Nameplate Blog

Nameplate Decoration Options

Nameplate decoration has endless options.  Depending on the goal of your nameplate, this can be as simple as one color printed on a bright aluminum background.  Or it can be as complex as precise registration of embossed graphics with a textured background on a formed surface. 

Here are 10 examples to help illustrate some of the options.  Enjoy.

 

1)      Screen print provides bold, rich colors.

2)      Lithograph printing blends colors and achieves delicate graphic detail.

  

3)      Chemical etch creates lasting impressions.

4)      Textures with trendy patterns add perceived dimension.

  

5)      Multi-direction brush creates movement.

 

6)      Mechanical spin or stripe creates visual depth.

7)      Engine turn grabs attention.

  

8)      Diamond cut adds brilliance and reflection.

9)      Doming creates dimension and jewel-like appearance.

10)   Gloss level draws attention to your brand.  

 

Now that you've seen some of the options available for nameplate decoration, which will your next project use?

Nameplate for High End Funiture Created Using a Stock Die

Benefits to Using a Stock Die

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:

• Does your design lend itself to a standard geometric shape? Stock dies are available in circles, squares and rectangles.
• Will the nameplate be applied to a flat surface? Standard stock dies are flat and available with pressure sensitive adhesive.
• What are the specifications or test requirements for your application? Our customer service representatives will work with you to explain all the options available to you.

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.

 

Etched aluminum nameplates are a cost effective option in durable product branding. Etched graphics stand up to the test of time, chemical abuse and weather leaving the etching legible. Etching can be used on nameplates to create a premium look as shown here in the aluminum logos. Intricate details are etched into the aluminum contrasting matte silver against bright highlights.  The etched details add a slight tactile feature to the logos.

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

 

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.

Perfume Bottle Appliqué

In addition to being fashionable, fragrance packaging must also catch the eye.  Use of innovative materials such as aluminum is one way for brands to differentiate from competitors.  The Abercrombie and Fitch perfume package incorporates a bright aluminum appliqué into the bottle design to coordinate with the polished chrome bottle cap.  The anodized appliqué features etched graphics which create a tactile silver-on-silver look.  The sophisticated, simple style of this design appeals to modern, young women.

 

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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. 

Embossing Metal Nameplates

Virtually all products feature a company name or trademark as a symbol of the quality you expect to experience when purchasing the product.  Using a nameplate to prominently position your brand in front of your customer allows you to precisely control that message.  Embossing is a classic option for adding perceived value to your nameplate, badge or emblem.  Embossing adds dimension to the nameplate.  This article is the first in a series of four articles which focuses on options in three-dimensional embossing on nameplates.  The examples used in this series are pulled from our collection of aluminum holiday cards.

 

This aluminum holiday card uses a three-dimensional emboss to create a faceted effect on the snowflake.  The embossed snowflake combines bright aluminum with a multi-directional brush and diamond cut accents to create sparkle and draw your eye to it as the focal point of the card.  The background combines mechanical finishes with etched detail to complete the elegant silver-on-silver look.  The same processes are available to you as you work on your next nameplate or emblem.  How would you use a three-dimensional emboss on a logo to add interest to a nameplate?

Request a Nameplate Materials and Processes Guide to begin exploring the options available to you in creating your product branding.

 

Deep Etch Metal Sill Plate

The Oldsmobile Final 500 sillplate features a deep etch process combined with brushed and bright aluminum.  Deep etch is a chemical process which creates recessed graphics with a depth of .005" compared to a standard etch depth of .0015" to .003".  This option worked well for this program which had a limited volume.  It added dimension eliminating the need for an emboss or deboss tool. 

Related Articles

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Request a Nameplate Materials and Processes Guide to begin exploring the options available to you in creating your product branding.  

Click Drums | Etched Metal Nameplate

Etched aluminum nameplates are a cost effective option in durable product branding.  Etched graphics can be filled with long-lasting color enamels or left unfilled.  A standard etch is relatively shallow when compared to embossed graphics.  Deep etch offers additional depth.  Both options add dimension using a chemical process to etch away the surface of the metal. 

Etching Metal Nameplates

Standard Etch

• .018" minimum material thickness
• Requires .005" stroke and spacing for graphics
• Etch depth:  .0015" to .003"

Deep Etch

• Requires .007" stroke and spacing for graphics
• Etch depth: .005"

Etching Options

Mounting: holes or adhesive
Material: aluminum, brass and stainless steel

Etched metal nameplates can be found on many industrial, commercial and consumer products including: motors, industrial machinery, food service equipment, trucks and trailers, military vehicles, farm equipment, large appliances and power tools.

Request a Nameplate Materials and Processes Guide to begin exploring the options available to you.  Custom color matches, texture and assembly are only some of the options in creating your unique design. 

Faux Guilloche Insert

A vintage guilloche enamel compact was the inspiration for this detailed design.  Guilloche is a decorative technique which involves engraving very precise intricate lines into the surface of metal.

We translated the character and movement of this surface onto aluminum with etching.  The starburst and spun effect are created by etching very fine lines into the surface of aluminum.  The decorative embelishment is domed to add to the jewel-like effect of the part.  The dome acts as a lens magnifying the movement in the insert.

Related Articles

Pure Turquoise Custom Nameplate
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Aluminum Fragrance Cap Insert

Request a Nameplate Materials and Processes Guide to begin exploring the options available to you in creating your product branding. 

Aluminum Nameplates, Labels and Badges

This video features a series of etched hearts on aluminum.  The designs were originally used on an aluminum match box cover.  Multiple brush directions are combined with bright aluminum to add movement throughout.  The surface dances with highlights and shadows.  The beautiful design is one of my favorite match box covers.  It truly embraces the beauty of aluminum.  The processes used to bring this surface to life are the same processes available to you in designing your product identification.  We love working with aluminum and you just might too! 

Intensive Use Chairs by Concept Seating represent a committment to providing sophisticated seating with unparalleled durability.  The aluminum nameplate used in their product identification reflects this committment.

The etch and fill process is often used in utilitarian applications such as product ID tags where labels are exposed to harsh environments.  This utilitarian process is used here to create sophisticated product identification for furniture.  Black graphics stand out in high contrast against a brushed aluminum background.  The nameplate is manufactured with an adhesive back.  Just peel off the top layer and stick to your product. 

What other non-utilitarian applications come to mind for the etch and fill process?  What other processes would you use to create an attractive nameplate for furniture?

Request samples of nameplates to begin exploring the options available to you in product identification.