Surfaces on Aluminum

Recently we returned from the Industrial Designers Society of America International Conference in New Orleans where hundreds of design educators, students and professionals energized the air with discussion on the future of industrial design. 

Northern Engraving supported the conference with a booth in the Design Gallery displaying a wide variety of options in product branding and trim.  We shared a cross-section of mood boards which illustrate the many types of patterns and finishes available on aluminum. 

Visitors to our booth where inquisitive wanting to understand the processes involved in manufacturing both nameplates for product branding and larger metal trim pieces.  In both cases, many assumed that the decoration is applied after the part is formed or embossed.  We explained that one thing all items on our display had in common - whether metal or plastic, nameplate or trim - was they all started as a flat sheet which is decorated and then formed.  This allows for the critical registration evident on many of the parts.  It also increases efficiency in the manufacturing process allowing multiple parts to be decorated at once on a sheet eliminating the need for piece decorating. Understanding the basics of how something is made allows you to take full advantage of the manufacturing process.  We welcome that discussion and encourage visits to our facility to explore the possibilities.  Read more about nameplate and trim manufacturing in the following articles.

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The Story Starts with the Finish was the title of our presentation at the IDSA Midwest District Conference this past weekend in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  The presentation was part of the IDSA Materials and Processes Section's efforts to share information on materials and processes used in product design.  The title was a tie in to the fact that everything Northern Engraving manufactures, from nameplates and badges to appliance and automotive trim, begins with the printing of the finish.  We will feature aspects of the presentation in an upcoming webinar and in articles on the Surfaces on Aluminum Blog.  This short video highlights the finishes featured in the portion of the presentation where we shared the story behind the development of aluminum finishes featured in our trend presentation.

The conference featured a great line up of presenters including:  Ziba Design; HP Design Director, Sam Lucente; Laga Brand Image VP, Mark Dziersk; Fiskars; Radio Flyer; Milwaukee Tool; Harley-Davidson; and Chuck Pelly, founder of Designworks.  Enthusiasm and energy were high as the event took place across multiple locations including: MIAD, the Eisner Museum and the Harley-Davidson Museum.  The Harley-Davidson closing event was fantastic as expected, complete with loud music and motorcycles.

IDSA has two more district conferences in the next two weeks: this Friday-Sunday in Denver, and next Friday-Sunday in Grand Rapids, MI.  Both conferences provide valuable opportunities for dialogue with fellow design colleagues.