques, etc. 

Note: Maximum depth is up to 3/8 inches. The less labor-intensive process allows for faster production times.

 

Cast Plaques

Cast Plaques are a timeless option to honor an event or person. With greater architectural depth, dimension, and durability, these well-crafted plaques offer a sense of permanency and refinement.

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Made by pouring molten metal into a custom mold, the 6,000-year process allows the plaque to often be hollow from the back. Available in two metal materials and various finishes, the artistic sculpting and dimension make cast plaques ideal for an assortment of applications.

Quick Notes

Size 2 in by 2 in up to 36 in by 96 inches in bronze, and 60 in by 96 inches in aluminum
Depth 5/16 in, 1/2 in, 3/4 in, and 1 in
Environment Indoor or outdoor use 
Material Aluminum or bronze with a variety of finish options available 
Price $$$
Recommended use For traditional, sculpted detail in portraits or artwork, when depth is needed. Cast plaques offer the greatest depth and can be manufactured up to 96 inches.
Inspiration Dedications, historical markers, memorials, address plaques, professional offices, university and government buildings, commemorative uses, etc. 

Note: More labor-intensive processes can create longer production times. Braille is not available and there are font height limitations. 

 

Etched Plaques

Etched Plaques are essentially works of art transferred to metal signage using engraving techniques. If you’re hoping for artfully crafted signage, these plaques turn your supplied artwork and photographs into stunning markers.

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During our process, we use chemical etching on the surface to match the procured design before using specialty paint to fill in your preferred color. With half-tone images and dot patterns, the result is an ornamental, colorful plaque that will showcase and stay true to the design.

Quick Notes

Size 2 in by 2 in up to 36 in by 72 in
Depth 1/16 in, 1/8 in, and 1/4 in 
Environment Indoor or outdoor use 
Material Stainless steel, bronze, or brass 
Price $
Recommended use Great for intricate, complex artwork. Better for smaller sizes. Can be combined with cast and precision tooled to accentuate markers. 
Inspiration Apartment building signs, detailed commemorative pieces, educational signage with etched images of grounds, etc. 

Note: Better for single-use and lower quantity orders. 

 

Thin Gauge Plates

Thin Gauge Plates are celebrated for their personalization and expansive selection of metals, finishes, and various sizes. These are the plaques you might find in commercial applications, hospitality, or retail settings.

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Ideal for large volume orders—without losing out on quality—Thin Gauge Plates are ideal for wayfinding, sequential identification, decals, and branding. They can even be etched, sublimated (injecting ink straight into the metal for a fade-resistant product), and screen printed with color imprints by request.

Quick Notes

Size 1 in by 1 in up to 23 in by 36 in 
Depth .020 in, .025 in, .029 in, .040 in, and .050 in
Environment

Indoor or outdoor use (mainly indoor)

Material Stainless steel, aluminum, brass, or copper
Price $
Recommended use For large quantities without sacrificing quality, affordable 
Inspiration  Wayfinding, sequential identification, decals, branding, etc.

Note: Mainly for indoor use.

 

Common Plaque Applications

Gemini plaques are a solution for a variety of industries and applications, including:

Corporate Branding Retail Education
Municipal Hospitality Healthcare

Selecting the Right Plaque for the Project

At its core, plaques are a communication tool to memorialize, direct, or educate. Plaques can be used in a variety of applications to communicate the essence of a person, event, business, or place. Now that you've learned about our plaque options, jump to your Partner Portal account where you can manage projects, view quotes, check on your status, pay invoices, and more. 

Note: Still have questions? Contact our support team here.

 


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