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There are so many finish options available, but some of the most intriguing involve how an aluminum substrate can so closely resemble its metal counterparts. Above are just a few examples of copper nameplates, all with varying textures and finishes. These looks are achieved using our standard processes, with the desired end result determining which process is used.
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.
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In the February edition of ‘Guest Blogger’ by Estée Lauder, Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere channels a historical era. In this blog, one of the appliqués created at Northern Engraving is featured.The blog titled “Sixties Saturation” encompasses the television series Mad Men, which brings back the styles from the nineteen-sixty era. In this period of time, a focus on refined beauty was prevalent. The recreation of this era’s style includes lined eyes, pink cheeks and ruby red lips and nails.
This featured part adds a touch of color while keeping the style qualities, including a focus on simple, refined beauty. The chic design is also encompassed in the subtle pale blue appliqué attached to the blush compact.
For the full ad: http://www.esteelauder.com/guestblogger/emilyofcupcakescashmere/week3.tmpl
Request a Nameplate Materials and Processes Guide to begin exploring the options available to you in creating your product branding.
This week, we have a featured article written by one of our regional account managers, Paul Wuensch. He chose to focus on the importance of the metal substrate, and keeping its integrity.
While collaborating with designers on their branding solutions I often find myself using this phrase: “If you’re going to use metal, then use the metal”.
One of the benefits of utilizing aluminum nameplates is the variety of finishes that can be achieved on the substrate itself. Utilizing the metal substrate as part of the design enhances the perceived value of the product over other materials.
Through mechanical finishes like selective brushing and embossing, Manitowoc Food Service maximized the value perception of their nameplate (above). A bright aluminum embossed border contrasts, albeit subtly, with the horizontal brushing in the background. Embossed logos and precise color placement add interest and reflect both the corporate brand and a level of quality that is consistent with their product line.
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.
Color is one of the easiest ways to ensure a nameplate, label or badge is recognizable. Color can be added to an existing design through three processes: lithography, screen printing or coating.
The process engineers at Northern Engraving determine which process is best suited for a particular nameplate application, based on the target master sample sent by the customer.
The first step is to determine which color family the target sample is a part of. Next, there is consideration of whether the color will be transparent or opaque and what surface the color is applied to. Third, there is an analysis of the base colors already in existence, and a determination of whether they can combine to create the color match.
It is the process engineers’ focus to obtain an exact match to the chosen color, and therefore they may try several processes to reach this goal. Color matching is a complex process, and can often take several hours to complete, but the importance of matching exact color choices is key, and is taken very seriously.
If you want to learn more about color matching, or any of the color processes, refer to the color eBook: "Color Specifying for Product Identification."
This article is part of a series of articles from my co-workers on their favorite nameplates. Billie Theobald, our guest blogger this week, is very familiar with the wide variety of nameplates manufactured by Northern Engraving, specializing in the cosmetics industry.
Something so small but says it all.
IPC provides customizable intelligent trading stations to the world’s financial trading floors. The intuitive stations are referred to as turrets or dealer boards. This important piece of communication equipment provides on the spot contact to brokers, exchanges and hedge funds across the globe. One very small logo holds the brand all by itself.
The piece measures a mere .750”X.500” and is designed with a powerful embossed logo on low gloss brushed aluminum reversed out of black. The decoration is simplistic, but the intent emulates the strength of the product it embraces.
One part can be modified in very simple ways to achieve a much different look than its predecessor. All three nameplates utilize the NECODome process, but through the use of different inks and substrates, each nameplate looks significantly different.
Transparent InkThis process allows the bright chrome substrate to shine through the ink, creating a shine while illuminating the blue and silver colors.
Opaque InkWhile this finish is not transparent, the opaque color process gives a more static color scheme and allows the piece to feature both blues on the design.Brushed LaminateThis nameplate features the same color scheme as the previous nameplate applied over a brushed laminate substrate. This process gives texture and interest, while still allowing the original design scheme to stay true.
(From left: transparent ink, opaque ink, brushed laminate)
Adding a gold finish to your aluminum nameplate gives shine as well as richness to the original design. Gold can also highlight embossing or allow a black finish to stand out. The above nameplate examples show the many looks a gold emblem may have.
TransAm GTA Emblem
One of the classic designs, the TransAm nameplate, features a coined texture on the firebird contrasted by the black background. The metallic gold tones really allow this design to catch the eye. This is a perfect example of a timeless, recognizable emblem.
Utilizing a beadblast finish gives your nameplate a subtle texture, while highlighting the chosen graphic. Whether it is paired with a bright aluminum or black graphic, the matte finish qualities of the beadblast allow the graphic to consistently be the focus.
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