Nameplate Blog

Stamping is a broad manufacturing term used to cover blanking, embossing, forming and punching of sheet metal for nameplates and labels.  Graphic options range from a simple emboss or deboss to a multi-level emboss.  Our engineers can work with you to answer questions specific to your design.  Some of the most frequently asked questions regarding tooling for metal nameplates are listed below. 

Q) What options do I have for embossing my logo in aluminum?

A) We offer etch emboss and cut emboss tools.  Etch emboss tools are a more cost effective option with an emboss height of .006".  The depth of emboss for a cut emboss tool is dependent on the thickness of the substrate and ranges from .012"-.032". 

Q) What is a rolled edge?

A)  Rolling the outside edge of a nameplate turns the edge down so the silver edge is minimized.

Q) How can I hide the raw edge of aluminum on my nameplate?

A) There are several options available for hiding the exposed silver edge of a nameplate.  We will work with you defining a solution that meets your needs in the most cost effective manner available.

Q) Do you offer nameplate prototype tooling?

A) Yes.  Depending on the complexity of your part and your needs (visual review or fit and function) we have several options ranging from hand filing to prototype tooling to pre-production tooling. 

Q) What is your standard nameplate tool timing on metal?

A) Standard tooling lead time is four to five weeks for blanking dies and five to six weeks for emboss tools.  This may vary slightly depending on complexity of part, availability of materials and work load.  We understand there are cases where we need to rush an order - we will do our utmost to meet those requests.

Q) Do you offer stock dies for metal substrates?

A) Yes.  Stock dies are a cost effective option for your nameplate.  We can recommend options available to you. 

Simulated Antique Lacquer on Aluminum

This aluminum nameplate is printed to simulate an antique lacquer finish on brass.  Artwork was custom created to duplicate the slight darkening around the edge of a lacquered nameplate.  A transparent tint of gold printed on brushed aluminum gives the appearance of a brass substrate.  Embossing is used to give depth to the nameplate.  The recessed logo is accented with printed color.

Aluminum is a versatile substrate which can be decorated to simulate brass, stainless steel, copper and other metals.  It is a cost effective option which is light weight and corrosion resistant.

What applications come to mind for an antique brass nameplate?  I can see the warm metal finish used on furniture or cabinet labels.  How would you use this idea to create a unique nameplate for your brand? 

Request samples of aluminum and brass nameplates to begin exploring the possibilities available to you.

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.

Adhesive Backed Nameplates 

Choosing the appropriate adhesive for your nameplate, label or badge includes careful consideration of application and environmental factors.  Adhesive recommendations are made based on the type of substrate the nameplate is applied to and the specs the bond needs to meet.  Here is a brief check list that will assist you in choosing the correct adhesive.

Substrate

What type of substrate is your nameplate attached to?
Is the mating surface smooth or textured?
What shape is the substrate surface (curved or flat)?

Environment

What environment will the nameplate be exposed to?

   •chemicals
   •humidity
   •interior or exterior
   •temperature (high or low)
   •UV light
   •vibration

Other Considerations in Choosing an Adhesive

How will you be applying the nameplate?
What are your storage requirements?
What specs does the bond need to meet?
Is ability to reposition after initial application desired?

Knowing the answers to these questions will assist us in helping you pick the adhesive to fit your needs.  We can help with recommendations providing technical data sheets and testing as needed. 

We offer 3M^TM and NECAL adhesives.  We can provide you with suggested alternatives and technical data sheets to support our recommendations.

What questions do you have regarding adhesives?  Are there environmental factors to consider in selecting an adhesive for your application?

Contact us to explore options available to you in adhesives for metal or plastic nameplates, label and badges.

Jasper Cabinets | Brass Plates

Brass plates and decorative emblems are often used by furniture and cabinet manufacturers to identify their product.  The Jasper Cabinet nameplate uses an etch and fill process on brass.  The graphics are chemically etched into the surface of the metal creating a fine relief which is filled with opaque color.  The result is a durable elegant plate.

Request samples of nameplates to begin exploring options for furniture and cabinet plates and emblems.

Designer's Reference Guide | Nameplates & Trim

Understanding the options available to you in designing your nameplate, label or badge can be overwhelming.  The Northern Engraving Designer's Reference Guide is an educational set of four pages which briefly explain the various nameplate processes.  Nameplates on metal and plastic substrates are attached further illustrating the processes and options available to you.  The metal and plastic substrates include:

   •metal:  aluminum, brass, stainless steel and cold rolled steel
   •plastic:  polyester, polycarbonate and vinyl

The first page covers basic options and processes in decorating metal.  These include:

   •color: metallic, opaque, transparent and process
   •gloss: low, medium, high and selective
   •enhanced: doming, pattern and texture

The second page covers basic options and processes for plastic nameplates and labels.  These include:

   •color: metallic, opaque, transparent, process, back lit and deadfront
   •enhanced: doming, brushed, serialization, hardcoat, pattern and texture

Page three features additional decorative metal processes and options.  These include:

   •mechanical:  diamond cut, engine stripe, engine turn, brush, spin, laser etch
   •chemical:  anodize, chemical etch, and etch and fill

The final page focuses on nameplate tooling options on metal and plastic substrates.  These include:

   •aluminum: coin, deboss, emboss, form, Singular ID and Nova Trim
   •plastic:  emboss, form and NecoDome

We offer the guides to assist you in your next product branding project.  Request the Designer's Reference Guide to begin exploring the options available to you in nameplates and labels.  Additional resources available include a nameplate resources section on our web site and a nameplate FAQ.

