Nameplate Blog

Domed Chrome Polyester Emblems

Domed emblems are a durable attention getting option for product branding.  The Ranger Boat emblem layers a flexible urethane dome on chrome polyester for a dimensional label which stands up to harsh weather elements.  The logo and graphics are embossed in the reflective material creating natural highlights.  The highlights are magnified by the three dimensional urethane dome.  Domed labels and emblems are self adhesive applied to products in markets ranging from appliance and automotive to sporting equipment and cosmetic packaging. 

Flexible Domed Labels and Emblems

Combining flexible substrates with a flexible urethane dome process results in a versatile nameplate.   Advantages and options in flexible domed decals, labels and emblems include:

• Low Tooling Costs - Cost effective branding
• Flexible - Application to flat or contoured surfaces
• Interior/Exterior Quality - UV resistant, waterproof, and abrasion resistant
• Three Dimensional- Radiused edge with lens effect
• Self adhesive - NECAL or 3M
• Custom Shape - Circles, ovals, rectangles and more
• Raised Graphics - Embossed logos and patterns
• Custom Colors - Opaque, transparent and metallic 

Flexible Domed Label Substrates

A variety of flexible plastic substrates are available to be integrated into domed emblems.  Some of the material options available to you in 3D labels are: 

• Polycarbonate - clear
• Polyester - chrome, brushed, white, rainbow
• Vinyl - black, white

What ideas do you have for creating an attractive domed emblem?  Get creative.  Any size, shape or color.  Request samples of domed emblems to explore the possibilities available to you. 

TaylorMade Golf Club Shaft Label

The challenge in designing a shaft label is to create an attention getting design in a very small area.  The label itself must be flexible.  A brushed chrome polyester substrate is the perfect match for this challenge.  The flexible label is printed with UV inks giving these custom decals exceptional outdoor durability.   A custom shape emphasizes the TaylorMade brand.   A brushed chrome surface draws attention to the design while embossed details add interest.

Aluminum Emblem

This coordinating emblem carries the design across an aluminum substrate.  A spin in the background of the emblem adds movement to the nameplate.  Fine graphics are printed and embossed to register.  The parts are shipped on a strip to facilitate assembly to the golf clubs.

Flexible labels are available in a wide variety of substrates.  Chrome polyester labels are attractive and coordinate with aluminum emblems.  This is an important consideration when designing a product with multiple nameplates, labels, badges or emblems.  The advantage in working with one supplier for both substrates is that the look can be coordinated during the manufacturing process.

Have you coordinated a product brand across flexible and metal substrates?  What substrates or processes helped to make this effort a success?

Request samples of brushed chrome polyester labels to explore additional options in flexible labels.

Laser Etched Harley-Davidson 35th Anniversary Badge

The 35th Anniversary Super Glide pays homage to the original red, white and blue 1971 FX Super Glide designed by Willie G. Davidson.  Only 3,500 numbered examples were produced each with a laser etched anniversary badge.  Laser etching is used on emblems and badges for personalization or serialization.  Laser etching allows customization on each individual badge. This aluminum badge also features diamond cut graphics and a bright border.

The anniversary bike carries the color scheme through the badging with the red, white and blue 1 badge.  Diamond cut and bright borders accent the bold colors. 

The diamond cut graphics and bright borders are repeated on the aluminum tank badges.  All three of the badges shown here have formed edges giving them dimension.  Foam adhesive is used for assembly to the motorcycle.

The three badges use the same processes to create three very different looks.  However, the common decorative processes tie the branding together for a unified look.

Diamond Cut Aluminum Nameplates

The Zenith nameplates are a classic example of the use of the diamond cut process on a nameplate.  The outer edge of the nameplate is contoured to follow the logo minimizing the black background while allowing the logo to stand out. 

The diamond cut process continues to be popular on nameplates for consumer electronics.  The crisp graphics create a look of precision for product branding.  The bright silver finish coordinates across a wide variety of products. 

What type of product do you think would be a good fit for a diamond cut nameplates?  Why?

Request samples of diamond cut nameplates to see additional examples of the diamond cut process. 

HP Nameplate

One of the key facets of a great brand is that it delivers on consistency.  The manifestation of the brand or the way in which the promise and values are communicated occurs in many ways.  Product branding with nameplates and labels is one of the vehicles for delivering a brand's message.  This can become complicated when the brand covers a wide variety of products designed and manufactured throughout the world.  HP meets the challenge with consistent aluminum badging for its consumer products ranging from printers and laptops to cameras and TVs.

One Nameplate in Multiple Sizes

A consistent image is represented with one logo available in multiple sizes to be used on the line of HP products.  This logo uses the singular ID process to precisely align individual metal elements in the HP graphic.  The aluminum is decorated with an engine stripe to enhance natural highlights and shadows in the metal.  The silver nameplate coordinates with and is easily integrated into products in any color.  A further economy with this approach to branding is the reduction in the total amount of part numbers.  This in turn increases total volume by part number.  Tooling and inventory costs are minimized while allowing price breaks for the higher volumes.

