Have a question about a nameplate or badge?
The Nameplate FAQ page covers common questions in the following areas.
Current Articles | RSS Feed
Alignment of product branding is a critical consideration in your design. Round dials pose the challenge of not having a flat edge and can easily become off-center. The 2013 Avalanche Black Diamond Badge illustrates one option among the many available for locating your badge on the product.
The attractive metal badge relies on sharp graphics aligned with a crisp emboss. The surface of the emblem has a slight dome and formed edge to add depth to the overall appearance. Further dimension is achieved with selective brush for a bevel-look depicting mountain peaks.
The molded backplate has keying features to help align the badge with its adhesive through the use of an assembly fixture. The aluminum in-mold process also provides increased dent resistance for the exterior application.
A challenge in the design of this part was assuring the alignment of the nameplate to the vehicle. This was done with an adhesive tab extending beyond the part which features the same holes as a foam carrier which lines up in the assembly fixture. The foam carrier surrounds the nameplate and registers the exact placement on the vehicle. The badge is held in place with the foam carrier via a plastic mask. The keying features of the backplate are used again to ensure the precise alignment onto the exterior of the vehicle. The plastic mask and foam carrier are easily removed and discarded during installation, requiring little fuss.
Does your next project need help with alignment? Let's talk!
0 Comments Click here to read/write comments
The over-mold process unifies aluminum and plastic in a seamless manner, providing a unique way to identify your brand.
First, the aluminum portion is created to the desired specifications. Any of the decorative processes including mechanical finishes, printing and etching can be used on the aluminum trim. Next, the aluminum part is placed into a mold in which the plastic will take its form.
From the back of the nameplate, plastic resin material is injected into the mold. The resin is pushed through the aluminum, taking on the detail of the mold over the top of the aluminum. Hence the "over-mold" or "through-mold" name for the process. This is an enhancement to the Aluminum In-mold process which provides durability and robust bond between the materials.
Hard or soft plastic can be used, depending on your desired end product. In addition, the plastic can have a smooth or textured surface, offering an extension to the overall design.
Through Mold Graphics on Hummer Sill PlateAluminum In-mold Key FobCallaway X-20 Golf Club
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.
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.
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.
The Hummer sill plate needed to stand out as rugged and tough. Aluminum in-mold was used to create a sillplate both durable and attractive. A low gloss aluminum background featuring the Hummer logo created during the molding process results in a plastic logo being an integral part of the aluminum sill plate. The graphic features beveled edges and a textured surface.
Through molding graphics on aluminum nameplates or sill plates is a unique way to identify your brand. Aluminum in-mold allows designers to explore the popular trend in mixing materials. Entire logos or accent features can be created during the molding process. Graphics, smooth or textured, are molded with hard or rubber soft plastics to meet your specific needs. The aluminum in-mold process can also be used to create backlit graphics.
What type of product can you see adding a nameplate featuring through mold graphics to? Why is that product a good fit for this process? Would you be after a rugged or premium look? Or would you use this process to add dimension to a piece that is touched frequently?
All Posts