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The Nameplate FAQ page covers common questions in the following areas.
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Every Harley-Davidson V-Twin motor since 1970 features an aluminum timer cover manufactured right here in Sparta, Wisconsin. It is a source of pride to our employees when traveling throughout the US or around the world to see motorcycles featuring nameplates made by Northern Engraving.
The trained eye can differentiate the era of the motor by the design of these timer covers. Many use common tooling with unique combinations of brushed, spun and printed designs to differentiate the specific models.
• Common shape and size• Thick 0.060" aluminum • Multi-level embossing• Diamond cut graphics • Model specific decoration
The timer cover was originally created to serve a functional purpose: protecting the moving parts that were part of the ignition system. Today, with the introduction of solid state electronics, the part is purely decorative.
Many of Harley-Davidson’s evolutionary milestones have been featured on timer covers. Some of these include the famous V2 design emphasizing the twin cylinder motor, introduction of the five speed transmission, and the Evolution series motors and Twin Cam’s. All of the mechanical advancements were marked by graphics on the timer cover. Since its introduction on the 1970 Shovelhead, the timer cover has had a constant presence on each and every Harley-Davidson motor produced.
What a ride it has been! The timer covers are excellent examples of how common tooling can be relevant and carry a brand over many style changes, coming to be an expected component with new launches.
Do your product lines have common attributes that can be enhanced with a badge or label?
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Zero Motorcycles chose NECODome emblems as a timely and cost-effective alternative to die cast emblems when designing their next generation of advanced battery-powered bikes. The motorcycles have a modern aesthetic supported by the attractive dimensional emblems.
ZERO emblems utilize the NECODome process to create a dimensional look. This process offers the ability to replicate the brushed and bright look of metals such as aluminum, chrome, and pewter. The individual letters give the appearance of a die cast metal badge with a shortened lead time and lower piece price. High gloss black and pewter looks are featured on the tank badges.
The NECODome process is also used to create labels representing the various models. Uniquely shaped letters offer differentiation while maintaining the the die cast look to coordinate with the tank badges. Custom color development for the "S-Model" ensures consistency with aluminum labels.
Respect and homage to Old Glory are shown with jewel-like dimension achieved through doming. A bright border allows a bit of glitz to be shown without taking over the design.
Could you use either of these processes to add dimension to your next project?
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)
Have you ever wondered how a brand label with individual letters is assembled? If so, we have your answer!
Whether your label application is a flat or formed surface, or an interior or exterior environment, labels with individual letters are a great option. This label is created using our NECODome process, which offers graphics with varying depths and letter size. So, what makes the assembly a breeze? A mask is applied to the surface of the label for placement on the end product, and allows for critical alignment.
Some benefits to creating a label with individual letters include:
Nameplates made up of individual letters mean there is no longer a need to color key the background of your nameplate to the final product. This can reduce the amount of part numbers required to be kept in inventory. This option also eliminates the need for a bridge between letters or islands which can detract from the overall appearance of your brand.
For more information on your nameplate and label options:
How to Create a Nameplate with Individual LettersCost Effective Nameplates with Individual LettersIndividual Letter Nameplates
Request a Nameplate Materials and Processes Guide
The new Victory motorcycle badge incorporates deep drawn bright aluminum to give the part a substantial presence on the bikes while fine details in finishing make the badges more than just another piece of chrome.
The use of selective brushing and a vivid transparent red ink draw your attention to the Victory “V”. Selective brushing is a mechanical process which abrades the surface of the metal, creating an authentic metal surface. Brushed metal combines with standard nameplate processes to increase perceived value.
The "V" is further accented by a selective application of urethane lens to add visual depth. Urethane doming is a clear coating applied over the transparent tint, and achieves a high-end finish that makes the badge stand out. Reflections move on the urethane surface as the viewer's point of view changes.
The Victory motorcycle badge was an exciting design and engineering challenge for both Victory Motorcycles and Northern Engraving. We were able to give them the uniqueness and customization they desired through selective applications.
Learn more about the challenges and innovative solutions involved in the design and manufacturing of this part in our case study.
Request a Nameplate Materials and Processes Guide to begin exploring the options available to you in creating your custom product branding.
Paul Wuensch, a regional account manager for Northern Engraving, has recently been involved with the re-branding of Victory Motorcycles. Following the video is a short article describing the new Victory badge.
Nameplates and badges are essential in the branding of a product. A badge tells a story and enhances the image the manufacturer is trying to convey. There is an evolution taking place at Victory Motorcycles, and they chose Northern Engraving to help them tell their story.
The new badges for Victory Motorcycles represent the product well. The use of metal is at the core of this new badge. Multi-level embossing, rich color and selective finishing add to the artistic character while leaving no doubt that these badges are more than just a label.
Northern Engraving designers and engineers worked closely with the design team at Victory Motorcycles to forge not only a new badge but a strong partnership between the two American manufacturers.
For more information on Victory Motorcycles visit: www.victorymotorcycles.com
Request a Nameplate Materials and Processes Guide to begin exploring the options available to you in creating your product branding.
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.
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 designers at Harley-Davidson know how to take full advantage of the versatility of aluminum decorating options. Each year they design aluminum inserts, tank badges and emblems that combine decorative processes such as brushing, spinning, patterns and diamond cutting to create attention getting representations of the Harley-Davidson brand.
The Screamin' Eagle air cover inserts shown here use standardized tooling. This minimizes the capital investment while providing a unique look for individual models. Changing up the look and finish creates inserts that are different from one another.
Both inserts feature a multi-level emboss with diamond cut graphics. One uses an engine stripe with a transparent grey tint of color to create depth and movement. The second features a knurled finish surrounded by a bright aluminum border. There are an endless number of possibilities for changing the look of an insert. Simply adding or changing a pattern can dramatically change the look. Our pattern library contains numerous options that can be used as is or customized.
This Harley-Davidson tank badge stands out as an example of product identification that pushes the boundaries of nameplate manufacturing. The challenge presented in this project was to duplicate a diecast look. The advantages that an aluminum nameplate brings over a diecast part are reduced weight, higher more consistent quality and reduced cost.
This nameplate features a combination of high gloss transparent grey on the letters with a low gloss matte finish on the background and beveled edges. All graphics are outlined with an embossed border which is also diamond cut creating crisp detail and a highly polished look. The badge uses a deep emboss to give the part dimension comparable to that of a diecast part.
The entire profile of this part has a gentle contour which follows the shape of the tank. Adding diamond cutting across a contoured part is a three step process. The first step is embossing the area which will be diamond cut. Next, the diamond cutting process removes a very thin layer of aluminum from the embossed graphics. Finally, the part is formed.
Here is an example of what the part looks like after it is diamond cut.
Further economy is gained on this badge by using two different form tools to create a left-hand and right-hand part. The two parts share tooling up until this point minimizing capital investment.
A foam adhesive with a tear tab is used for assembly of the badges to the tank.
This set of three aluminum engine cover inserts is designed to add a touch of bling to your Harley. With a nod towards retro automobiles, bright aluminum ribs are prominently featured against a brushed background. The ribs are embossed into a multi-contoured surface and combined with multi-level embossing creating further dimension on the inserts. Diamond cutting adds to the bling accenting the 103 graphics with a crisp highly polished border.
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.
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