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Trim decoration and brand identity are sometimes thought to be separate design considerations. It is possible to integrate these items so that the nameplate and trim become one piece. How is this done? Selectively applied doming is one option.
Norlens, a doming process, is a urethane-based material which provides durability and added dimension to the decoration. It pairs nicely with a brushed aluminum background. When applied over a transparent tint, doming helps the logo take on a jewel-like appearance which then increases perceived value.
This aluminum panel made for Crown International is a great example. The end result is an overlay which provides the functional label information as well as consistent corporate branding.
• Brushed aluminum finish for the background provides the main surface of the trim piece.• Transparent blue ink along with black embossed letters shows the corporate logo. • Selective doming creates another dimensional level and draws attention from the consumer to enhance brand awareness. • One part number for inventory and assembly instructions with no worries for alignment.
Can your trim benefit by incorporating your logo into the design? Need help to identify the options? Request samples and explore the possibilities.
There are many options to explore when designing an aluminum nameplate. Samples are a great way to explore and better understand the options available. Northern engraving offers a Nameplate Materials and Processes Guide with numerous samples on metal and plastic substrates to assist you in the process.
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Any product launch involves a timeline. You need product to be ready and available for trade shows, photo shoots for marketing promotions and ultimately to fill your vendor orders. Custom tooling can add significant time to the launch process. What if you don't have the time to wait for a tool build? Here are some examples of how Zero Motorcycles maximized the use of decorating processes and simple or existing tools for their recent model year launch.
The aluminum motor cover badge features an engine stripe mechanical finish with a matte black background. This contrast of aluminum on black gives a dimensional look while the engine stripe creates movement and visual appeal as it reflects light. A circular stock die is used for this part, taking advantage of existing tooling. This provided time saving to help keep the launch on track.
Aluminum battery labels also include the engine stripe process along with a pinstripe texture and a custom tint to create a distinct look. The engine stripe provides highlight for the ZF logo in lieu of a custom emboss tool. A pinstripe texture gives the label a dimensional appearance, separating the nameplate from the simple black battery. The nameplate was designed to withstand the environmental requirements of being located on a battery.
Textured polycarbonate is decorated with backlit graphics and the ZERO logo. The plug-in graphic lights up when the bike is attached to a power source, turning off when the battery is fully charged. A clean white color is used on the backlit graphic helping to make it stand out against the background.
Samples are a great way to explore and better understand options available in nameplates and labels. Northern engraving offers a Nameplate Materials and Processes Guide with numerous samples on metal and plastic substrates to assist you in the process.
RIH Cové BV is a long-standing European bicycle company, based in the Netherlands. These bicycles are used mainly for racing and are exposed to environmental extremes, including vibration due to gravel roads, various forms of weather, travel and storage. Any time one of these vehicles hits the road, the chance of damage to the nameplate exists. Dirt getting under the edge of the label, adhesive wearing away, a stone chipping away at the decoration - all of these were areas of concern.
Precise tooling to fit the form of the front tube of the bicycle was needed to keep clean lines between the bike shaft and label. A strong pressure sensitive adhesive suitable to withstand the harsh environment was identified through testing by our Adhesive Technicians. Colors were developed and decoration finalized in prototype processes before settling on the production look. Selective frosted finish coupled with opaque colors provides attractive decoration. The durable, high gloss top coat removes concern for exposure to the elements. Ending result is a stylish, classy nameplate to enhance the brand.
What concerns do you have for your nameplate decoration?
Request a Nameplate Materials and Processes Guide to begin exploring the options available to you in creating your product branding.
By utilizing our expertise in decorating aluminum to dress and replace their existing plastic label for a medical sonogram machine, our customer now has a nameplate unlike any other.
To begin the nameplate creation process, finish requirements needed to include:
The true challenge of this part lied in providing a solution to support different sized piercings for the speaker requirements, providing visual appeal without interfering sound quality. The result:
The next step in the process involved choosing a finish. After referencing our extensive library of finishes, we quickly zeroed in on a textured finish for the background to compliment the embossed logo. This black texture creates tactile and visual interest while allowing for the embossed area to be a focal point.
The final result left the customer extremely happy with the results and we are now working with them to enhance the quality level of the matching polycarbonate overlay for the same product.
Request a Nameplate Materials and Processes Guide to begin exploring the options available to you in creating product branding that differentiates your product. Custom color matches, texture and assembly are only some of the options.
After reviewing numerous nameplate samples and styles, Labconco decided a highly formed nameplate was best suited for their application. The edges on their nameplate are formed down approximately .085”. A plastic molded filler piece provides support and is adhered within the formed down edges on the back of the nameplate. LABCONCO and the border are embossed in bright aluminum for high visual impact.
Beyond forming, the critical issue lied in achieving the right shade of blue Labconco desired for the background. Labconco worked closely with our color technicians to fine tune the blue until the perfect shade and effect was achieved. Options considered ranged from tranparent tints and metallics to opaque color in various gloss levels.
