Nameplate Blog

Perfumes Isabell | Aluminum Sleeve

The Perfumes Isabell packaging features a stylish aluminum sleeve.  The elegant design takes advantage of the authentic metal surface.  The silver on silver look is built on a brushed metal background highlighted with crisp diamond cut graphics.

The Perfumes Isabell series of fragrance packaging includes two sizes of aluminum sleeves.  The embossed diamond cut graphics for each of the fragrance lines are created using an interchangeable emboss tool.  This option helps to minimize tooling costs.  One emboss tool was made for each of the fragrances.  The interchangeable emboss was combined with common tooling used for forming the sleeves.

Diamond Cut Graphics

Diamond cutting catches light and reflects its environment.  The almost holographic effect arrests your attention whether used on cosmetic packaging or consumer electronics.  The Ceylon graphic uses a phalynx diamond cut, a series of overlapping cuts resulting in tightly spaced diamond shapes.  The letters appear to be applied individually to the brushed aluminum.

What ideas do you have for innovative packaging design using aluminum?  What ideas do you have for unexpected uses of nameplate manufacturing processes in packaging design? 

Request samples of nameplates and cosmetic packaging appliqués to explore options available to you in packaging design. 

This article summarizes the basics involved in sending and preparing artwork for printing nameplates and emblems on a metal and plastic substrates.  For best results and to minimize delays with your order, follow the artwork submission guidelines below: 

Preferred Artwork Submission

Send electronic files - include a color printout of your art for reference.

Artwork can be submitted to: graphics@norcorp.com (please include the part number and your contact information)

File Formats 

Vector Based Files
.eps      Encapsulated Postcript
.ai         Adobe Illustrator
.cdr       CorelDraw

Files with text paths should be converted to outlines. If the text is not converted, all fonts will need to be included.

*TIFF, GIF, JPEG, BMP, PDF and Word document files are not acceptable formats. They are not normally editable for printing. They are useful when sent as a reference or for quoting purposes.

Four Color Process
.psd      AdobePhotoshop
*High resolution 350-400 pixels per inch images

Other Acceptable Formats
.dwg     AutoCAD
.dxf       AutoCAD

Files with fonts should be changed to shapes.  All graphics should be provided with no fills and all polylines closed.

Additional Information

Artwork Modification
Northern Engraving may need to modify artwork to meet manufacturing requirements.

Proofs 
Electronic proofs are available for review of final artwork.  The proof must be approved before production begins.

Fonts
When submitting artwork in vector graphics (EPS, AI, CDR) format, all fonts should be converted to curves.

Colors
Specify spot colors with a Pantone color or other color identification.

Trademarks
We assume that our clients are authorized to use the artwork submitted to us for reproduction.  The company placing the order assumes full responsibility for use of artwork or trademarks.  If the product requires a license to merchandise, a copy of the authorization is required.

Minimum Stroke 
Printing: positive & negative .010"

File Submission 
10MB maximum file size for email artwork 
FTP site available upon request

Lincoln Key Fob

The Lincoln key fob features a domed label as a jewel-like detail on the key.  Doming magnifies the sparkle of the chrome polyester (Mylar® film).  The Lincoln logo is embossed against the printed black background.  The label is adhesive backed for easy assembly to the key. 

Small nameplates and labels come to life within their environment when a urethane dome is added.  Reflections move on the surface as the viewer's point of view changes - even if the shiny lensed label stays put.  The glossy domed label catches attention bringing visual interest to the logo.

What applications do you see for a small attention getting domed label?  How would you design a label for a key fob to add a premium look and feel for the nameplate and the key?  Request nameplate samples to begin exploring the possibilities available to you in your nameplate design.

Sandblast Metal Effect on Nameplates

The dull surface effect of a sandblast finish is an often requested surface for integration into nameplates.  The matte finish contrasts with bright aluminum creating a clean tone on tone look which coordinates with virtually any product.  Our interpretation of sandblasting is a cost effective printing process.  It is typically used as a background finish and accented with embossed graphics.  Following is a review of three options for integrating a sandblast finish into your nameplate or overlay.

1. Fine: a delicate subtle finish with a matte surface
2. Medium: a slight visual texture is apparent
3. Coarse: a heavy rough finish with a slight texture

Fine Sandblast Finish

The Whirlpool nameplate combines a fine sandblast finish with debossed graphics and a bright border.  Color is used only on the Whirlpool logo.

Medium Sandblast Finish

The background of the Indurama nameplate uses a medium sandblast finish to contrast with the embossed bright aluminum graphics.

Coarse Sandblast Finish

Tesla Motors PEM185 nameplate uses a coarse sandblast finish combined with low gloss brushed and embossed graphics.

