Custom Metal Dice: Materials, Finishes, and What to Expect
Metal dice are the premium tier of the custom dice world. They carry a satisfying weight, survive years of rolling, and take finishes — antique, polished, electroplated — that resin simply can’t match. This guide covers what custom metal dice are made of, the finish options, and the practical numbers buyers need on cost, MOQ, and lead time.
What metal dice are made from
Most custom metal dice are die-cast from zinc alloy, which balances cost, detail, and weight well. Higher-end runs use brass or copper for extra heft and a warmer tone, while solid stainless steel and aluminium appear in specialty sets. The base metal sets the weight, the price, and how finely the numbers and edges can be reproduced.
Popular finishes
Finish is where metal dice earn their reputation. Common options include:
- Polished metal — a bright, mirror-like surface in gold, silver, or copper tones
- Antique / brushed — a darkened, aged look that highlights engraved numbers
- Electroplated — gold, silver, black nickel, gunmetal, or rainbow plating over the base alloy
- Enamel-filled numbers — inked faces in a contrasting color for legibility
- Two-tone — combining a plated body with a different color in the recessed faces
Weight, durability, and feel
A 16mm metal d6 typically weighs four to five times more than its resin equivalent, and a full 7-piece metal set can run 100–150g. That heft is the main reason collectors and tabletop players love them. Metal dice also resist chipping and fading far better than resin, though they can mark soft surfaces — many sellers pair them with a dice tray or felt-lined case.
Cost, MOQ, and lead time
Metal dice carry higher tooling costs than resin because each die shape needs a hardened mold, and plating adds process steps. As a general guide, MOQ starts around 100 sets with a lead time of roughly 5–7 weeks after sample approval, plus 1–2 weeks for sampling and custom packaging. Heavier shipping weight is also worth budgeting for on large orders.
If you want the premium look of plated metal explained in more depth, or you’re weighing metal against other materials, the related guides below go deeper. Send us your spec sheet for an exact quote.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a metal dice set weigh?
A full 7-piece metal set typically weighs 100–150g depending on size and alloy — roughly four to five times heavier than a comparable resin set.
What is the MOQ for custom metal dice?
Custom metal dice usually start around 100 sets. Higher volumes lower the unit price because the hardened tooling cost is spread across more pieces.
What finishes are available for metal dice?
Common finishes include polished, antique/brushed, and electroplating in gold, silver, black nickel, gunmetal, or rainbow, often with enamel-filled numbers for contrast.
Are metal dice more durable than resin?
Yes. Metal dice resist chipping and fading far better than resin, though they are heavier and can mark soft tabletops, so a dice tray or lined case is recommended.
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