Labconco and Northern Engraving worked closely together on this nameplate from conception to delivery of production parts, comments Jerry Chenoweth, Northern Engraving Regional Sales Manager. The successful outcome is what happens when two organizations work together in a professional and intelligent manner.
Harley-Davidson recently celebrated a major milestone at their York, Pennsylvania assembly plant when they produced the 4 millionth motorcycle. The first bike rolled off the line there in 1973. Roughly 20 years later the millionth bike was produced. On October 16th, 2012, motorcycle number 4 million was assembled on the second shift.
From Left: Ed Magee (GM-York Operations), Robert Shingler (bike owner), Jim Waltermyer (Union President), Susan Shingler (bike owner), Paul Wuensch (Northern Engraving)A lucky couple from Summerville, South Carolina who bought the bike at a Florida dealership was shocked to find out their purchase was an instant collector’s item. Harley-Davidson flew the couple to the York facility and gave them the royal treatment with insider tours, a video of the bikes production from start to finish and many gifts and collectables.
Having been a supplier of decorative trim and badging to Harley-Davidson for close to 50 years Northern Engraving products have been included on each of the 4 million motorcycles produced in York. As part of the festivities Northern Engraving partnered with the Motor Company to help celebrate the milestone by producing a true one-of-a-kind medallion to commemorate the remarkable event. In addition to badging the bike, Northern Engraving presented a plaque to the New Factory York management team and union leadership to remind all those who visit the facility of this special occasion and the long history between the two companies.
From Left: Ed Magee (GM - York Operations), Jim Waltermyer (Union President), Paul Wuensch (Northern Engraving)
This article is part of a series of articles from my co-workers on their favorite nameplates. Jim Frie, our guest blogger this week, has chosen a nameplate that appealed to him based on the nostalgic qualities he resonated with.
Jim Frie Regional Sales ManagerJim has recently joined the sales team at Northern Engraving Corporation.
As a professional sales representative, I am well aware of the various “buttons” successful sales people will push to close a sale. I’m new to Northern Engraving and very new to the products and the processes used to produce the dizzying array of nameplates, badges and labels. I believe that nameplates can appeal to not only the eye, but to the sense of touch and more. Some will evoke excitement, while others will conjure nostalgia.
When asked to comment on my favorite nameplate, I was drawn to the Yamaha emblem we make with polished aluminum, embossed with the crossed tuning forks. I’m impressed with the detail our company is able to achieve, the separation of the tuning fork handles away from the border and the crisp, clean definition of the black background from the border. Being able to look and touch this badge took me back to my very first motorcycle, which (and I didn’t know it then) was my first really big sale. Being able to convince my parents I wasn’t going to get killed on this thing was probably one of the most dazzling displays of various sales techniques known at the time. But, success was mine and so was this beautiful black and chrome little motorcycle with the Yamaha badges displayed on both sides of the gas tank. I must have applied enough turtlewax on those tank badges to turn them into Norlens type of pieces.
This one badge, through the senses of sight and touch, triggered fond memories and loyalty to the brand. Pretty powerful stuff.
With the year over, I thought it would be interesting to see which articles were of most interest to you in 2012. It's a fascinating exercise to see what resonated most with you as we look back on the year through our blog.
1. Victory Motorcycle BadgeMore than just another piece of chrome.Read More
2. Introducing 3-D Nameplate Stock DiesNorthern Engraving now offers 3-D stock dies to support your needs for cost-effective product identification with minimized lead time.Read More
3. Bright Chrome Applique for Fragrance PackagingThe use of innovative materials such as aluminum is one way for brands to differentiate from competitors.Read More
Request a Nameplate Materials and Processes Guide to begin exploring the options available to you in creating product branding that differentiates your product. Custom color matches, texture and assembly are only some of the options in creating your nameplate.
When you demand a nameplate that will withstand exposure to a variety of exterior weather elements for your electronic product, aluminum is a great option. Consider the environment that your end product will be displayed or used in and be sure to call out the specifications required. Durable top coats and inks provide long-lasting and sharp decoration to ensure that the label is not harmed during a rain storm, in extreme summer heat or winter cold environments.
This label design for a security camera called for this type of protection. The black background contrasts with the aluminum logo, allowing the brand to be highlighted. The result is a durable and attractive label which will stand the test of time.
Now you don't have to worry for your next project for a nameplate that may be used outdoors.
Samples of nameplates are a great way to explore and better understand options available for designing a nameplate. Northern Engraving offers a Nameplate Materials and Processes Guide with numerous samples on metal and plastic substrates to assist you in the process.
Commercial appliances are tools of the trade in the restaurant business. The longevity of the product is very important, and so is the branding. Much like the logo on a vehicle, the nameplate on commercial appliances need to weather a variety of elements.
Some of the ingredients for Blendtec’s recognizable and unique aluminum nameplate include a variety of processes and color applications.
The processes include:
The nameplate needed to reflect the advanced and modern qualities of the blender. Combining several color processes created a dual tone on the nameplate and allowed the text to stand out.
The color processes include:
The combination of mechanical processes and custom color matching creates a unique and recognizable nameplate perfect for impressive kitchen use.
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