Surfaces on Aluminum

Taking advantage of the natural characteristics of metal is the best part about working with finishes on metal. This series of finishes does just that. We used simple geometric shapes as a starting point and stepped these into a base pattern. This base pattern is selectively brushed. Then the same base pattern is inverted and offset before being selectively brushed again in an opposite direction. The layering of brush directions creates a surface with a lot of visual depth and movement that takes on different characteristics depending on how the light hits it. Texture is added to satisfy the need for these finishes to have a "feel".

Some of the finishes are coated with a transparent black tint while others feature a low gloss topcoat without a tint. The finishes are fully customizable in scale, color and gloss. They are intended as a starting point to inspire you for your next nameplate or trim project.

 

 

The development of finishes in our Design Center is constant - whether something customized for a specific project or working through new ideas to add to the library of finishes.  Right now we're working on final selections of the finishes which will be featured in new mood boards.  A preview of some of these finishes was posted a little while ago.   Here is a closer look at a few of them.

 

Each of these finds its roots in simple circle or oval structures, but this isn't where everything stops.  Layers of brushing allows the reflective qualities of the aluminum to show movement, which in turn adds dimension.  Overlapping the structures and adding texture creates even more extreme depth with a bit of holographic feel.  These geometric finishes work well with most surfaces, whether a flat label or formed trim piece. 

     

Soon the full mood board and surface collection will be released.  Take this as inspiration and a starting point.  Make it your own.  Use just as shown.  Or tweak the color, scale or shape to work with your product design.  

Now that you've got a preveiw, where will you use these types of finishes? 

 

Getting ready to release the latest mood boards and surface collections requires review and tweaking of finish development. Recently a sneak peak was given for some of the dimensional finishes that are coming.  

A couple of these that I found interesting use familiar pattern structures with a twist - halftones contribute an illusion of depth and dimension.  Silvers, blacks and grays are common colors to begin discussion and review.  This does not mean that you are limited - use the rainbow to help define what could be used for your project.  
 

  

 

The process is cost effective and involves one added decorating operation yet provides such interesting perceived dimension. This type of finish is versatile and has application in any market, to name a few:  

●  Appliance Trim 
●  Automotive Trim
●  Boat/Marine Instrumentation Panels
●  Consumer Electronics
●  Packaging

What would you do with this type of finish?

   

 

Just look at the dimension created when a technical pattern is used in the background!  The border of this nameplate appears to be a higher level than the background, resulting in perceived depth without need for a custom emboss tool.

The layering of mechanical finishes coupled with a textured pattern are what makes up the dimensional qualities of this aluminum nameplate.  It isn't over-powering for the brand; rather the robust background provides an elegant backdrop to showcase the name, without incurring additional tooling operations and expense.  Bringing the pattern in from the edges of the part creates a natural border which has the appearance of being raised up.  The difference between the low gloss aluminum and the high gloss texture of the pattern create additional depth, contributing to the perceived value of the product.

 

Can you incorporate a pattern into your next nameplate or trim design?  

 

Here's another sneak peak at new finishes we are creating for our latest series of mood boards. They are part of a set of boards we are putting together featuring dimensional finishes exploring simple geometric shapes. These finishes combine multiple selective brushes that are layered creating patterns with an almost holographic effect. Watch for these, and the entire series to be featured here.

 

Request a disc collection to begin exploring the variety of finishes available for panels, overlays and decorative trim.

 

 

Linear fretwork, layered grids and lattice configurations are formulaically applied to surfaces, as process is embraced. Connected, joined and engineered structures mimic exoskeletons that come to life and move, animating functional design.

(from left to right, top to bottom) PAT-4712-B, PAT-4708-A, PAT-4710-A, PAT-4715-A, PAT-4708-A, PAT-4714-B *patterns not shown to scale

 

Request a disc collection to begin exploring the variety of finishes available for panels, overlays and decorative trim.

We're working on new finishes for our latest mood board. Here's a sneak peek at a couple of new finishes that will be featured. These are part of a new series of dimensional finishes exploring simple geometric shapes. Selectively brushed surfaces are combined with subtle printing and texture to maximize visual depth.  Watch for the entire series to be featured here.

 

Request a disc collection to begin exploring the variety of finishes available for panels, overlays and decorative trim.

We recently attended the NAIAS in Detroit. There was an increased usage of decorative aluminum trim overall from dash panels and door rails to consoles and switchplates. Here's an overview of vehicles that feature Northern Engraving's aluminum trim.

The designer disc collection features a cross-section of finishes on aluminum. The pattern samples are labeled for easy identification.  Request a disc collection to begin exploring the variety of textures and finishes available for decorative trim and product branding.

With the year over, I thought it would be interesting to see which articles were of most interest to you in 2012. It's a fascinating exercise to see what resonated most with you as we look back on the year through our blog.

	1. Aluminum Finishes Inspired by Woven Wire Mesh Thick strands of metal woven together create 3-dimensional mesh structures which translate into interesting surfaces on aluminum. Read More
	2. Dark Brushed Aluminum Finish | Inspired by a Saucepan A saucepan with a near black brushed finish caught our attention. Read More
	3. Black Textured Aluminum Combinations of matte and glossy layers. Read More

The designer disc collection features a cross-section of finishes on aluminum. The pattern samples are labeled for easy identification.  Request a disc collection to begin exploring the variety of textures and finishes available for nameplates and labels.

 

Take a quick look at our Aluminum Holiday Cards through the years.

Happy Holidays from Your Friends at Northern Engraving!