Surfaces on Aluminum Blog

Custom Knurled Finish on Aluminum

The custom knurled finish created for this series of Harley-Davidson badges and gauges was designed to coordinate with actual knurled parts on the bike.  The aluminum finish uses a screen printed texture to create the diamond-shaped pattern.  The black and silver finish is complimented by embossed bright graphics.

Inspiration for custom finishes comes from all around.  This is an excellent example of picking up on detailing elsewhere in the product.  It may be a direct interpretation or a starting point carrying a common theme across the trim and badging.

The high end aluminum speedometer gauge includes the knurled finish laminated to a backlit polycarbonate dial.  The aluminum and polycarbonate gauge offers the decorative options of metal with the functionality of a plastic gauge.  

What detail in fabric, leather, plastic or metal would you pick to carry a theme across your product branding?  

Large Scale Ornamental Graphic

This aluminum trim piece features a large scale ornamental graphic flowing across the edge of the part.  The bold graphic is applied using selective brushing.  The background is brushed horizontally.  The next step is to print a resist to protect the background.  A second brush is applied diagonally.  The resist is removed and the entire finish is coated with a transparent red tint of color.  The result is a subtle effect using the large scale bold graphic.  It has movement and depth.  The design element can be made more obvious or more subtle by altering the process.  The process allows for alignment of graphic elements across mating parts.  The design can be created to flow across trim in a vehicle or on a product.

This concept features an ornamental design but the idea works just as well with the popular tattoo and tribal images seen in fashion and print.  Integrating the image into the metal with the brush process creates a graphic with natural highights and reflections.  The image has the appearance of being two unique colors.

What types of images would you like to see treated in this process?  What type of products would you put this type of trim on?  Laptops?  Cell phones? Automotive interiors?

Request a sample to see the subtle movement created by the two direction brush in this finish.

 

Mix it Up | Aluminum Trim

Consumers are mixing and matching favorite colors and patterns in kitchen design.  Aluminum trim is a natural match for this trend.  Historically aluminum trim has been decorated in white, black or stainless steel finishes.  The possibilities beyond traditional appliance finishes are limited only by your imagination.

Aluminum In-mold Trim

The Whirlpool ice and water dispenser concept design shown here adds personality to appliance design with a brushed leaf pattern.  The aluminum in-mold trim piece uses two direction brushing to define the finish.  The result is a subtle interactive pattern.

This concept shows only one of the many possibilities available in designing a custom finish for appliance trim.  It also illustrates the versatility of aluminum trim as a cost effective option for product refreshes.  Once an investment is made in tooling, the overall look of metal trim can be updated by simply decorating the aluminum with a new finish for new models. 

How would you use the wide variety of finishes available on aluminum to upgrade the look of large appliance trim?  Request a disc collection to begin exploring the variety of finishes available for panels, overlays and decorative trim.

Faux Marble and Stone on Metal

Marble finishes are translated on to aluminum using four color process printing.  Process color has been widely used in our aluminum ceiling tile designs manufactured for Gage Corporation.  Aluminum is desirable in architectural applications, creating the look of marble and granite on a lightweight and sustainable substrate.  Aluminum is decorated in flat sheets and formed, creating realistic dimension seen in marble tiles. 

This marble finish uses a combination of opaque and transparent inks creating reflective details in the stone finish.

Process color is a versatile option in metal decorating, facilitating realistic reproduction of natural surfaces.  Marble, stone and granite surfaces can be printed overall or applied selectively for an inlaid effect.  Metal borders or woodgrain finishes combine with marble finishes creating classic ceiling tile designs.

What applications come to mind for faux surfaces printed on metal?  What marble finish would you like to see reproduced on metal?

 

 

This article is another in the series of posts featuring notes from my co-workers on their favorite finish.  Our guest blogger is Judy Webber.  Judy works with our finishes each day and sees the types of finishes which have caught our customer's attention.  The finish she chose isn't a traditional metal finish.  However, it is one that has surprised us with interest for potential application in some unexpected markets.  A close look at this finish reveals intricate detail and its ornamental character.  Here is what Judy has to say about the finish.

Guest Blogger

		Judy Webber Design Sample Coordinator Judy works in the Northern Engraving Design Center.  She is responsible for filling sample requests and assembling displays.
When asked to choose a favorite finish or pattern from the thousands in our library here at Northern Engraving, I knew this would not be easy.  After some consideration my vote goes to PAT-4200-A.  Why?  Because it's not the usual plain brush or tint.  This finish has character.  It stands out. It has brilliance, depth and texture with a jewelry-like appearance.  The finish is versatile.  It can be combined selectively with other finishes or used to create accent features.  Although, it has the ability to stand on its own. I'm not involved in the creation or process aspect of the finishes.  I work mainly with the promotional and assembly part of design.  But if you are looking for a unique, ornamental, futuristic finish for your application then give this pattern a look-see.

What do you think of this finish?  What application do you see for this finish? 

Large Format Decorative Metal

Providing unique metal surfaces for the architectural industry and design community is the focus of Gage architectural products.  Gage continuously works with Northern Engraving developing innovative ceiling and wall finishes on aluminum and steel.

Engine Striped Metal

The latest collaboration utilized Northern Engraving's large format metal decoration to introduce a new series of architectural metal designs for walls, elevators and column covers.  The aluminum and stainless steel finishes build on the popular engine stripe finish.

