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The Nameplate FAQ page covers common questions in the following areas.
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In 2012 our aluminum 3-D stock die collection was introduced. The latest addition is a fabulous rectangle shape, 1" x 3.55". The formed edge allows the badge to stand up from the surface of the product. Pressure senstive adhesive is used for attachment.
Decoration is clean and provides interest using selective metallic ink coupled with a gun metal transparent gray tint. Bright graphics bring attention to the 3D Emblem logo. Options to customize this for your project are wide open.
3-D stock dies are custom designed nameplates available in any color and finish. A stock die enables cost-effective product identification without needing to consider tool build lead time for product launch. The sizes and shapes can be used in any industry including appliance trim, consumer electronics or furniture.
Advantages in choosing a 3-D nameplate include:
Other Options in 3-D Stock Dies:
What sizes of 3-D stock dies would be useful for your projects?
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Sometimes the packaging or housing surface for the end product is not friendly for a dimensional look. Your design calls for graphics which are set down into the label or appliqué. How can this be achieved without causing attachment concerns? Coined graphics on aluminum provide an elegant option.
Coining aluminum is part of the tooling process which involves a custom stamping tool made to match graphic elements of the design. The coined tool causes a slight depression into the surface of the decorated aluminum, without major disruption to the backside (shown in the image to the right with the "HILFIGER" graphic). This allows for a smooth surface and maximum contact area for adhesive bonding to the mating surface. The coined area can be registered to colored graphics for further detail and distinction. This refinement is developed and perfected during the tool build so that when it is time to put decorated stock through the tool, quality parts are produced. Without colored graphics, a subtle two-tone image results within the coined area. Either option enhances the brand with elegance and a precise look.
The images above show examples using coined graphics from the cosmetic and packaging industries. This type of tooling can be used in any market when subtle dimension for graphics is needed.
• Precise registration of graphics is achieved with standard tolerances ± .010”.• Contrasting or complementary colors for detail and brand recognition are retained within the coined areas.• Coordinates well with other tooling operations including emboss and form.• Seamless attachment and bond to mating surface with heat activated or pressure sensitive adhesive.
Now that you are aware of the option to add dimension through coined graphics, is there opportunity to use this for your next design?
When designing your nameplate or label, of course the logo or name is the highlight. Maybe you want to add some interest and perceived value for the brand. Perhaps there is a need to differentiate one series from another within the product line. Have you thought about adding a pattern to your design?
Patterns in nameplates and labels can be found in any market from consumer electronics and recreational equipment to POP/Promotional and Packaging. While patterns in our library are developed on aluminum, many of them can be translated to plastic substrates.
Here are some examples of nameplates, labels and trim which utilize patterns in various ways.
The possibilities are endless when considering pattern in your design. Choose from finishes ranging from technical and brushed to marble and carbon fiber. Build your own or pick one from our diverse selection of surfaces. Mechanical finishes, printing and screening processes are used to build patterns. All are easily integrated into the background of a nameplate to add interest and make your brand name stand out. Once designed, changes in pattern can be used to differentiate between models in a product line. The possibilities are as diverse as the brands that use them.
A library of thousands of patterns and options is at your finger tips. The ability to customize color, scale and substrate is wide open. Can you use any of these in your next design?
Case Study: Cobra Radar Detectors Case Study: Ford Mustang Concept Car 4 Options for Adding Patterns to Your Nameplate 5 Reasons to Add Finish or Pattern to your Nameplate Design
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.
Have you ever tried being creative with a design while saving money? If so, you'll know that it's difficult because every additional process adds to the overall cost of the part.
So what do you do? Many people have found success using our nameplate stock dies, which offer a cost savings while allowing for branding creativity. But there are a few things you should know before you implement a stock die into your design to ensure it is the best choice for your brand.
If you're looking for a way to save money when designing your nameplate or badge, the best method to ensure you end up with the look you desire is by considering the following items:
Some great bonus features of using a stock die include: a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and reduction of project completion time.
Now that you know more about how to save money on your next nameplate design, you can contact one of our customer service representatives to learn about additional options.
Request a Nameplate Materials and Processes Guide to begin exploring the options available to you in creating your product branding. Custom color matches, texture and assembly are only some of the options in creating your nameplate.
Circles, squares and rectangles are the most popular shapes used in nameplate design. The simplicity of the shapes serves as a background to logos with a similar shape or as a unifying space for asymmetrical logos. This post is a follow up to my recent post focused on rectangular nameplates. Here I share with you examples of square nameplates. Squares are probably the most common shape we encounter day to day, one of the first shapes we learn to recognize. Square nameplates can be customized to create endless options in your product branding. Stock dies are an economical option in designing your square nameplate. They are offered in a variety of sizes with square or radiused corners. The versatility and simplicity of square nameplates is what makes them so popular. If you come across any more that you think stand out, tell me about them in the comments below.
Samples of nameplates are a great way to explore and better understand the options available to you in 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.
When creating your nameplate or badge, there are several options to consider, one of them being shape. If you are considering a round design, there are several stock tools and dies available to keep costs down while still creating an eye-catching design.
Samples of nameplates are a great way to explore and better understand the options available to you in designing a nameplate. Request a Nameplate Materials and Processes Guide with numerous samples to assist you in the process.
This recognizable badge is featured on the 100th anniversary book on the iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Since we had already produced the nameplates for the Harley-Davidson motorcycles, it was appropriate that we also produce the badge to be featured on the 100th anniversary book highlighting the success of the extremely popular company. The badge featured is the traditional orange, black and silver which is synonymous with the Harley-Davidson brand image.
There are so many finish options available, but some of the most intriguing involve how an aluminum substrate can so closely resemble its metal counterparts. Above are just a few examples of copper nameplates, all with varying textures and finishes. These looks are achieved using our standard processes, with the desired end result determining which process is used.
This week, we have a featured article written by one of our regional account managers, Paul Wuensch. He chose to focus on the importance of the metal substrate, and keeping its integrity.
While collaborating with designers on their branding solutions I often find myself using this phrase: “If you’re going to use metal, then use the metal”.
One of the benefits of utilizing aluminum nameplates is the variety of finishes that can be achieved on the substrate itself. Utilizing the metal substrate as part of the design enhances the perceived value of the product over other materials.
Through mechanical finishes like selective brushing and embossing, Manitowoc Food Service maximized the value perception of their nameplate (above). A bright aluminum embossed border contrasts, albeit subtly, with the horizontal brushing in the background. Embossed logos and precise color placement add interest and reflect both the corporate brand and a level of quality that is consistent with their product line.
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