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All of these aluminum nameplates have one thing in common, they utilize metallic inks in their design. Although metallic silver is the most popular option when specifying metallic colors, they are also available in custom color matches. This article features examples of color translated into both metallic colors and transparent tints of color. How would you integrate this option into your product branding? Transparent and metallic color used together in product identification is an attention getting combination. Typically the translation of a transparent tint of color to a metallic color or vice versa is a straight forward process. GoldBlueLight GrayDark GrayFor more information regarding color, click on the image to request our eBook: Guide to Color.
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This article is part of a series of articles from my co-workers on their favorite nameplates. Carrie Jensen, our guest blogger this week, has chosen a nameplate that appealed to her both emotionally and visually.
Carrie Jensen Customer Service ManagerCarrie is the customer service manager in the Sparta Corporate Offices. She oversees the customer contact representatives and ensures a good experience for all.
Every nameplate has a story. How could I decide which one is my favorite? After much deliberation, a prototype we did a number of years ago came to mind. Sears came to us to help develop a badge for a limited edition series of appliances featuring Ty Pennington, the host of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.By using a background of silver metallic, the signature of Ty stands out in bright aluminum. His name is further highlighted on the nameplate by using black graphics that have been debossed.Every time I see the show it reminds me of the nameplate that was developed. Even though it did not go into production, it is a nameplate that still stands out to me. There is always a story behind a nameplate making it unique. What is your story?
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.
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When creating your nameplate or badge, there are several options to consider, one of them being shape. If you are considering a round design, there are several stock tools and dies available to keep costs down while still creating an eye-catching design.
Samples of nameplates are a great way to explore and better understand the options available to you in designing a nameplate. Request a Nameplate Materials and Processes Guide with numerous samples to assist you in the process.
Metallic inks, like the one featured here on the Raynor nameplate, are an attractive option in creating cost effective product branding. Available in a variety of colors with the ability to be integrated into backgrounds or graphics, they offer visual texture. Whether placed in contrast to brushed or bright aluminum or complimenting opaque and transparent colors, metallic colors create a quality look.Understanding the options and limitations in a process allows you to fully utilize it. This article is an excerpt from our Color Specifying for Product Identification ebook. It covers considerations when choosing colors to be matched in a metallic ink.
Metallic colors, commonly used in the background of nameplates, rely on metal pigments (flakes, powders, or pastes) added to color formulations to create options ranging from fine to coarse metallic effects. The most popular choices are low gloss metallic silvers and grays used in contrast with high gloss graphics. Metallics create an etched appearance and can be effectively used in graphics. To ensure success, it is critical to understand the limitations in developing certain colors into metallics.
Grey successfully translates into numerous metallic effects. Typically another metallic color is referenced when specifying how coarse the metallic should be.
As discussed in the section on translating opaque color to transparent tints, black is an opaque color. Adding any metal pigment impacts black making it lighter. The more metallic added to black, the lighter and less black it becomes.
White is similar to black in that adding any metallic pigment to white impacts the color. Metallic pigments added to white darken the color. The more metallic pigment added to white, the greyer it becomes.
Adding metallic pigments to saturated colors begins to grey the color and lighten it. The result is a less chromatic color.
For more information on color, click here to view our eBook.
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 endless options in nameplate design continue to amaze me. Each letter in a nameplate illustrates the choices brought together in its manufacture and design. Individually they are their own piece of art.
Do you have a favorite that stands out to you? Why does it catch your attention?
Nameplates need to maintain their original look while enduring a variety of harsh environments. The durability of your color is a key consideration in nameplate design.First, consider the environment your product will be exposed to. An option of adding a protective clear coat in combination with printed color allows for the best protection. The next decision is determining which clear coat is required to meet your challenges. Finally, testing is performed to ensure the best possible outcome for your nameplate. There are a variety of common tests to assure your product identification meets your requirements.This image shows the results of a color tested with and without a protective topcoat. The clear coat protected from long-term UV exposure.For more information on determining your durability requirements, click here to request a copy of our free eBook.
The doming process here at Northern Engraving is called norlens. This process allows for many options when creating your design. Durability, brand image and resistance to abrasion and chemicals are all enhanced when using the doming process. Norlens can be used on metal or plastic substrates and can withstand extreme conditions. In addition, this process enhances color and design qualities. It is ideal for a variety of products and industries.
For additional information:Domed Label GalleryDomed Nameplate Process
Request a Nameplate Materials and Processes Guide to begin exploring the options available to you in creating your product branding.
The Electrolux brand has evolved over several decades. Not only have the appliances themselves gone through changes, so have the nameplates. Below are just two examples of the evolution in nameplate design.
On the earlier nameplate version, a one-side-bright aluminum substrate is used with embossed lettering and an embossed border. The colors are opaque, which do not allow for the bright aluminum to shine through, but instead give a more distinct design.
The updated version of the nameplate includes a brushed aluminum substrate with a gray-toned coating. The lettering here is also embossed, with a metallic gray color. There is also a formed edge that enhances the level of the nameplate on the appliance.
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