Surfaces on Aluminum

Recycled Aluminum Finishes

This article covers the second half of the Northern Engraving trend presentation.  Our trend presentation is a series of seven mood boards developed around themes.  The first three themes focused on new mechanical finishes.  The four themes featured here focus on the use of mechanical process, color and texture to create finishes which are our interpretation of trends in the market. All of the finishes are meant to be inspirational, a starting point for creating a surface for your trim or nameplate application.
Eco
Many of the new finishes have been created on aluminum made from 99% recycled aluminum of which 80% of the scrap is from post consumer sources.  It takes 95% less energy to recycle aluminum than to work with raw materials.  Eco-awareness is far more than a trend.  It is a primary focus today.  Aluminum is a durable and sustainable metal.  Two-thirds of the aluminum ever produced is in use today.  The new finishes on recycled aluminum are aesthetically pleasing environmentally friendly options for trim and nameplates.

		Invincible view mood board Surfaces take a technological approach combining mechanical finishes, electronically manipulated designs, layering of processes and multiple gloss levels.  Images focus on the man-made theme and are all the result of human endeavor whether special effects created electronically or taking inspiration from shibori.
		Future Imperfect Naturally altered and blemished surfaces are combined with blurred and fractured prints, maintaining a natural beauty that is so often disregarded in the quest for perfection.  Finishes are purposely distorted and naturally altered with seemingly unfinished detailing. Make a statement with understated luxury.  Find beauty in the imperfect and unexpected.
		Algorithmic Surfaces transform from 2-D to 3-D through mathematical repetition and morphing geometric shapes.  These modular finishes are designed to shape-shift as if stretched across their 3-D forms creating dynamic looks.
		Techno Ethnic This trend focuses on the diversity of global cultures, compiling references from around the world and reinterpreting them to create a new multicultural fusion. We celebrate imperfection, the distorted and the flawed, through technique and application.  Classic processes, unusual placements and recycled materials are all explored, creating unexpected but reproducible results.

Brushed Metal Finishes

Directional and non-directional patterning plays with light creating depth and movement in these new brushed aluminum finishes.  Three different approaches were taken resulting in dramatically different results.  All are featured in our latest trend presentation.  All build on decades of experience in manufacturing nameplates, appliance panels and automotive trim with mechanical finishes.

		Transform A strong continued interest in organic pattern, texture and finishes is apparent. This theme is combined with our expertise in mechanically finishing metal to create this series of finishes with a hand crafted look. The organically inspired structures with complex visually dimensional patterns add interesting surface texture. This is in contrast to the super smooth surfaces available. The finishes work well with flowing lines and softer shapes and make for a more human approach.
		Connect In sharp contrast to the Transform series, this series of aluminum finishes offers surfaces which are highly precise. We drew on our knowledge in mechanically finishing aluminum and explored further possibilities. The resulting finishes are surfaces with interlocking arched brushes creating patterns that evolve. The surfaces have a look of precision and engineering characteristic of metal.
		ExtraOrdinary Mechanical finishes in this series are designed with the final trim piece in mind. Their flow relates to the shape of the trim piece. Anything from a subtle sweep of motion to a loud burst is possible. Some looks are playful. Others are elegant. All rely on mechanically finishing the surface of the aluminum to create depth and movement. This custom approach can be integrated into a nameplate or a decorative trim piece creating a distinct look.

Request a disc collection to begin exploring the variety of finishes available for panels, overlays and decorative trim.

Architectural Metal Surfaces

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Our design studio recently hosted a group of visitors from the architectural industry.  We spent time reviewing mood boards and finishes from our pattern library.  It is always interesting to hear reactions our wide variety of aluminum finishes and discuss their potential application.  Much of our discussion focused on textures and surfaces for metal wall coverings, column covers, elevator cab panels and ceiling tiles.  One focus of our discussion was the popularity of tattoo designs or large scale graphics flowing subtly across metal.  We've seen interest in this trend in large appliances, automotive trim and laptop covers.  This photo shows a tattoo design applied to metal elevator doors.  The potential with this approach is limited only by your imagination.  Options include custom graphics in your design (modern, elegant, classic or bold).  The surfaces can be translated in bronze, brass and copper finishes or bold transparent tints of color.

Northern Engraving manufactures solid metal laminates for Gage Architectural Products.  The large format metal surfaces are available in solid aluminum or stainless steel with thicknesses ranging from .025" (.60 mm) to .124 " (3 mm).  Request finish samples to begin exploring the possibilities available to you in surface design.

What other applications come to mind for metal laminates?  What other finishes would you like to see in large format?  Tell us what you think in the comments below.

Contemporary Circle Pattern

Three dimensional dots traveling checkerboard style across aluminum create a visually interesting surface on metal.  Circles catch the light creating an interactive flashy finish apropriate for small accent trim.

A warm bronze version of the dot pattern is an attractive alternative to the all silver version.  A screen printed texture adds a tactile dimension to both finishes.  A small border of this finish would make an eye-catching statement. 

How would you use this finish?  Would you change the color?  How about the size?  Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.

Request a disc collection to begin exploring the variety of finishes available for panels, overlays and decorative trim.

Metal Ceiling Panels

Custom ceiling tiles are a versatile option for creating high impact designs to enhance your space.  The designs utilize standard processes used in the manufacturing of automotive trim and nameplates.  Options range from the diverse offering of finishes in our pattern library to custom designed tiles.  Brushing, printing and mechanical finishes combine to create bold designs or subtle statements.  The richness and depth of aluminum ceiling tiles enhances office spaces, casinos, hotel lobbies, institutional settings and restaurant/bar areas.

This article covers aluminum ceiling tiles manufactured and designed for Gage Architectural Products.  The finishes can be customized in color, scale and process to meet your design intent. 

Ceiling Tile Design Options

1. Brushed Aluminum - overall or selective
2. Mechanical Finishes - engine stripe or organic
3. Woodgrain - burl or straight grain
4. Marble - overall or inlaid
5. Patinaed - brass, bronze, steel or copper
6. Custom - bold or elegant
7. Perforated - rectangles, circles or squares

Brushed Aluminum Ceiling Tiles

The design possibilities available to you when combining bright aluminum with a horizontal and vertical brush are endless.  Mitered corners create coffered effects.  Transparent tints of color are printed creating mixed metal looks.

Mechanical Finishes on Aluminum Ceiling Tiles

Mechanical finishes emphasize the metal surface adding depth and dimension to the tile.  Directional and non-directional patterning catches and reflects light.  Whether refined linear designs created with the engine stripe process or the hand crafted look of organic structures takes, all can be customized in subtle or vivid color. 

Woodgrain Ceiling Tiles

High resolution printing is used to reproduce exotic woodgrains, burls and straight grains on aluminum.  Woodgrain ceiling panels combine multiple woodgrains to create inlaid looks.  Coffered designs add dimension to the tiles.

Marble Ceiling Tiles

Process color is used to capture the detail and subtle color in marble and granite tiles.  Inlaid effects are created when combined with bright aluminum and woodgrain.

Patinaed Metal Ceiling Tiles

Distressed and aged metal surfaces add hand crafted warmth to spaces.  Surfaces range from gunmetal greys and mixed metal designs to antiqued brass and copper finishes.

Custom Ceiling Tiles

The photos above really say it all.  If you can imagine it, we can create it on aluminum.  Mix and match.  Make it your own.  Combine finishes or create custom graphics.

Perforated Ceiling Tiles

Now that you've explored the options in decorating aluminum panels, consider adding a perforation.  Round, square or rectangle.

Request aluminum finish samples to begin exploring the options available to you in surface design.