Nameplate Blog

Tank Badge

Officially this isn't any one person's favorite nameplate.  None of my co-workers have chosen to write about it (yet).  However, it catches the attention of most visitors and anyone looking at one of our nameplate display boards.  So, I thought it should be included in our listing of favorite nameplates.  Of course the Harley-Davidson logo catches your attention.  There is more to it though.  The translation of this American icon's logo on to aluminum is a classic nameplate design.  It stands the test of time.  It still turns heads. 

Why is this?  I'm sure one reason is the size.  It is larger than most nameplates but definitely not our largest.  The bold colors are another attention getter.  The simple design features a deep multi-level emboss adding to the visual weight of the badge.  The orange graphics are printed to register to the emboss.  The outside border is embossed bright aluminum while the inside border and Harley-Davidson are diamond cut.

What other nameplates come to mind when thinking of classic nameplate design?  What makes them a classic?  If not a classic, how about a favorite nameplate?  Why is it your favorite?  Share your thoughts in the comments below.

3D Urethane Doming

Urethane doming is a clear coating applied over your printing to achieve a high-end label that will make your product stand out from the rest.  Chrome polyester domed emblems are further enhanced with embossed patterns or textures.  Typically the embossing process is used for logos and graphics.  Using embossing to create visual texture adds a unique look to domed polyester labels.  The Spartan Trailers label uses a pattern embossed in chrome polyester to add sparkle.  Embossing a different pattern or texture will change the look dramatically.  Transparent tints of color can be added to the reflective chrome substrate further altering the look and creating vivid backgrounds or graphics.

Urethane Label Characteristics

• Durable: withstands continuous sunlight or outdoor exposure
• Flexible: application to flat or contoured surfaces 
• Cleanability: cleans easily without marring
• Abrasion Resistance: resists abrasion and is self-healing

What type of patterns or textures would you use to add detail to a flexible label?  What other examples can you think of that use an embossed pattern in chrome polyester?  Request domed label samples to begin exploring the options available to you in brand identification.

Nameplates | Product Identification

It should come as no surprise to you that I spend a fair amount of my waking hours working with and thinking about nameplates.  Whether fine tuning a color, recommending a process, working on a display or considering a topic for the next Nameplate Blog post, it's all about nameplates.  You might call them emblems, labels or badges.  It's product identification, the representation of your brand. 

I've recently asked my co-workers to share their thoughts on their favorite nameplate.  Their first response is often that it is hard to pick one.  I agree.  It is hard to pick one nameplate as my favorite.  I appreciate the subtle or unique application of a process.  A number of people have asked for my suggestions on making a great nameplate.  Well, here they are! 

I was hesitant to do this as there are so many great nameplates to choose from.  It's overwhelming and would be hard to be comprehensive.  Instead, I wanted to find 20 nameplates that stand out in their design and will increase your understanding of options available to you in nameplate design.

So this list is far from being comprehensive.  It is a few of my favorites.  I hope you find inspiration from them and share some of your favorites in the comments below!

