Surfaces on Aluminum Blog

This finish is one of the most popular aluminum finishes in our most recent trend presentation.  The theme for this mood board focused on taking a technological approach combining mechanical finishes, electronically manipulated designs and layering of processes.  We chose to integrate the image of a butterfly into the finish but it could be anything.  It might be a logo, a leaf or any graphic left to your imagination.  The pattern takes on an almost holographic effect.  The butterfly images come and go as you shift your viewing angle.  The interactive surface is built through a layering of brushing and lithography.  The structure is definitely man-made yet there is an organic quality to the surface.

What ideas does this give you for creating a new aluminum finish?  What type of images would you like to see translated into this type of surface?  What product would you use this type of aluminum trim on?  Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Request a disc collection to begin exploring the options available to you in aluminum surface design.

Designing Luminous Aluminum Surfaces

The luminescence of this finish caught my attention when it was first developed and it continues to catch my eye in the many variations completed since its early inception.  A variation of this finish was first conceptualized for automotive trim.  The name given to it was Controverse.  If you look up the definition of controverse, you see that as a verb it means to dispute or oppose.  This definition perfectly defines the play of processes involved in creating this beautiful metal surface.

Controverse embraces both mechanical finishes and traditional printing methods to capture motion and distort perspectives creating new dimensions.  Engine striped aluminum and printed texture recreate spirograph like patterns.  This short video highlights several color variations of this finish.

As one of my favorite finishes, the surface is interactive.  The surface has a glow about it.  Variations of the finish have explored increasing both the width of the engine stripe and the texture for wider trim pieces.  Other renditions alter the contrast between the two processes emphasizing the moiré created between the interaction of the mechanical finish and the printed texture.

How would you integrate this finish or your unique interpretation of it into aluminum trim?  What type of product would you use it on?

Request samples of these finishes to see how the mechanical finish and printed texture enhance illusion creating a fresh metal surface.

This article is another in the series of posts featuring notes from my co-workers on their favorite finish.  Our guest blogger is Randy Schultz.  Randy works with the development of our finishes each day.  The finish he chose is one of our new mechanical finishes developed for our latest trend presentation.  Here is what Randy has to say about the finish.

Guest Blogger

		Randy Schultz Design Process Engineer Randy works in the Northern Engraving Design Center.  He is responsible for processing of samples and prototypes.
One of my favorite finishes is NEC-105.  It is a mechanical finish developed in our Design department.  When designing new finishes, we try to develop surfaces that are unique and out of the norm.  Our objective with this finish was to get away from our typical mechanical finishes (i.e. engine stripe, engine turn and spins) and develop finishes that use the same type of equipment but provide a distinctive look.  This finish fits that category.  It is comparable to an engine stripe but it is very different. This finish has a deeper courser cut in the aluminum.  The accent lines are further apart.  Additionally, this pattern is more defined than traditional engine stripe.  In a standard engine stripe you can see the lead edge of the stripe however on NEC-105 you also see the trailing edge of the stripe.  This gives the pattern a tremendous amount of movement.  The detail in this finish is extraordinary.  If you could imagine a watchmaker or jeweler sitting at their bench engraving the face of a pocket watch, NEC-105 is the finish they would be hand crafting.

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? 

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? 

I've asked my fellow co-workers to write a short note on their favorite finish.  Yes, we actually have favorites.  What one person loves another hates.  It's fun to look at the aluminum finishes through the eyes of another.  Each of us bring our technical background to the table.  We each look at aspects of a finish that others don't consider.  This is where the discussion begins about the possibilities.  So, here is our first guest blogger article.

Guest Blogger

		Kevin Rink Process Chemist Kevin works in the Northern Engraving Central Lab.  He is responsible for research and development of new inks and coatings.
One of my favorite finishes is NEC-108-A.  This mechanical finish employs irregular interweavings of semi circles which adds a dimension of depth via a 3-D effect.  This finish seems chaotic, yet imparts a sense of luxury with the smooth satin finish.  It allows one to stand out and be different from the rest.  Although the finish seems busy, you get the sense that it is very versatile and could find its way in automotive, nameplate, and appliance applications.  The striking mechanical finish makes you take notice and move in for a closer look.  Once you do this, you take note of the intricacies and depth of this finish.  It is what you want it to be.

What are your thoughts on this organic mechanical finish on aluminum?  Thumbs up or thumbs down?