Round Emboss
| FACTS | ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
| Can be used for aluminum (.005"-.008" thick) Can be used for polyester or polycarbonate (.005"-.020" thick) |
Tooling is very affordable (generally under $250) Less expensive to make design changes when a tooling change is required |
Embossed edges on thicker aluminum nameplates are rounded so images appear less crisp than with a square emboss or electragraphic plating Tool life is limited to approximately 5,000 impressions |
Square Emboss
| FACTS | ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
| Best choice for aluminum thicker than .008" Best choice for polyester or polycarbonate thicker than .015" |
Embossed edges on thicker aluminum nameplates are crisp and clear Tolerances as tight as .005" are possible Multiple functions can be performed by one tool (e.g., punching and forming) Long tool life |
Up front tooling costs are higher Modifying tools is more expensive Tooling lead times are longer |