The sandblast finish has also been integrated into large trim pieces for consumer electronics.  Bright or brushed aluminum complement the finish.  Diamond cutting can be used to add a premium look.  A sandblast finish can also be combined with doming for an elegant effect.

However you choose to use a sandblast finish in your nameplate, the finish is complementary to the wide variety of materials and surfaces on consumer products.  Request samples of nameplates using the sandblast effect to begin exploring the options available to you in your product branding.

Champagne Label

As I've said in previous articles, the processes and substrates that Northern Engraving offers are the tools.  It is up to you to decide what you do with these tools.  This means there isn't a catalog of standard nameplates, labels and emblems.  Each part is custom designed to meet your needs and vision.  You are not limited to a nameplate.  Your nameplate may be integrated into a larger decorative trim piece.  Or rather, your product may not be your typical nameplate application.  This chrome polyester label created for champagne bottles is an example of expanding the boundaries of where a flexible label is used.  This designer chose to stand out from the competition by rethinking the label and straying away from what has been done.

The tone on tone effect combines a metallic gold background with a transparent gold tint of color.  Details are embossed to add dimension.  The flexible adhesive label is an attention getting design in the line up of champagne labels.

What other maybe unexpected applications come to mind for nameplates or labels?  How would you use these tools to make your product stand out?

The first step in manufacturing nameplates on metal or plastic is preparing the artwork for printing or screening.  The following articles covers some of the most frequently asked questions about submitting artwork.

See our Artwork Submission Page for more details. 

Artwork Submission FAQ 

Q) What type of artwork do you require?

A) For best results and to minimize delays with your order, send electronic vector based files - include a color printout of your art for reference.  Four color process orders require high resolution (350-400 pixels per inch) Photoshop (PSD) documents.

A) Vector graphics are made up of paths rather than dots.  They can be scaled to a larger size and not lose any image quality.  Selective areas can be used for separation without the need to redraw the image. 

Vector file types are: EPS, AI CDR

*TIFF, GIF, JPEG, BMP, PDF and Word document files are not acceptable formats. They are not normally editable for printing. They are useful when sent as a reference or for quoting purposes.

Q) How do I submit artwork?

A) Artwork can be submitted via email to your customer service representative.  File sizes larger than 10MB can be submitted to our FTP upon request. 

Artwork can also be submitted to: graphics@norcorp.com (please include the part number and your contact information)

Embossed Metal Panel

Ranger boats designed this aluminum overlay to stand out using a multi-level emboss to add dimension and detail.  The Ranger logo is integrated into the panel giving the illusion of being a separate nameplate attached to the overlay.  Combining nameplates into metal trim maximizes impact while minimizing the number of parts and cost.  The heavy duty overlay is manufactured on .060" thick aluminum using inks and coatings that will stand up to a marine environment.  The eye-catching design uses matte and bright aluminum borders and accents to highlight a printed background pattern.  The pattern is a precise geometric finish using a low gloss texture contrasted against a high gloss black base.

Now that the tool is built, how would you change the look of this overlay?  What patterns would you incorporate into the design for a refresh or update?

Request a sample of this overlay or other metal panels to begin exploring the options in overlay and panel design.

Nameplate Materials 

A wide range of metal and plastic substrates are available in nameplate manufacturing.  Our customer service representatives are available to help walk you through your options.  In addition, here is a listing of some of the most frequently asked questions about metal and plastic nameplate substrates.

Metal Substrate FAQ

Q) What type of metal can I use for my nameplate?

A) Most nameplates are manufactured on aluminum due to the cost and versatility of the substrate.  Nameplates are also offered on steel and brass to meet your needs.

Q) What are your standard metals used in nameplates?

A) Standard metal substrates and thicknesses available are:

•   aluminum / .012" - .060"
•   stainless steel 304 / .012" - .032"
•   stainless steel 430 / .012" - .032"
•   cold rolled steel / .012"  - .032"

Q) What type of aluminum is available?
A) Not all types and temper are available in all thicknesses and sizes of aluminum.  Standards types of aluminum are 1100, 3003, 1050, 8014 and 5657. 

Plastic Substrate FAQ

Q) What material do you recommend for attachment to a curved surface?

A) A thin polyester substrate is suggested for nameplates applied to products with a slightly contoured surface.

Q) What are your standard polycarbonate materials?

A) Standard polycarbonate (Lexan®) materials available are:

Q) What are your standard polyester materials?

A) Standard polyester (Melinex®, Mylar®) materials available are:

Q) What are your standard vinyl materials?

A) Standard vinyl materials available are: