Surfaces on Aluminum

Carbon fiber continues to be a highly popular finish across multiple industries, used for automotive and high end boat trim. These tend to be more realistic carbon weaves with multiple processes in order to mimic real carbon fiber. These patterns are used as background accents in nameplates. The patterns shown here tend to be more subdued, looser interpretations of a carbon fiber.

The finishes on this mood board are a collection of our best carbon fiber aluminum surfaces, new and old.

Our aluminum finishes take advantage of mechanical finishing, halftones and textures, relying on both brushing and printed texture to simulate the look and movement of an actual woven carbon material. These finishes play with color, pattern and texture to create a captivating experience.

Request aluminum finish samples to begin exploring
the options available to you in surface design.

 
 

These finishes feature a twist on a traditional technical pattern by layering two patterns that when combined create an overall technical finish with slight variation. The layered structures gradually fall in and out of alignment as the pattern travels creating a secondary organic pattern.

Process Combinations

A layer of contrasting texture is applied over a satin gloss, tan finish with subtle brushed/ bright details. This creates a textured surface that is metal in appearance along with good visual depth and movement.

Customization

 

 

These finishes were designed to flow across a 3.5” area for sample purposes. The intent would be for the pattern to flow across a custom part size. As with most all of our finishes, the color and gloss are fully customizable.

Request aluminum finish samples to begin exploring the options available to you in surface design.

Embracing simplicity, shapes are taken back to their most basic forms.  Bright aluminum is paired in hard contrast with piano black and enamel white patterns.

(from left to right, top to bottom) PAT-3886-A, PAT-3885-B, PAT-3888-A, PAT-3885-A, PAT-3889-A, PAT-3888-B *patterns not shown to scale

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Design intent for the decorative aluminum trim plate was to create an intricate layered look conveying precision and sports luxury. The final design utilizes an alternative approach which integrates layers of processes combined with mechanical finishes to create the in-laid metal design. The aluminum trim showcases decorative aluminum processes creating an eye-catching option for interior trim.

Selective Brush

Small areas on the trim piece feature our selective brushing technique. The chosen areas are brushed in the opposite direction of the overall brush that spans across the part. A few of the inlaid areas also feature the base bright aluminum substrate with no brushing added. The combination of 2 direction brush and bright aluminum areas allows each surface to catch light and reflections differently, creating movement.

Engine Stripe

Engine striping is a mechanical finish that creates a distinct look with a lot of visual depth. To create an engine stripe pattern on aluminum, arcing brushes that face in the same direction polish the metal to the desired length and width. Generally this is an overall process, but in this case it is applied to selective areas further building on the unique movement already created with the selective brushing.

 

Selective Texture

The selective texture below resembles a knurled finish. To create this look on aluminum a diamond shaped pattern is printed onto the metal with a clear ink creating a raised texture. This pattern provides precision and detail while contrasting with the overall brushed pattern on the aluminum part.

Selective Gloss

Adding a little sparkle to the trim piece is accomplished through the application of a selective gloss. The majority of the part is a brushed background featuring a matte gloss. Applying this gloss selectively allows some of the inlaid areas to remain high gloss. The combination of high/ low gloss areas creates a subtle tone-on-tone look.

The processes applied to aluminum shown here illustrate some of the endless opportunities available to you in designing surfaces for metal trim.  Simple or precise, you customize the finish adding mechanical finishes, gloss and texture to create the look that represents your design intent.

For more on the decorative trim options used on this project, click here to view the case study.

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

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Interior Aluminum Panels Take Inspiration from Exterior Design

The boating industry combines excitement and an impressive line of products for their consumers. Rec Boat Holdings recently introduced new models for 2012. These models are pushing the envelope with their design and creating distinct identities.

Four Winns, a subsidiary of Rec Boat Holdings, introduced two new boats with very different looks, featuring aluminum console and trim pieces created at Northern Engraving.

The RS, or “race series”,features a color combination of deep gray and vibrant green offering a modern color scheme for the younger buyer. The control panel features a two-tone gray pattern atop an opaque black background. The bright green accent appears on the center of the console with a fade from green to white, highlighting the RS symbol. The overall design is sportier than previous Four Winns products, and appeals to a more modern crowd.

The SS, or “signature series”, design followed the RS. This model aimed at developing a more classic look. A color combination of red, black and white creates the classic identity of the boat, while the carbon fiber finish and bright aluminum border modernizes the console and trim pieces just enough to add visual interest. Choosing red as an accent color aligns with some of the more popular classic car models, including the Corvette, Mustang Shelby GT and Chevrolet Bel Air. This classic design boasts nostalgic appeal and comfort for the whole family.

No matter which boat design you prefer, the innovative and unique qualities make the boating experience more enjoyable, while still offering affordability.

Samples of nameplates are a great way to explore and better understand options available for designing a nameplate. Northern engraving offers a Nameplate Materials and Processes Guide with numerous samples on metal and plastic substrates to assist you in the process.

 

This series of finishes is inspired by woven wire surfaces used in architectural applications.  Selective brushing and texture add movement and depth to the patterns.

(from left to right, top to bottom) PAT-4265-A, PAT-4181-D, PAT-4264-A, PAT-4263-A, DES-1070-EQ, PAT-4242-A *patterns not shown to scale

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

The Inspiration

We set out to create an organic aluminum finish focusing on patterns found in nature at a macro level. The photograph above came from a trip in the woods with my camera. I particularly liked the way the grain flowed in the exposed area where the bark had peeled away. It would be a great starting point to re-imagine this structure on aluminum. 

Translated to Aluminum

Using the photograph as a starting point, a cropped area was manipulated in photoshop and repeated to create an 18” square image. Two different values of grayscale were pulled out of the image to use for printing separations. In this case, opaque and transparent whites were printed to contrast with the natural aluminum surface. The different levels of opacity and gloss creates a stunning metal finish that shimmers.

18x18 image

The designer disc collection features a cross-section of finishes on aluminum. It begins to illustrate the versatility of aluminum as a decorative substrate. The pattern samples are labeled for easy identification. The discs are useful when designing a custom finish. Request a disc collection to begin exploring the variety of textures and finishes available for nameplates and labels

The earthy warmth of natural metals is highlighted through transparent tints of color coated on brushed aluminum.  Interactive surfaces reflect light creating highlights and shadows. 

(from left to right, top to bottom) DES-1070-CU, DES-1070-BQ, PAT-3897-B, DES-1070-AW, DES-484-AV, DES-1070-CD *patterns not shown to scale

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Build on the reflective surface of the metal playing with shadow and light.  Create 3D effects by manipulating the surface of the material with brushes, tints and textures.

(from left to right, top to bottom) PAT-2917-C, PAT-2923-A, DES-1070-FM, PAT-2746-X, DES-915-D, NAS-371-B *patterns not shown to scale

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

     
Brushed aluminum is a commonly requested aluminum surface. It's versatility makes it a popular choice allowing for custom color, gloss, and texture. Aside from these choices there are also different grain structures to choose from. The structure of our brushes offered range from a fine hairline to a more aggressive brush. These 3 finishes feature a heavy brush structure for a rugged/ tough feel. All 3 are fully customizable by changing color, gloss, or adding texture.   

See the Difference

Check out a side by side comparison with our standard Norbrush.

   
 (from Left to Right: PAT-4770-C, PAT-3897-L, PAT-4770-A)

Request aluminum finish samples to begin exploring the options available to you in surface design.