		AMX Home Automation System Nameplate- The engine striped AMX logo is the feature that grabs my attention on this nameplate.  The low gloss authentic metal finish lends a premium look to this series of nameplates used on controllers, control pads and remotes.
		Volant Nameplate-  I love the spin in the background of this oval nameplate.  It is natural to think of using spin on a circular badge or emblem.  Combining spin with other shapes can create interesting effects as shown here.  This spin is printed with a transparent deep blue tint of color.  The result is subtle movement with natural metal highlights.
		Madone Road Bike Emblem- Engine turn is used on the embossed Madone logo to create one of my favorite nameplates.  I think the nameplate has a classic look with a little bit of edge.  The engine turn is disguised.  It creates movement but it is not obvious what is going on.
		WMS Gaming Nameplate- This is one of the newer nameplates in the list.  I like its use of a multi-level emboss in combination with a phalynx diamond cut.  The diamond cut area contrasts against the bright aluminum and the faceted graphics.  All of this is combined into the small nameplate for a jewel effect.
		Infinity Vision System Nameplate- It's the diamond cut accent on this logo that I like.  The crisp clean diamond cut graphic brings a look of precision to the nameplate.  The challenge behind this look is diamond cutting only the circular area and dot on the i without cutting the Infinity graphic.  This is achieved with a multi-level emboss.
		Trimira Cancer Screening Device Nameplate- This small aluminum nameplate is big on impact.  I picked this one because of its use of a pattern throughout the background.  This attention to detail is nice.  Often a background is a solid color.  The pattern adds interest with a printed texture on the transparent blue background.
		Cielo Bath Domed Emblem- I like the metallic silver in the background of this emblem when it is combined with the doming process.  The narrow accent border printed in transparent gold tint completes the elegant look.  It gives the aluminum nameplate a mixed metal look.  I like it.
		Sub-Zero Refrigerator Nameplate-  This has long been one of my favorite nameplates.  I love how the anodized background looks when combined with doming.  This nameplate is simple yet elegant.  Definitely one of my favorites.
		Iron Horse Motorcycle Emblem- I like the combination of the rugged pattern in the background of the emblem combined with the crisp diamond cut logo.  The striking contrast of bright silver graphics and the printed texture are bold.
		Sephora Compact Appliqué- You know an appliqué is unique when it catches the attention of those that work with their design and manufacturing everyday.  This aluminum appliqué caught our attention with its embossed metal scrollwork pattern against the brilliantly colored background.
		Dell Adamo Plaque- The use of spin on the Dell graphics draws my eye and my attention to the logo on this metal plaque.  The design speaks of style, craftsmanship and performance.  It doesn't shout but nevertheless commands your attention.
		Princess Elizabeth Compact Appliqué- This is a stand out attention getter on our sample boards because of the depth of color in the rich transparent blue tint.  The lens effect created by the urethane dome magnifies the highlights and shadows in the naturally reflective metal.
		Mustang Engine Cover Emblem- This is a beautiful example of a multi-dimensional emboss on aluminum.  Subtle details in the emboss are highlighted by the bright metal.  The reflective surface is complimented by the high gloss metallic silver background.
		Sunkist Label- Forming makes this a unique domed label on metal.  The curved metal surface reflects light from all angles.  The transparent tint of color combines with the urethane dome creating a liquid blue effect.  The part almost appears to be backlit.
		Harley-Davidson Screamin' Eagle Trim- The hammered metal surface on this aluminum trim is a timeless metal finish.  It is one of those surfaces that is often requested because of its familiar handcrafted and rugged appearance.
		Trans Am GTA Emblem-  This is probably the oldest nameplate on the list, showing how good design stands the test of time.  The detail on this part that I love is the coined texture in the firebird.  The granular texture is overprinted with a metallic gold.  It caught my attention years ago and still does.
		Giorgio Cologne Insert- Intricate embossed detail is the hallmark of this aluminum insert.  The multi-level 3D emboss pushes the limits of detail and dimension in embossing metal.  The overall transparent gold tint allows the embossing to be the focal point.
		Gladiator Garage Storage and Organization Nameplate- The overall rugged durable look of this nameplate is what draws me to it.  I like to consider how the same processes used on a nameplate that is elegant or jewel-like are combined to make a tough nameplate.
		Photo Album Tip-on-  This one maybe isn't a traditional nameplate.  It is a metal insert using brushing and lithography to create a holographic effect on the camera.  A printed texture adds to the illusion.  This is an example a a flat piece that looks great.
		Kohler Faucet Nameplate- I like the combination of surfaces integrated into this aluminum nameplate design.  The technical finish in the background compliments the low gloss brushed and high gloss bright metal.

Roll Coating

Roll coating is the workhorse of aluminum decoration for automotive trim, appliance panels and nameplates.  The process is used early in the decoration process to apply a primer before any litho printing or screen printing is applied.  Overall color can also be applied with the roll coat process.  Often the final step in the decorative process on metal is to apply a protective topcoat using the roll coating process.

