Nameplate Blog

The etch process is typically used in industrial applications for rating and serial tags.  The chemical process relies on a screen print process to apply a resist to the surface of the metal protecting selective areas during the etch process.  The process is available on aluminum, steel or brass.  Nameplates feature etched graphics because of their durability and in some cases their depth.  This plaque uses the etch process for a decorative effect. 

The graphics are etched in brass creating custom illustrations on brass.

The plaques are used as decorative accents on barometers.

Over the years, numerous designs have been etched in brass.  Using the same process creates continuity in the product line. 

Unique illustrations on each plaque are used to appeal to a diverse customer base.  The etch process typically used for industrial applications can also be quite decorative as shown here.

How would you take a standard metal decorating process and use it in an unexpected way?  Mechanical finishes and printing don't need to be limited to nameplates and emblems.  A little creative thought and you'll find the possibilities are endless.

Request etched samples to begin your exploration.

Screen Printing on Aluminum, Brass and Steel 

The screen printing process is a standard process in the decoration of metal and plastic nameplates, labels and emblems.  It is typically used for graphics or background color application.  The colors are custom matched in opaque, transparent or metallic effects.  Screen printing is also used to add selective gloss levels or textures to nameplates.  This article focuses on the screen printing process on metal substrates.

Definition: Screen printing, also known as screening or serigraphy, is a print making technique that traditionally creates a sharp-edged, single-color image.  A stencil is created by use of a photosensitive emulsion and a mesh fabric.  Ink is forced through the screen with a squeegee.

Alternative names: screening, screen printing, printing

 
close up of a screen showing the mesh fabric and stencil image

screening machine showing image being printed

Screen Print Advantages

•colors more opaque (typically only one hit or application of color is required)
•top coat isn't always required (part performance specifications determine whether a topcoat is needed)
•colors can be combined with textures
•color and gloss can be combined into one operation

Screen Printing on Metal Options

•color
   opaque or transparent
   metallics
•textures
   clear or colored
   high or low gloss
   soft-touch
•processes which can be combined with silk screening
   mechanical finishes
   lensing
   diamond cutting

Considerations

•part geometry and performance specifications help to determine which decorative process is appropriate for each application
•typically screen printing does not require multiple impressions to achieve a color
•a base color may need to be applied underneath a color (required for light or bright colors)
•each hit must be cured before applying next color or process
•there is a one time artwork preparation charge for each color

Alternative Processes to Screen Printing

•solid colors: coating, lithography
•spot color: lithography                     

Technical Information

•resists for mechanical finishes and chemical etching are screened
•cannot obtain the ultra fine detail available in lithography (minimum screening stroke width: .007" pos. print, .007" neg. print)

•chokes and flares are required when applying multiple colors next to each other

•graphics are generally choked or flared .010" for screening
•chemical etch requires an additional resist on the back of sheets
•lithography is a preferred process for critical registration of graphics

Screen Printed Nameplates

Additional questions and answers focusing on nameplate, label and badge design and manufacturing can be found on our Nameplate FAQ page.

In-mold Decorating

In-Mold or Insert-Mold Decoration (IMD) or Film Insert Molding (FIM) refers to the insertion of a printed graphic overlay into an injection mold.  The molding process encapsulates the film or overlay in  plastic.  It combines the advantages of decorative and functional graphics with a plastic molded component or assembly.  Integrated components eliminate application costs for overlays or labels.

In-mold Decorated Components

In-Mold Decorating offers design flexibility and productivity advantages over traditional post-molding decorating techniques.  Durable graphics are integrated into plastic components using multiple colors.  Since the part graphics are encapsulated in resin, the graphics cannot be removed without destroying the part. Graphics will not fade and remain vibrant.  No secondary operation is required after molding.  The part is complete.  Graphics are updated by modifying the printed overlay.  The mold does not need to be modified.  The Nautique boat lens shown here is manufactured using the in-mold decoration process to combine graphics and clear windows into a single component with attachment features.

In-mold Options

• Backlit graphics
• Deadfront graphics
• Lenses and windows

The in-mold process typically uses a polycarbonate film.  Graphics are printed on the second or inner surface of the film.  Selective gloss or texture is printed on the first or outer surface of the film.  Printing on the second surface offers additional protection in the end application.  The film is formed after decorating.  It is then trimmed and placed in the mold.  The final step is injection molding.

Design considerations include locating graphics in relatively flat areas away from sharp edges to minimize distortion and registration issues.   Inks are selected to help eliminate washout in the gate area of components.  Gates are positioned as far away from graphics as possible.  They are designed to minimize the turbulent flow of material during the molding cycle. 

What applications come to mind for integrating graphics into plastic components using the in-mold decorating process?  Why is this process a good fit for the application?

Request in-mold decorated samples to begin exploring the options available to you in product trim and identification.

Aluminum Nameplates | Electroform Nameplates

Embossed aluminum nameplates are often considered as an alternative to electroformed nameplates.  Aluminum nameplates offer crisp definition of graphics and tooled textures.  Surfaces come to life when bright metal finishes are combined with opaque and transparent colors.

Aluminum offers additional process options to be incorporated into emblems which create a unique representation of your brand.  Selective brushing, spinning, gloss and diamond cutting are process options for further customization and differentiation of your unique image.

