Incredible - Just ask Google! Check out this
28 page "White Paper" on License Plate Manufacturing Another interesting link will I ever get to bed tonight? This is cool stuff.
Today the majority of plates are made using a process similar to the example provided by this Rhode Island facility.
* The life of a license plate begins with a roll of aluminum. The aluminum is run through a clear-dip tank, or water bath. The bath warms the metal up and clears the surface of any impurities. It is important that the water remain clean. The aluminum is then covered almost entirely, with up to 1/8″ edge on the sides, with a surface of adhesive reflective sheeting. Sheeting is primarily manufactured by 3M and Avery, with 3M being the dominant manufacturer. The sheeting can have any pattern or background image on it, generally the state name, motto, and whatever graphic the state chooses.
* The plates then go through the rim die, which cuts the plates to shape and punches the holes that are used to attach license plates to cars. These holes range in width depending on the preference of the state or organization ordering the plates.
* The new blanks are placed in stacks by the press.
* The plates are slid into and pressed down using what is called a hinge die.
* The press operator takes 2 blanks at a time. The press is made by HP, out of Cincinnati.
* Letters are selected from a series of key-type letterforms called dies, and are entered into the machine. Plates are pressed by a second press operator.
* Numbers are verified and checked to see if the die is upside down.
* The plates are then roller coated with a reflective paint on to the letters/numbers. Recently a new dry coat process has been developed that uses fewer chemicals in its formula.
