Surfaces on Aluminum

Aluminum Trim

Variations on finishes available on aluminum trim are endless.  Inspiration for surfaces is taken from all around.  The finishes shown here are part of our series of finishes inspired by athletic equipment. 

The wave graphic inspiration might have come from a surfboard or snowboard or atheletic apparel.  The aluminum interpretation of movement features brushed and bright aluminum with a grey tint and a bright accent of transparent orange color.  Low gloss grey texture is used to define the image and add a tactile effect.  I could see this finish on a laptop or cell phone.  It might be translated into automotive trim.  Where could you see this finish used?  What other athletic equipment gets your creative juices going?

This  aluminum pinstripe finish has an organic linear quality in that it includes stripes in a variety of widths.  The stripes are randomly spaced and overlap each other.

A simple technical finish made of repeating hexagons takes an unexpected twist when combined with a meandering swatch of brushed aluminum.  This is an example of the flexibility aluminum offers.  Combining multiple finishes into one trim piece can be used to create unique trim which increases perceived value.  Multiple finishes can be combined creating the illusion of two or three parts.  This is a cost effective option for creating a premium look.

The wave pattern from above is further explored here as an opaque white with multiple gloss levels and textures.  This type of process has been used in custom finishes for large appliance panels.  The bright accent of green is outlined with bright aluminum.  How about this on your next refrigerator?

Request samplesof the finishes to see how the aluminum adds movement and depth to the finishes.  Begin exploring the possibilities.

Faux Finish on Metal

Nothing is more versatile than denim when it comes to fashion.  Our fascination with the ultimate comfort fabric shifts with the seasons from faded to dark and back.  Weathered jeans and distressed looks are in the spot light.  How would the denim look translate on to aluminum and into your trim or insert?

The aluminum insert shown here is printed with a denim finish.  Embossed rivets accent the denim look. 

The production version of this cosmetic insert is decorated in a gloss black background with embossed gold details.  The two aluminum inserts are dramatically different in appearance.  This is an option to keep in mind when introducing a special edition or product update.  The same tooling is used and the insert updated with a new finish printed on the aluminum.

Request samples of faux finishes to begin exploring the possibilities available to you on aluminum trim.

Stingray Finish on Metal Trim

Stingray leather is making a fashion statement in the world of leather accessories such as belts, wallets, purses and shoes.  The characteristically black leather with a white pearl oval has a unique look and feel that includes hundreds of small bumps making the surface glimmer.

The iridescent shimmer of the natural skin is captured here in aluminum.  A screen printed texture furthers the illusion giving the surface a rich feel.  Imagine the white pearl design customized in shape and size to further compliment a specific trim application.  The faux stingray leather might be featured in metal trim on a laptop, a cell phone or an insert on a motorcycle. 

Aluminum offers the flexibility to reproduce faux surfaces or build on the authentic metal characteristics of the metal.  The wide variety of finishes can be combined into premium metal trim.

What creative ideas do you have for applying the stingray leather finish to a product?  Would you customize the finish by changing the color or the pearl design?

Technical Finishes on Aluminum

Geometric shapes repeat creating precise detail in metal finishes.  The geometric textures shown here are based on a simple triangular shape.  Options in color and process result an endless array of possibilities.  Authentic metal surfaces are created when textures are applied over a brushed or bright aluminum.  Addition of transparent tints of cool or warm color shift the metal character of the surface.  Texture applied in a contrasting gloss level creates a tone on tone look.  Black texture adds to the contrast.  A slight change in scale emphasizes the structure further.

This technical finish is one of the most popular surfaces in our pattern library.  Both automotive trim and nameplates have been designed with this pattern.  The finish has a precise technical look and works on complex shapes or curved surfaces.  Some geometric finishes such as a dot patterns may be objectionable when applied to a part with an irregular shape.  The rows of dots run off the part creating the appearance of an unfinished or uneven edge.  This illusion of a ragged edge may be unacceptable.  Technical finishes like the ones shown above avoid this issue.

What application do you see for these types of finishes?  Do you prefer the finishes with high or low contrast?