Surfaces on Aluminum

Interest in authentic materials for decorative trim has inspired Northern Engraving to explore the creation of new looks on aluminum using mechanical processes.  Mechanical finishes rely on processes which remove metal by abrasion or processes which apply a texture by mechanical force.  This exploration focused on abrasion of the aluminum surface.

Inspiration for the series of finishes came from limited edition and vintage pens.  Fountain pens have long been admired for the attention to detail in their designs.  Engraved and inlaid surfaces create a look of distinctive quality and high precision.

Watchmakers and the detail-oriented approach they take to creating exacting looks were also inspiration for this series.  The suggestive look of watches with extensive references to high-performance cars immediately draws the eye.

This exploration began by building on our traditional engine stripe finishes.  These surface are polished arcing brushes that create visual depth.  The arcs face in the same direction.  A variety of widths for the engine stripes create different looks.

We started by asking what if the arcs were spaced out and applied in both directions?  The result was a unique look that created a  secondary pattern with the interlocking arcs.  The outside of the stripe had tightly spaced diamond shapes that morphed into larger diamonds in the middle of the stripe.  The arced brush contrasted nicely with bright aluminum.  We found that we could change the appearance in a number of ways.  Some of the variables explored included the width of the arc, the amount of bright aluminum showing through and the smoothness of the arc.

These first finishes were only a starting point.  We created an entire series of finishes around this theme.  Our primary focus was on the structures created with the interlocking arcs.  Further exploration centered around the possibilities achieved through layering transparent tints of color on the mechanical finishes.  A cool grey tint of color created a more subtle effect, while vibrant transparent colors created a completely different look, drawing attention to the surface.

We are excited by the possibilities these finishes offer designers.  The inlaid effect on fountain pens can be duplicated through selective application of these finishes.  For example, a high gloss bright graphic can be inlaid into the low gloss mechanical finish creating a premium look.  Selective texture or color can be applied to further customize the metal surfaces.

Request samples to see for yourself the movement and look of precision created in these mechanical surfaces on aluminum.

How would you customize these mechanical finishes?  What products could you see these applied to?

The variety of weave patterns available in carbon fiber have inspired many designers to explore this look on aluminum.  For some this means using the carbon fiber as a starting point and interpreting the surface on aluminum.  For others it is matching the original material as close a possible. 

This carbon fiber finish on aluminum is one of my favorites.  It features the traditional carbon fiber color but uses a non-traditional weave.  Selective brushing of the aluminum is layered with transparent colors to create movement and depth as seen in the real carbon fiber.  A high gloss topcoat adds further depth.  It can be applied to a trim piece overall or selectively.

Other interpretations of carbon fiber have explored adding texture to the weave which changes the look and creates further movement in the surface.  Texture adds richness and a tactile quality to the printed surface - a desirable sense of touch and feel. 

A unique approach to creating a carbon fiber pattern on aluminum is to adapt the look of the finish so it compliments carbon fiber but is not an attempt to duplicate the material.  The wide variety and sizes of weaves are just the starting point in this exploration.  Often mechanical finishes are used, creating flip in the finish.  A full palette of opaque and transparent color can be added to further customize the look.

What applications can you see for a carbon fiber finish? 

Carbon Fiber Samples on Aluminum

See for yourself the depth and movement created in these carbon fiber finishes.  Request free samples of carbon fiber finishes on aluminum.

In Wisconsin we enjoy almost half the year without leaves on the trees.  The patterns the bare tree branches create against the sky have always interested me.  They are so perfectly organized and layered.  Shift your perspective and there is an entirely new pattern created with the same branches.  It is interactive. 

Recently we worked on a series of organic finishes on aluminum.  We looked at nature in both a macro and micro level for our inspiration in this group of patterns.  Bark, leaves, fruit and vegetables all found their way into our studio as we explored this theme.

The inspiration for one finish came from that fascination with the endless patterns formed by bare tree branches.  The structure we needed came from the silhouette the branches created.  The next step was deciding how to interpret this on aluminum.  It was important to us to let the reflectivity of the metal show through.  The finish also needed to have depth and movement.  The final pattern used a layering of processes and color to achieve the look.

A person seeing the pattern for the first time may not associate it with its creative source.  Each individual will look at the finish from a different point of view.  This impacts their interpretation and response to the finish.  The fun thing about this surface is the story it has to tell.

Sometimes we look in unexpected places for inspiration.  What surfaces in nature have stimulated your thoughts?

Getting "inked" is no longer limited to the tattoo subculture.  The trend can be seen in fashion, furntiture and ceramics.  The popularity of tattoos cannot be escaped.  What would they look like translated on to aluminum?   

This finish is the result of that exploration. The subtle ornamental scroll design is printed on aluminum giving the tattoo graphic a contemporary spin.  The tribal themed image is created through a layering of decorative processes.  The surface is interactive and "flips" around.

What other types of products can you see using this theme?  What other inked looks would you like to see explored on aluminum?

A similar process was used on some of the new Amana Color refrigerator designs introduced last month at the International Builders' Show in Las Vegas.  We worked with Whirlpool's Color, Material, Finishing Design Lab to help introduce their concepts to the market. 

Are there other products you can see this look applied to?  What other inked themes would you like to see on aluminum?