Surfaces on Aluminum

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.   

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?