Material Explorer

Know your material. Choose your finish.

Every material behaves differently under plating, painting, and aging. The right combination defines the look, feel, and durability of your product.

Base Materials

Metals

Zinc Alloy

Zinc Alloy

Die-cast. Best for complex 3D shapes, detailed logos, and relief patterns. Supports all plating finishes. Most versatile and cost-effective metal for custom hardware.

Brass

Brass

Stamped or machined. Natural warmth and weight. Excellent for vintage and antique finishes. Ideal for jean buttons, rivets, and heritage-style hardware.

Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel

Cold-stamped. Hypoallergenic and corrosion-resistant. Ideal for outdoor, workwear, and medical-grade applications. Limited shape complexity.

Copper

Copper

Develops natural patina over time. Premium feel and visual depth. Suited for heritage brands and luxury lines. Higher material cost, distinctive character.

Aluminum

Aluminum

Lightweight and anodizable. Ideal for activewear, sportswear, and applications where weight is critical. Best suited to simpler shapes.

Iron

Iron

Heavy and rigid. Used for oversized belt buckles and statement hardware where strength and presence matter.

Non-Metal

Resin & Natural Materials

Polyester Resin

Polyester Resin

Lightweight, colorful, and versatile. Ideal for shirts, casualwear, and fashion buttons. Laser-engraved logos available.

Coconut Shell

Coconut Shell

Natural, renewable, biodegradable. Warm brown tones with organic texture. Growing demand from eco-conscious brands.

Wood

Wood

Lightweight and natural. Available in various wood species. Suitable for casual and artisan brands.

Mother of Pearl

Mother of Pearl (Shell)

Natural iridescence and depth. The benchmark for premium shirting, womenswear, and eveningwear. River shell, trocas, and agoya available.

Corozo

Corozo (Tagua Nut)

Plant-based “vegetable ivory.” Takes dye beautifully and is fully biodegradable. Favored by premium menswear and sustainable brands.

Buffalo Horn

Buffalo Horn

Warm, organic, and individually unique. A heritage standard for tailored jackets, coats, and luxury menswear.

Surface Treatments

Finishes

Each finish changes the look, feel, and durability of the base metal. We match your exact spec with physical samples before production.

Electroplating

Electroplating

Gold, silver, nickel, gun-metal, rose gold, chrome. High gloss or matte. Standard durability for most applications.

Antique / Vintage Wash

Antique / Vintage Wash

Chemical aging process that creates depth and character. Antique brass, antique copper, antique silver, and custom tones.

Enamel Fill

Enamel Fill

Color-filled recessed areas for multi-tone designs. Soft or hard enamel. Pantone color matching available.

Spray Paint / Lacquer

Spray Paint / Lacquer

Custom colors, matte or gloss. UV-resistant options for outdoor applications. Can be combined with plating for two-tone effects.

Laser Engraving

Laser Engraving

Precise line work for logos, text, and patterns. Works on all metals. No tooling cost for simple designs.

Brushed / Satin

Brushed / Satin

Directional surface texture that reduces glare and adds tactile quality. Available on most metals and plating finishes.

Start a Project

Ready to develop your custom hardware?

Send a reference image, sketch, or tech pack. We respond within 24 hours.

Request a Quote →
Email  adolfshi@noraforge.com WhatsApp  +86 180 3807 2021
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