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This is another article in a series of posts featuring notes from my co-workers on their favorite nameplate. This article illustrates the unique perspective that each of us look at the world through. The nameplate that Scott chose isn't tehnically a nameplate. There are no graphics on the parts. They caught his attention because of the unique colors (and maybe the hard work he put into them).
With all of Northern Engraving's parts it is hard to pick out a favorite. However, one of my favorite series of parts is the Harley-Davidson console insert. They have been designed in a variety of special effect colors to coordinate with the paint on the bikes. Colors include green, red and yellow. A smaller part has been printed in blue. At first site....pretty colors. It is not the shape of the part so much as the color that makes the parts interesting. The base metallic color is combined with a transparent tint of color. A high gloss top coat is layered on top giving them their deep, rich look. We have struggled a bit with developing these colors in the past, but in time we are getting better at it. With a rainbow of colors that can be used who knows what the future parts will look like. These parts look even better when you see them on a motorcycle and you can say, "that looks pretty cool....we helped put that together.
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Engine stripe is a mechanical process where the surface of the aluminum is abraded to create depth and movement. The process involves dragging a small circular head across the sheet of metal. The result is a stripe made up of an arching brush (picture a row of the letter c nested together, i.e. ccccccc). The finish can be applied selectively with the use of a printed resist. The resist is removed once the engine stripe is complete. The resisted areas remain bright aluminum.
Engine stripe has seen renewed interest in recent years as it is an authentic metal finish taking advantage of the natural reflective quality of the aluminum. Other mechanical finishes available to be combined with engine stripe are brush, spin and engine turn. This article covers options in incorporating an engine stripe finish into nameplates and labels.
The Promega nameplate illustrates beautifully the impact of adding an engine stripe finish to graphics. The logo takes on a almost holographic appearance. The simple addition of a mechanical process to the nameplate's clean design draws your attention to the part.
Adding an emboss to the engine striped graphics further defines the graphics while adding dimension. The Excelsior Henderson nameplate utilizes the same high contrast black and silver color scheme as the previous nameplate but is finished in a low gloss topcoat rather than the high gloss finish shown above.
The engine stripe finish is not limited to silver. Layering transparent tints of color over the engine stripe further customizes the look to your brand. The AMX emblem is manufactured in both a silver and gold.
This attention getting look isn't limited to graphics. HP uses this finish successfully to create a soft glow on the surface of the metal. It is one more option to consider when incorporating a silver finish into your product branding.
Request a Nameplate Materials and Processes Guide to begin exploring the options available to you in creating your product branding. Engine stripe is one option among many in creating your nameplate.
Coach's 65th anniversary collection included the iconic Legacy Stripe on everything from handbags and bangles to fragrances. Packaging for the Coach body creme includes an aluminum appliqué screen printed to coordinate with the anniversary collection. Translating the Legacy design on to aluminum began with a custom color match of the eight colors used in the bold stripes. The colors are combined with a transparent gold tint which takes advantage of the reflective surface of the metal. The gold Coach logo and pinstripe between each color require critical registration in the printing of the insert. The design includes a clear texture printed on the gold tint gives a slight relief to the appliqué.
The aluminum appliqué is assembled to the cap with pressure sensitive adhesive. Assembly is done in our nameplate manufacturing facility. Our customer service representatives are available to help answer any questions you have regarding assembly options for nameplates, labels and emblems.
Request a Nameplate Materials and Processes Guide to begin exploring the options available to you in creating your product branding. Custom color matches, texture and assembly are only some of the options in creating your nameplate.
A popular option in product branding for consumer electronics and cameras is to design a nameplate which is cut out around the letters. Cutting out the nameplate around the logo minimizes the background allowing your name to stand out. A full range of decorative options are available to be incorporated into this type of design. Often the background of the nameplate is printed to match the product substrate. This further minimizes the background drawing attention to the branding. Options for graphics range from engine stripe to diamond cut finishes. Transparent tints of color are layered on brushed or bright aluminum to take advantage of the reflective surface of the metal. Eliminating the background completely is also an option. Nameplates with individual letters use carriers for careful alignment and placement on the product.
What options would you like to see in a nameplate cut out around the letters? What type of product would you apply this type of nameplate to?
Request a Nameplate Materials and Processes Guide to begin exploring the options available to you in product identification.
S&S Cycle celebrated their 50th anniversary in style with this custom designed aluminum toolbox insert. Six engines are printed on the metal along with a list of builders participating in the anniversary event. Engine striping is used to add movement to the panel and draw attention to the S&S anniversary logo. The metal overlay is an attractive addition to the cover of the toolbox.
Request a Nameplate Materials and Processes Guide to begin exploring the options available to you in creating your product branding.
Designing a nameplate includes many choices. A common question that we are asked is how can I create depth in my nameplate on a limited budget? Options include using mechanical finishes, printing and texture to add to the depth. This article explores the option of using printed halftones on labels and nameplates to add visual dimension. A halftone detail can be combined with a full range of decorative processes on metal or plastic to create an attention-getting nameplate.
The Briggs and Stratton nameplate makes effective use of halftones around the outside border giving the illusion of being a thick metal nameplate with a beveled outer edge. A two-dimensional emboss is used to add to the visual depth and give the nameplate relief. This printed detail adds bold dimension to the product branding in a cost effective manner.
How would you use halftones to add detail to your product branding? What other options do you suggest for adding depth to a nameplate?
Request samples of these and other nameplates on metal and plastic to begin exploring the options available to you in brand identification.
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