Request samples of this series or other nameplates in multiple sizes to see how a logo can be translated across multiple sizes consistently.

Favorite nameplates and finishes, when you work with labels and badges everyday, you do have ones you like better for one reason or another.  Just as I've asked my fellow co-workers to write a short note on their favorite finish, they are also writing a post on their favorite nameplate.  Each person brings a unique perspective to the discussion.  Following is our first guest blogger article on the subject of favorite nameplates.

Guest Blogger

		Randy Schultz Design Process Engineer Randy works in the Northern Engraving Design Center.  He is responsible for processing of samples and prototypes.
My favorite nameplate that Northern Engraving makes is the Jaguar Growler badge. It is a steering wheel insert used in the Jaguar X-Type, one of the first things that a customer sees when they get into the car.  The reason I like this badge is because of the fine detail in the Jaguar logo.  The contrast of aluminum with a rich piano black background and the 3-D emboss of the face gives it the appearance the jaguar's face is almost jumping out of the badge at you.  Adding spin gives the face movement, as if the eyes of the Jaguar follow you when the badge is moved from side to side.  Using multiple unique processes you can design a one of a kind emblem.  This badge is a great representation of what Northern Engraving can do in a nameplate.  It is also represents what our customer, Jaguar, stands for, class and elegance.

What are your thoughts on this nameplate?  Do you have a favorite nameplate?  If so, which one and why? 

With the year over, I thought it would be interesting to see which articles were of most interest to you.  It's a fascinating exercise to see what resonated most with you as we look back on the first year of our blog.  It looks like the materials and processes articles were important overall.  Many of you were interested in the posts exploring options and alternatives available to you in the design of your nameplate or label.  There was also interest in personalization or customization.

I'll keep all of this in mind as I plan expanded articles in 2010.  If you'd like to watch for these, consider subscribing via email or RSS.

If you missed a couple posts, here are the ones you visited most this year.  Thanks for reading this blog and making it a thought-provoking endeavor. 

1) When You Need a Stainless Steel Nameplate - Durable and Elegant Stainless Steel Nameplates | Stainless steel nameplates are popular in appliance design for both their look and their ability to stand up to corrosive environments.

2) How to Create a Nameplate with Individual Letters - Clean and Versatile Nameplates | Nameplates consisting of individual letters create a clean look on the final product.  In addition, single letters make the badge versatile. 

3) The Nameplate Design Process from Start to Finish - A Quick Checklist when Working on a Nameplate | Article offers insights into the steps involved in designing an aluminum nameplate label or badge. 

4) Embossed Aluminum Nameplate for Product Identification - Options in Embossing Aluminum Nameplates | A two-dimensional emboss, multi-level emboss or sculptural emboss added to a nameplate creates dimension and a premium look for your brand.

5) Four Diamond Cut Nameplate Options - Diamond Cut Aluminum Nameplates | A diamond cut nameplate features crisp distinctive graphics.  The process involves embossing graphics and using a rapidly rotating industrial diamond to cut the surface of the aluminum. 

6) Options for Silver Graphics in your Aluminum Nameplate - Brite, Brushed, Spun, Metallic and More | There are many alternatives to consider when creating a nameplate which includes silver graphics, borders or background. 

7) Metal ID Tags and Asset Labels  - Aluminum and Steel Industrial Identification Plates | Metal substrates are a durable option when your product needs a nameplate or label that withstands harsh environments. 

8) Six Ways to Make a Flat Nameplate Stand Out - Classic or Attention Getting Nameplates | Nameplates without embossing or forming can be just as attractive as dimensional nameplates.  They can be mechanically finished and printed to create classic or attention getting looks.

9) Four Ways to Hide the Raw Edge on an Aluminum Nameplate - Options in Design | A common question that arises during the design phase of a nameplate is: how can I hide the raw edge of aluminum on my nameplate? 

10 Laser Etched Nameplates, Plaques and Badges - Laser Etched Personalization | Laser etching affords customization via serialization, numbering and personalization.  A wide range of fonts are available to be integrated into part design. 

Thanks again for reading and being a part of the discussion.  I'd love to hear what ideas you have for topics in upcoming posts.

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.

Brunswick Pool Table Nameplates

The etch and fill process is used on the Brunswick pool table nameplates to create product branding which reflects the world class service and attention to detail the furniture is known for.  Brunswick offers pool tables ranging from legendary heirloom-quality furniture to traditional yet durable pool tables.  Aluminum nameplates are used as an attractive durable addition to the game room furniture. 

Etching is a process which uses chemicals to cut into the surface of the aluminum.  The etch and fill process begins with a printed resist.  Areas protected by the resist will not be effected by the etching process.  The fill process involves depositing an opaque color into the etched areas of the metal.  This process combines  with the simple classic design of the Brunswick nameplates allowing them to be beautifully integrated into the furniture. 

Process Color on Brass Nameplate

This brass nameplate takes a completely different approach in design.  Process color is used to reproduce the vintage graphics and antique look on brass. 

What processes would you use for a nameplate that represents a rich history a high standards of quality?

Requests nameplate samples to begin exploring the possibilities for your product branding.