Nameplate Blog

Patinaed Metal

Aluminum is a versatile substrate which can be decorated in an endless range of patinaed surfaces that can be integrated into nameplates creating antiqued effects.  Our library of finishes includes a wide range of aged and distressed surfaces on metal.  All of these can be integrated and customized for your nameplate or trim project. 

Our designers have experience creating custom finishes specifically for a nameplate or badge.  The antiqued finish on the Harley Davidson badge was hand rendered and further manipulated electronically to creating the exact look Harley Davidson designers were after for their badge.  Key to the success of this project was aligning printing and forming of the aluminum.

A patinaed finish for CD packaging on the Miles Davis metal spine series was also custom created.  This aged metal look was created on both steel and aluminum versions of the spine.

Antiqued brass finishes were custom matched and litho printed on brass nameplates for Matthews.  Graphics are embossed and the patinaed metal effect is combined with doming to create a dimensional nameplate.

Antiqued brass finishes were also created on these aluminum match box covers.  A simulated brass finish was created using a transparent brass tint of color and brushing the aluminum.  The metal match box covers look as if they have been worn over time with patinaed finishes created through a combination of hand rendering and electronic manipulation.

What other nameplate or trim applications do you see for antiqued or patinaed surfaces?

A Holographic Effect on Aluminum

Callaway designers push the limits of decorative processes to achieve the high performance look for their aluminum nameplates.  Northern Engraving designers worked with Callaway design to bring their vision to reality on this series of Callaway X16 medallions.  The concept was to integrate an X into the medallion as a watermark.  The effect needed to be subtle so the watermark would not compete with the other graphics.  Watermark effects were explored through prototypes on aluminum.

The final nameplate features a watermark that comes and goes depending on your angle of viewing.  It is layered with a custom texture featuring X-16 graphics repeating in a pattern.  The watermark is successfully translated across two nameplates for different product lines.  Graphics are embossed bright aluminum and diamond cut aluminum creating a two tone silver effect on the nameplate graphics.  A simulated rivet detail completes the nameplate.

Additional medallions featuring a carbon fiber finish were created to further differentiate additional product lines.  The carbon fiber finish has the same holographic effect the watermark does creating movement in the nameplate.  The decorative options available on aluminum allowed Callaway designers to create distinct looks for this series of golf medallions.

Cloisonné Effect on Aluminum Nameplates

The look of cloisonné can be reproduced on aluminum nameplates as a cost effective alternative to the cloisonné process.  Cloisonné is a decorative art often used in jewelry.  It consists of soldering delicate metal strips bent in the outline of a design to a metal surface and filling the resulting spaces with enamel paste. The object is then fired, ground smooth and polished. 

The cloisonné enameling technique has also been used on badges to create a premium hand made look for brands.  The brightly colored cloisonné emblems were popular on classic cars until the 1940's and are used today on sports cars and motorcycles.

The look of a cloisonné badge is simulated on aluminum by embossing the thin bands of metal between the colors.  The colors are printed and coated in a high gloss topcoat to match the look of enamel.  The result is a light weight nameplate with a premium look.

Fragrance Bottles - Riveted Nameplate

Aluminum nameplates designed with a riveted look create dimension and detail in the metal.  Hilfiger by Tommy Hilfiger used embossing to create rivets in the nameplate.  The riveted corners on the metal plaque were inspired by the rivets on motorcycles and vintage cars. 

Coining was used to create an engraved effect for the Hilfiger graphic on the brushed aluminum.  The year in which the fashion house was established was also coined into the metal.  Coining is a form of precision stamping that involves the displacement of metal under compression to form simple and complex geometric shapes and graphics.

The plaque was affixed to the bottle using a clear UV-cured adhesive.  Metal plaques, labels and nameplates for fragrance packaging require a battery of tests.  Protective topcoats protect the metal and allow the aluminium plaque to meet product testing requirements.  Tests for this plaque included aging at various atmospheric conditions, as well as product compatibility testing.

The Hilfiger fragrance packaging design stands out.  What metal decorating options would you use to create outstanding packaging?

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.  There are four commonly used options when diamond cutting an aluminum nameplate.  I will review four of the diamond cut alternatives here: 

1. Phalynx - a series of fine overlapping cuts creating small diamond shapes
2. Skive - the most reflective option for diamond cut surfaces
3. Zebra - a series of tightly spaced cuts in arching lines
4. Star - a decorative star effect cut into aluminum

Phalynx Diamond Cut

A close look at the surface of graphics cut with the phalynx diamond cut reveals crisp diamond shapes.  This process is controlled to offer sharp graphics with a detailed surface ranging from a very fine to coarse diamond cut pattern.

Skive Diamond Cut

The look of a polished surface is creating on embossed graphics produced with the skive diamond cut process.  This process is often used on nameplates with fine graphics.  A secondary diamond cut pattern is not readily visible on skived graphics.