Etch and Fill Process

Etching is a chemical process using chemicals to cut into the surface of metal creating graphics or a design.  The etch and fill process starts with a screen printed chemical resist on the front of the metal.  Everything covered by the resist will be protected from the chemicals during the etching process.  The fill process involves depositing an opaque color into the etched areas of the metal.  The etch and fill process is available on aluminum, brass and stainless steel.

Rating and serial tags use the etch and fill process because of its timeless nature.  Etched graphics stand up to the test of time, chemical abuse and weather leaving the etched copy legible.  The etch and fill process is also a durable option for nameplates.

Etched and Filled Aluminum Nameplates

The Concept Seating nameplate features etched text and background on brushed aluminum.  The etched areas are filled black. 

Etched and Filled Stainless Steel Nameplates

Skilcraft Security Equipment uses the etch and fill process in the background of the nameplate.  The graphics are brushed stainless steel.

Etched and Filled Brass Nameplates

The Jasper Cabinet graphics are etched and filled black on brass.

What applications do you see as a good fit for etch and fill nameplates or tags? 

Aluminum and Steel Industrial Identification Plates

Metal substrates are a durable option when your product needs a nameplate or label that withstands harsh environments.  Processes are chosen based on your end application and the specifications that your product requires.  Manufacturing processes available on metal for your ID tag or label include:

• Chemical etch: fixed text, custom logos, graphics 
• Emboss: fixed text, custom logos, graphics 
• Etch & fill: adds durable color to an etched area
• Laser etch: sequential numbers or barcodes
• Screen print: custom matched colors
• Stamp: stock dies or custom shapes

ID tags and labels are available with adhesive backing, holes or slots for easy attachment to your product.  These heavy duty tags are typically manufactured out of aluminum or steel.

Do you have a severe environment for your product and need an ID plate?  We provide complimentary consulting and help to find solutions for your tagging and labeling challenges.

Steel, Aluminum and Brass - CD Packaging

Custom matching a patina finish for CD packaging in the Mile Davis metal spine series meant working closely with the packaging designer to exactly duplicate the worn and imperfect surface on the trumpet used by Miles Davis. 

Once the trumpet arrived in our studio, our designers worked with litho press operators creating the patina look on metal.  Steel was used on the original version of the metal spine to add weight to the final package.  A later version matched the patina surface on aluminum.  The graphics for both versions were coined into the metal for an authentic stamped metal effect. 

Additional metal spines in the series were created using the same tooling.  An anodized blue metal look was achieved by coating a transparent tint of color on brushed steel.  A low gloss topcoat protects the surface and adds to the anodized effect.  The graphics feature a tone on tone effect created by litho printing a slightly darker blue tint and coining.  A third metal spine was manufactured using brass.  Simulated brass could be achieved on aluminum.  However, this would leave a visible silver edge on the spine on the completed CD packaging.  The final flashy brass cd spine is akin to a shiny trumpet with detailed graphics coined into the surface of the metal. 

Metal labels, plaques or spines are used effectively in packaging to draw attention to the product.  They can be used to create a looks that are flashy, elegant or handcrafted. 

How would you push the boundaries of metal substrates incorporating them into your package design?

Patinaed Metal

Aluminum is a versatile substrate which can be decorated in an endless range of patinaed surfaces that can be integrated into nameplates creating antiqued effects.  Our library of finishes includes a wide range of aged and distressed surfaces on metal.  All of these can be integrated and customized for your nameplate or trim project. 

Our designers have experience creating custom finishes specifically for a nameplate or badge.  The antiqued finish on the Harley Davidson badge was hand rendered and further manipulated electronically to creating the exact look Harley Davidson designers were after for their badge.  Key to the success of this project was aligning printing and forming of the aluminum.

A patinaed finish for CD packaging on the Miles Davis metal spine series was also custom created.  This aged metal look was created on both steel and aluminum versions of the spine.

Antiqued brass finishes were custom matched and litho printed on brass nameplates for Matthews.  Graphics are embossed and the patinaed metal effect is combined with doming to create a dimensional nameplate.

Antiqued brass finishes were also created on these aluminum match box covers.  A simulated brass finish was created using a transparent brass tint of color and brushing the aluminum.  The metal match box covers look as if they have been worn over time with patinaed finishes created through a combination of hand rendering and electronic manipulation.

What other nameplate or trim applications do you see for antiqued or patinaed surfaces?