Definition:  Roll coating is the process of applying a coating to a flat substrate by passing it between rollers. Coating is applied by one auxiliary roller onto an application roll, which rolls across the conveyed flat substrate.

Roll coating is divided into two types: direct and reverse roll coating. In direct roll coating, the applicator roll rotates in the same direction as the substrate moves. In reverse roll coating, the applicator roll rotates in the opposite direction of the substrate.

Alternative names for Roll Coating are: Topcoat, Coating, Primer, Top Coating, and Coil Coating.

Roll Coating Advantages

•consistency in film thickness across the substrate, yielding high quality finish
•speed
•ability to run higher viscosity materials
•100% transfer efficiency  

Roll Coating Options

•color
     opaque or transparent
•gloss
     high, medium or low
•substrates
   metal
     aluminum, steel, brass
   plastic 
     abs, polycarbonate
•processes which can be combined with roll coat
     screening (including textures or puff inks)
     offset lithography
     mechanical finishes (metal substrates)
•lensing
•diamond cut (metal substrates)

Roll Coating Considerations

•stock must be flat
•each coating must be cured before next process
•coatings are floods of an ink, they cannot be applied selectively

Alternative Processes

•Opaque and transparent colors: lithography, screening
•Topcoats: screening

Technical Information

•generally a faster process than screen printing, spray or lithography
•roll coating is limited to flatwork
•extremely film thickness sensitive
•viscosity dependent
•topcoat determines gloss level and provides protective qualities
•standard coating thickness: 
     Direct Coating - .05 to .15 mils
     Reverse Coating - .2 to .6 mils
•Northern Engraving's topcoat chemistry's are generally polyurethanes, acrylics or epoxies

Additional questions and answers focusing on nameplate, label and badge design and manufacturing can be found on our Nameplate FAQ page.

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.

Domed Labels and Stickers

Doming protects a printed label while giving the label a three-dimensional look.  Domed labels are a simple and cost effective way to make your company logo or product name pop.  You will find domed nameplates and labels used on consumer products, vehicles, POP displays and anywhere else a durable attention-getting graphic is needed.  The three-dimensional lens is durable enough for indoor or outdoor applications.

Domed Label Printing

Doming is available in custom shapes and sizes on metal and plastic substrates.  Whether incorporated into prototype or large production runs it is the final step in the decorating process. The crystal clear lens is layered over transparent, opaque and metallic inks on a wide range of background finishes including: bright aluminum, chrome polyester, brush and white.

Standard Domed Label Process

1. Dome: The top layer or dome is a liquid polyurethane poured over the label and cured into a crystal clear lens.  The liquid flows to the edge of the part creating the domed effect.  Tight corners and radiuses should be avoided. 
2. Decoration: Colors are printed on the substrate using digital printing, lithography and screen printing.  Options include transparent, opaque and metallic colors.
3. Substrate Material:  Metal and plastic substrates are available.  Aluminum is the preferred metal substrate because of the range of decorative processes available.  Standard plastic substrates include: polycarbonate, polyester and vinyl.
4. Adhesive: Our standard is a 2 or 4 mil acrylic permanent adhesive providing adhesion to a wide range of surfaces including metals and most plastics.
5. Liner: Clear poly liners protect the adhesive until final application.  The finished parts ship on flat sheets, as individual parts or on rolls.

There are additional options and considerations in creating your domed label or nameplate.  Contact us to discuss your specific requirements.  Request samples of domed labels to begin exploring the options available to you in product identification.

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.

Screen Printing on Aluminum, Brass and Steel 

The screen printing process is a standard process in the decoration of metal and plastic nameplates, labels and emblems.  It is typically used for graphics or background color application.  The colors are custom matched in opaque, transparent or metallic effects.  Screen printing is also used to add selective gloss levels or textures to nameplates.  This article focuses on the screen printing process on metal substrates.

Definition: Screen printing, also known as screening or serigraphy, is a print making technique that traditionally creates a sharp-edged, single-color image.  A stencil is created by use of a photosensitive emulsion and a mesh fabric.  Ink is forced through the screen with a squeegee.