Aluminum versus Electroformed Nameplates

Typically the piece price for an embossed aluminum nameplate is lower than the piece price for an electroformed nameplate.  Aluminum nameplates require an investment in tooling.  This combination is an attractive option for high volume product branding needs.

Request samples of aluminum nameplates which are available as an alternative to the electroforming process to see the options available to you. 

The Volvo key fob integrates the same brushed metal finish used on the aluminum interior trim into its design.  The aluminum in-mold process is used to create a decorative piece combining metal and plastic into one component.  The raised plastic details are created using a through mold process. 

Mixed Material Effect

The through mold process creates dimensional plastic details or graphics which can be smooth or textured.  The key fob is a perfect application for this process.  The through mold accents add a dimensional tactile component to the key fob.  Hard or soft plastic can be used in the through mold process to meet your application needs.  The full range of decorative process including mechanical finishes, printing and etching can be used on the aluminum trim.  The trim is decorated in the flat sheet, formed and inserted in the mold.  The resin is injected into the mold permanently bonding the metal and plastic together.

What applications can you see for the aluminum in-mold process with through mold accents or graphics?  Request samples of this key fob or other through molded parts to begin exploring the options available to you with aluminum in-mold product design.

Offset Lithography in Nameplates

Offset lithography or litho printing is one of the workhorses of aluminum decoration for nameplates and emblems.  It is easily combined with other decorative processes such as: brushing, spinning, screen printing, embossing, diamond cutting and doming.  One of the major advantages of offset lithography is the tight registration which can be achieved.  It is also the preferred option when working with halftones and fine detail.  Following is a Q & A focusing on the litho process as it is used in the decoration of nameplates.  What other questions do you have on this process? 

Frequently Asked Questions | Nameplate Printing

Additional questions and answers focusing on nameplate, label and badge design and manufacturing can be found on our Nameplate FAQ page.

John Deere Tractor Emblem

For more than 150 years John Deere has remained true to their promise made in 1847:

"I will never put my name on a product that does not have in it the best that is in me."

The John Deere reputation is built on value in every machine that bears its name.  The rugged 3D stainless steel emblem design reflects this value.  This emblem is screen printed in the flat sheet.  It is embossed and formed after decorating.  Posts are stud welded on the back of the emblem for attachment to equipment. 

Stainless Steel Badges

Heavy duty stainless steel badges are a durable option for equipment and products exposed to harsh environments.  Screen printing, lithography and roll coating are standard processes in the decoration of stainless steel.  Colors are custom matched to meet customer needs.  Dimension is added through embossing and forming.  These processes combine to create a quality badge. A stainless steel badge stands for a brands reputation looking just as good tomorrow as it does today. 

Aluminum Emblems

This series of metal emblems is an excellent example of flat nameplates with a premium look.  The military seals rely on a combination of opaque and transparent colors printed on aluminum to add interest to the graphics.  Screen printed texture increases the perceived value.

The intricate detail in a seal, crest or coat of arms is a perfect candidate for translation to metal.  A wide variety of options are available in the printing and decorative processes to add movement and depth to the graphics.  Concept drawings were used early in this project to aid in the exploration of decorative options available on aluminum in a cost effective and timely manner.  Samples of aluminum nameplates helped to illustrate the possibilities. 

Standard printing processes on aluminum were used to reproduce the seals in extraordinary detail.  Use of a common shape for the emblems allowed one tool to be used for the entire series.  The emblems are adhesive backed for assembly.

Request samples to begin exploring the options available to you in your emblem design.

Custom Color Matches

Colors for your nameplates, badges or labels are custom matched in opaque or transparent colors to meet your product branding needs.  Color on plastic or metal is applied using using lithography, screen printing or coating.  All color matches start with the development of a color master or color chip. 

Communicating small color differences during the color development process can be a challenge.  Color terminology used may be misinterpreted and result in an entirely unsatisfactory result.  This article covers basic color terminology used in specifying and submitting colors to be matched for your nameplate project.

Confusion in terminology is best avoided by consistent use of the components of color: hue, value, and chroma. When evaluating the difference between two color chips, one must consider differences in these three attributes separately.

Color Terminology

Hue
   Described in terms of yellow, blue, green and red.
   Communicated as too red or too green.
   Avoid comments such as too olive, too purple, and too warm or too cool.

Value  
   Described in terms of too light or too dark.
   Avoid comments such as weak, pale, and milky.

Chroma
   Described in terms of too clean or too gray or intense or dirty.
   Avoid comments such as bright or dull.

Color difference terminology can be expressed consistently by using the eight terms: 
   yellow, blue, green, red, light, dark, clean and gray

In addition to consistent terminology it is critical to use a consistent light source when reviewing color and making color decisions.  Consider where your product will be used.  A color may match under one light source and not under another.

Our customer service representatives can help answer your questions involving custom colors for your nameplate or graphic overlay.  Contact us to begin discussing your needs in product identification and trim.

Individual Letters | Singular ID

Indurama uses the Singular ID process, a unique production of separate letters, to make a high precision aluminum nameplate for their line of ranges.  The nameplate is applied to the glass door front on a line of Indurama ranges.  The clean design focuses attention on the brand allowing it to stand out.

Bright aluminum is used for the nameplate.  A carrier and pressure sensitive adhesive allows for easy positioning of the letters on the ranges.

Request samples of the Indurama nameplate and other Singular ID nameplates to begin exploring the options available to you in creating product branding with individual letters.