Surfaces on Aluminum Blog

Aluminum tread plate finishes have a reputation for being durable eye-catching surfaces used on truck beds, flooring and tool boxes.  This heavy-duty finish was the starting point for a slightly more refined version developed for Harley-Davidson.

The diamond plate finish is achieved through a combination of printing and mechanical finishes on aluminum.  The background of the finish is spun aluminum with a printed transparent tint of color.  Screen printing is used to add texture to the diamond plate finish.  It is interesting to see how the Harley-Davidson designers integrated the finish into two different trim pieces.  Graphics for the smaller round dial use a combination of spun aluminum, etching and diamond cutting to create a tone on tone look that coordinates with the diamond plate finish.  The graphics on the larger donut shaped trim piece are printed in a complementary warm grey color creating a distinct contrast against the background finish.  I like the approach of treating the graphics on the individual trim pieces in unique yet coordinating ways.  The resulting trim is more visually interesting when viewed together.

Black Diamond Plate Finish

A black diamond plate finish on the same part creates a distinctly different look.  The diamond plate pattern is printed on a high gloss back background with spun aluminum graphics.  The high contrast trim piece is eye-catching. 

Decorating aluminum with unique finishes and using the same tooling is a cost effective way to differentiate models or products.  This option works well when needing to differentiate between a low end and high end version of a product.  It can be used for product refreshes as well.  

How would you translate a diamond plate finish onto an aluminum trim piece?  What type of product would you use it on?

Request samples of diamond plate finishes to see some of our interpretations of this rugged finish.   

Knurled Patterns

Knurled finishes on aluminum are one of our most popular metal finishes.  Knurling is a visually attractive diamond shaped pattern cut or rolled into metal.  This pattern allows you to get a better grip on the knurled object than would be provided by the original smooth metal surface. 

Many designers have looked to knurled surfaces for inspiration when creating patterns for aluminum trim or nameplates.  The pattern is a familiar industrial surface with a look of precision and detail.

The crisp diamond effect on actual knurled metal is duplicated in knurled aluminum finishes.  The decorative finishes are achieved through a combination of selective brushing and printing.  A texture is printed on the metal to mimic the texture of knurled metal.  The theme can be varied by changing the contrast or the scale of the pattern.

We have integrated the knurled finish into our aluminum match box covers.  The finish is complemented with printed borders and a low gloss brushed aluminum surface.  The logo is embossed and features phalynx diamond cut graphics.  The fine diamond shape in the diamond cut logo repeats the diamond theme in the knurled finish. 

The knurled aluminum surface makes this flat nameplate stand out.  The pattern has a texture which contrasts with the bright aluminum border and the matte aluminum background in the center of the nameplate.

I think knurled finishes on aluminum are most successful when applied selectively and accented with other aluminum finishes.  The knurled effect would also make an attractive trim piece.  How can you see these finishes used?