Alternative names: screening, screen printing, printing

 
close up of a screen showing the mesh fabric and stencil image

screening machine showing image being printed

Screen Print Advantages

•colors more opaque (typically only one hit or application of color is required)
•top coat isn't always required (part performance specifications determine whether a topcoat is needed)
•colors can be combined with textures
•color and gloss can be combined into one operation

Screen Printing on Metal Options

•color
   opaque or transparent
   metallics
•textures
   clear or colored
   high or low gloss
   soft-touch
•processes which can be combined with silk screening
   mechanical finishes
   lensing
   diamond cutting

Considerations

•part geometry and performance specifications help to determine which decorative process is appropriate for each application
•typically screen printing does not require multiple impressions to achieve a color
•a base color may need to be applied underneath a color (required for light or bright colors)
•each hit must be cured before applying next color or process
•there is a one time artwork preparation charge for each color

Alternative Processes to Screen Printing

•solid colors: coating, lithography
•spot color: lithography                     

Technical Information

•resists for mechanical finishes and chemical etching are screened
•cannot obtain the ultra fine detail available in lithography (minimum screening stroke width: .007" pos. print, .007" neg. print)

•chokes and flares are required when applying multiple colors next to each other

•graphics are generally choked or flared .010" for screening
•chemical etch requires an additional resist on the back of sheets
•lithography is a preferred process for critical registration of graphics

Additional questions and answers focusing on nameplate, label and badge design and manufacturing can be found on our Nameplate FAQ page.

In-mold Decorating

In-Mold or Insert-Mold Decoration (IMD) or Film Insert Molding (FIM) refers to the insertion of a printed graphic overlay into an injection mold.  The molding process encapsulates the film or overlay in  plastic.  It combines the advantages of decorative and functional graphics with a plastic molded component or assembly.  Integrated components eliminate application costs for overlays or labels.

In-mold Decorated Components

In-Mold Decorating offers design flexibility and productivity advantages over traditional post-molding decorating techniques.  Durable graphics are integrated into plastic components using multiple colors.  Since the part graphics are encapsulated in resin, the graphics cannot be removed without destroying the part. Graphics will not fade and remain vibrant.  No secondary operation is required after molding.  The part is complete.  Graphics are updated by modifying the printed overlay.  The mold does not need to be modified.  The Nautique boat lens shown here is manufactured using the in-mold decoration process to combine graphics and clear windows into a single component with attachment features.

In-mold Options

• Backlit graphics
• Deadfront graphics
• Lenses and windows

The in-mold process typically uses a polycarbonate film.  Graphics are printed on the second or inner surface of the film.  Selective gloss or texture is printed on the first or outer surface of the film.  Printing on the second surface offers additional protection in the end application.  The film is formed after decorating.  It is then trimmed and placed in the mold.  The final step is injection molding.

Design considerations include locating graphics in relatively flat areas away from sharp edges to minimize distortion and registration issues.   Inks are selected to help eliminate washout in the gate area of components.  Gates are positioned as far away from graphics as possible.  They are designed to minimize the turbulent flow of material during the molding cycle. 

What applications come to mind for integrating graphics into plastic components using the in-mold decorating process?  Why is this process a good fit for the application?

Request in-mold decorated samples to begin exploring the options available to you in product trim and identification.

Aluminum Nameplates | Electroform Nameplates

Embossed aluminum nameplates are often considered as an alternative to electroformed nameplates.  Aluminum nameplates offer crisp definition of graphics and tooled textures.  Surfaces come to life when bright metal finishes are combined with opaque and transparent colors.

Aluminum offers additional process options to be incorporated into emblems which create a unique representation of your brand.  Selective brushing, spinning, gloss and diamond cutting are process options for further customization and differentiation of your unique image.

Aluminum versus Electroformed Nameplates

Typically the piece price for an embossed aluminum nameplate is lower than the piece price for an electroformed nameplate.  Aluminum nameplates require an investment in tooling.  This combination is an attractive option for high volume product branding needs.

Request samples of aluminum nameplates which are available as an alternative to the electroforming process to see the options available to you.