The inspiration for this series of metal surfaces is the wide interest in linear finishes.  The linear structures are layered on the mechanical finish with a traditional screen printing process.  The result is a unique look in large format decorative metal.  The example shown here uses a traditional pinstripe combined with the linear engine stripe finish.  The finish has depth and movement.  The contrast of high gloss and low gloss surfaces within the finish adds further detail.

The idea takes on a little bit more of an organic look when the width and spacing of the lines is varied.  The vertical engine stripe complements the random linear finish.

Options in Large Format Metal Decoration

Ability to change the printed color changes the overall look of the finish.  Popular bronze and copper metal finishes are created using these processes.  This copper finish has gained interest among customers even before the official introduction of the series.

A mixed metal look can be achieved when the natural color of aluminum or steel is combined with a printed champagne gold, copper or bronze.

This series of linear finishes illustrates a small portion of the possibilities available to you on large format decorative aluminum and steel.  What other finishes would you like to see on large format metal?  How would you use the metal surfaces?  What applications do you see for this material beyond architectural products?  Appliance?  Tell us what you think.

Anodized Aluminum and Brushed Metal

Anodizing aluminum is a chemical process in which the surface of the metal is hardened.  Special dyes can be used to color the anodized aluminum for decorative trim.  The result is an attractive low gloss metal finish.  This look can be simulated using traditional decorative process on aluminum.

Simulated Anodized Aluminum

Low gloss topcoat layered on transparent tints of color and brushed metal create the desirable anodized aluminum look and feel.  The topcoat is applied for durability but also enhances the look of the overall finish.

Anodized Aluminum Colors

Shifting the color completely changes the look of the finish.  The real metal character is evident in the look and feel of the finish.

Flexibility in Forming

The simulated anodized finishes are a cost effective option since the decoration is applied in the sheet.  The finishes can be formed into complex shapes with multiple radiuses as shown here in this aluminum gear surround.  The soft radiuses create natural highlights and shadows in the reflective metal surface.

Diversity in Colors

The decorative process allows you to adjust the color of trim to meet your needs.  Cool metal colors, warm metal colors, soft pastels and intense bright colors are all possible with the simulated anodizing process.

This process allows you to explore custom options in trim inspired by the look of anodized metal.  What applications do you see for this finish?  What colors do you prefer?

Request samples to see and feel the simulated anodized finishes available to you in decorative trim.

This is the second article in a series of articles featuring notes from my co-workers on their favorite finish and details behind the finish.  Our guest blogger is Scott VonRuden.  It is interesting that Scott chose a finish that requires precise registration.  Scott works with registration of finishes every day in his role as screening machine operator in the Northern Engraving Design Center.

		Scott VonRuden Press Operator Scott works in the Northern Engraving Design Center.  He is responsible for color matching and screening for new finish development and prototypes.
My favorite Finish is PAT-3860 which has been done in various colors.  It has four screening operations with very tight registration which can be difficult to run.  When all four operations are put together properly (i.e. on register) the end result looks good and is worth the effort put into making it. The first operation is a resist which can be used with a number of mechanical finishes such as brush, engine turn, engine stripe or what ever one would request. The colors that could be used can range from subtle grays and blues to golds and silvers.  The sky is the limit for the colors that could be used on this pattern.  Opaque colors are an option too.  The last two operations are screen printed textures, which can also have color added to them.  Or a soft-touch could be used to get a rubbery feel in the end result.  This finish could be used in numerous nameplate appliqués such as golf clubs, kitchen appliances and maybe even cell phones, with the soft-touch feel added for and extra effect. This finish could also be used on automotive parts such as sill plates, door trim and to knob inserts. Northern Engraving is versatile in all of the above variables mentioned. This is how we are able to meet the unique design requests of our customers.

 

We've had more than one customer apply this pattern to their decorative trim.  What are your thoughts on this precisely registered finish on aluminum?  Thumbs up or thumbs down? 

Enamel White Finishes on Aluminum

Enamel white finishes layered with texture and aluminum details.  Crisp and clean.  Multiple gloss levels.  Sophisticated combinations of detail and metal character.

The Modern mood board is based on the popularity of enamel white finishes.  The video summarizes the inspiration and processes behind the aluminum finishes.  The finishes can be integrated into decorative trim for automotive, appliance and electronic applications.  Request samples to see the subtle effects in the finishes.

 

 

Red Aluminum Finishes

The power drama and emotion of red is explored in this series of aluminum finishes.  Red is associated with energy and strength as well as passion and desire.  Red draws attention.  Opaque and transparent red is printed on mechanical finishes creating dramatic surfaces on aluminum.  Selective gloss and printed texture add to the depth of the finishes.

     

Red finishes on aluminum trim can be used as small accents, almost like you would add jewelry to an outfit.  Or they can be used as bold focal points.  The natural reflective character of the aluminum maximizes the impact.

The inspiRED mood boards cover a wide variety of types of structures including: organic, technical, ornamental and mechanical.  The common theme is the vivid candy apple red.

     

All of the red finishes have been printed in a variety of other colors ranging from black or white to bronze or gun metal grey.  It is always interesting to see how the shift in color affects the finish.  See for yourself how several of the red finishes translate into completely different looks when printed in other colors.  

• Tattoo - piano black with low gloss patterning
• Shibori- layered transparent grey and selective brushing
• Gradations of Color - bronze and copper
• Patina - cool gun metal colors
• Custom Linear Finish - white on white
• Shape Shifting Texture- transparent aqua fading to grey

What finish or pattern would you like to see translated in red?  What product would you add red trim to?

Request samples of these finishes to see the variety of possibilities available to you in this dramatic powerful series of aluminum finishes.