Zebra Diamond Cut

The most popular diamond cut surface on aluminum nameplates and labels is the zebra diamond cut.  This process offers a variety of looks ranging from fine to coarse diamond cut. 

Star Diamond Cut

A star diamond cut is most often used as an accent on a nameplate.  The various star effects are all eye catching and create a jeweled look.  The cut creates a high contrast look when placed on a black background.  The same cut is successfully used on a white or silver background for a tone on tone look.

Request samples to see the dimaond cut options available to you for your nameplate or label.  How would you incorporate this into your nameplate?

Spins on Aluminum

Spun aluminum is a popular decorative process on nameplates, badges and dials.  Spinning is a mechanical process which creates a circular brush on the aluminum surface.  It is usually one of the first steps in the decorative process.  The spin can be applied selectively when a mask is used to protect areas of the aluminum that will remain bright.  Transparent colors can be layered on top of the spun aluminum surface creating colors with depth and movement.  A spin on aluminum is a versatile process for your nameplate, badge or dial needs.

Spin is traditionally used in the background of round nameplates, gauges and dials.  It is also very effective when used in irregular shapes or even in rectangles.  Spinning can be combined with many processes including diamond cutting, doming and aluminum in-mold.  A unique application of the spin process is to use it in the graphics.  It creates subtle movement and it is not immediately obvious why the graphics catch the light.

What application can you see for spun aluminum process?  How might you incorporate a pattern into a spin?

Outside my office there is a display of nameplates, labels, inserts and dials manufactured over the last forty years.  The display covers an entire wall.  Visitors and employees frequently stop and look at the array of brand names for industries ranging from cosmetics and electronics to appliance and transportation.  It is like a trip down memory lane for some.  I often hear "I remember those" or "I used to have one of these".  The display is a glimpse into the history of brands as they have evolved or come and gone.  It is also an indicator of new products or technologies as they emerge.  Think of remote controls and microwave ovens.

A favorite piece of mine and many other visitors is the Texas Instruments "Little Professor" calculator overlay.  The colorful aluminum overlay brings back memories of spending hours playing math games.  Offset lithography was used to decorate the aluminum.  All colors were spot colors.  Who would have thought I'd end up working where they made parts for the Little Professor?  How cool is that? 

Do you remember this one?

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.

Stock dies are often used for flat nameplates to help control costs.  Relying on the decoration of the aluminum to make the graphics stand out means embossing isn't a necessity.  A flat nameplate also gives you the flexibility to change the graphics creating completely new looks for new models, special editions or product changes. 

I am often asked for attractive options in making graphics which are not embossed stand out.  Here I will share with you six effective ways to make a flat nameplate look great.

1. Four Color Process: process color provides a wide range of color possibilities
2. Selective Gloss: a low gloss background contrasts with high gloss transparent tints and bright or brushed aluminum
3. Metallic Inks: low gloss metallic inks are a great contrast with aluminum graphics
4. Mechanical Finishes: spin, brush, engine turn and engine stripe add movement
5. Unique Shape: eliminating background elements allows the logo to float on the product
6. Print Shadow Effect for Depth: a halftone or drop shadow adds visual depth

Four Color Process

Process color can be printed over white or directly over the reflective aluminum substrate resulting in a luminescent quality.  This can be further enhanced with selective brushing, selective gloss and the addition of texture.

Selective Gloss Levels

A protective topcoat is added to nameplates to protect the decoration and allow the nameplate to stand up to environmental conditions.  This topcoat also determines the overall gloss of the nameplate.  A selective gloss level can then be applied to create contrast between graphics and the background elements.

Metallic Inks

Metallic inks can be custom developed to meet your color needs.  The inks have silver flakes in them which give them a distinct look.  The size of the flake can be varied to create metallic effects ranging from very fine to coarse.  Metallic colors are naturally low gloss and really compliment a nameplate when they are contrasted with bright aluminum.  However, they can also be topcoated with a high gloss to create a deeper effect.

Mechanical Finishes

Brushing is often used on nameplates to create an authentic metal look for a nameplate.  Spin, or a circular brush, is also used frequently on round dials to add movement to the label.  A very unique effect is achieved when the engine stripe or engine turn is used selectively on the nameplate graphics.  The end appliqué has a holographic appearance with visually dimensional graphics.

Unique Shape

Stamping or blanking your nameplate so the outer periphery of the nameplate follows the outline of your logo creates a nameplate where the focus is the logo.  The background is removed allowing the nameplate to be applied to products in a range of colors without needing to color key the background. 

Print Shadow for Depth

Using a drop shadow is a simple way to make graphics stand out.  Rendering artwork with halftones to create the look of highlights and shadows on an embossed part is also an effective way to add the look of depth. 

Our designers have experience with all of these options and can help suggest the processes that are the best fit for your nameplate or label project.  We offer concept drawings to help illustrate the possibilities and can include examples of production parts featuring the proposed processes.

All of the parts featured are available as samples for your review.  What other ideas do you have for making a flat nameplate look great?