Surfaces on Aluminum

Using Halftones with Mechanical Finishes to Create Visual Depth

 

In this series of finishes, black halftones are layered over varying sizes of engine stripe. A deep blue tint is added for color then finished off with a high gloss topcoat.

Combining organic structures breaks up the otherwise ordered look of traditional engine stripe.

 

The engine stripes are accented with areas of bright aluminum for an added dimension.

The combination of processes creates a unique look that practically jumps right off the aluminum finish.

Nova Trim

The Nova Trim process offers an alternative to printed texture.  The process involves using coining and embossing to press texture into the surface of metal.  In this group of finishes, our focus was on interpreting the detail found in meshes.  The look, feel and technical precision of mesh are translated into aluminum surfaces to be used in decorative trim or nameplates.  Aluminum brings the ornamental quality of mesh to life.  With origins in industrial applications, expressions of meshes and metal fabrics used in architecture are popular choices in product design.

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

 

Custom Aluminum Finish

The honeycomb finish designed for the Cobra radar detectors is an excellent example of collaboration early on in a project and the outstanding outcome as a result of this interaction.  The project began with a visit to the Northern Engraving Design Studio to discuss overall direction and understand options in decoration.

This design optimizes the decorative process on metal using one metallic color as a background color to define graphics and create a pattern at the same time.  The pattern is custom designed to pick up on the honeycomb grill on the molded plastic component.  What differentiates the finish further is the evolution of the finish from top to bottom.  A narrow outline increases in width creating a gradated effect.  A subtle texture completes the attention to detail.

This concept with the custom hexagon finish translates nicely to a second trim piece creating a consistent look across the brand.  Black is used to create a high contrast look against the reflective metal surface.

The designer disc collection features a cross-section of finishes on aluminum.  It begins to illustrates the versatility of aluminum as a decorative substrate.  The pattern samples are labeled for easy identification.  The discs are useful when designing a custom finish.  Request a disc collection to begin exploring the variety of textures and finishes available for nameplates and labels.

Because copper and bronze have a warm quality which can be finished in a variety of tones, they go well with nearly any surface.  These finishes on aluminum rely on transparent tints of ink to create the look of copper and bronze.  Whether on brushed or bright aluminum, in high or low gloss, they take advantage of the authentic metal surface creating highlights and shadows.  Curved surfaces reflect the light adding to the elegance of the finishes.  Whether used as subtle or bold accent, these warm metal finishes pair with other surfaces to create attractive options in design.

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