Identity Solutions

process
Screen printed aluminum
Brushed aluminum
Crimped aluminum

application
Volvo C30 Interior Trim

challenge
• Interpret nautical chart theme on aluminum trim

solution
The pattern on the floating center stack was inspired by ancient nautical charts.  Longitude, latitude and dashed directional lines are layered on a brushed background.  Screen printed texture adds dimension.  Our designers worked with Volvo design to develop the custom finish.  The idea began with a design brief followed by a series of sample developments fine tuning the custom aluminum finish.  The center console tooling has been used by Volvo to create multiple trim options for various cars.  The attention to detail in the trim design allows Volvo customers the flexibility to make detailed interior choices choosing from fresh modern style cues.  The high level of craftsmanship and custom finish shown on the console trim are carried across the interior door handles.

process
Screen printed aluminum
Brushed aluminum
Aluminum in-mold
Crimped aluminum

application
Mustang Interior Trim

challenge
• Differentiate interior trim across multiple models.

solution
The four versions of interior trim shown here were manufactured using one set of tooling.  Altering decoration on the metal trim was a cost effective way for Ford designers to create distinctly different looks across the Mustang line.  A classic brushed aluminum finish was one options selected for the Mustang trim.  The carbon fiber finish which was chosen also uses brushing and texture to create movement.  The selected dot patternbuilds on the aluminum finish with a transparent grey tint in the background and a clear texture on the dots.  The woven geometric or technical finish uses the same processes resulting in a completely different look.

process
Engine turned aluminum 
Screen printed polycarbonate

application
International Lonestar, Harley-Davidson Truck

challenge
•Recreate classic Harley styling on premium backlit gauges and dash panel

solution
The engine turned finish is a classic mechanical finish often featured in Harley-Davidson trim.  It was chosen for the premium look it added to the aluminum overlay used on the instrument panel.  This part was designed to conform and attach to existing plastic components, eliminating the need to create new plastic parts.  The decorated metal overlay compliments mixed material gauges made of laminated spun aluminum and backlit polycarbonate.  Early collaboration on the project between Harley-Davdison Styling, Navistar and Northern Engraving Design explored the overall look of the dash panels using concept drawings to illustrate design options including finish, font and color.  The engine turned finish was also chosen to accent the personalized shift knob bezel.  The combination of Lonestar originality and Harley-Davidson authenticity is carried throughout the truck.  Additional metal trim details are on the leather seating which features Harley-Davidson Bar and Shield seat badges. 

process
Diamond cut aluminum

application
International Lonestar, Harley-Davidson Truck

challenge
• Design cost effective premium seat badge option for a low volume special edition truck

solution
The Lonestar Harley-Davidson truck's rich black leather seats feature the same Harley-Davidson Bar and Shields that appear on Harley-Davidson motorcycles.  Using authentic Harley-Davidson fuel tank badges on the seating minimized costs on the program.  Navistar worked with the Northern Engraving team to modify the existing contoured tank badge creating a flat version of the bar and shield badge for the seats.  All the badges include embossed and diamond cut graphics on a matte black background.  Two sizes of seat badges were created for the front seatbacks and rear couch bolster. 

process
Engine turned aluminum 

application
Peavey Wiggy Amp

challenge
•Recreate the style of a retro car dashboard

solution
The engine turned finish is a classic automotive dashboard finish and was chosen for the high impact look it offered.  The metal overlay is manufactured from .060" aluminumwith openings stamped out simulating the gauges on a dash panel.  Embossed borders are used to enhance the unique look with graphics screen printed on the aluminum.  The metal control panel is a creative example of aluminum as a functional and decorative component of a product.

process
Screen printed texture on aluminum

application
Harley-Davidson Fuel Cap Cover

challenge
• Duplicate milled surface created in early prototypes

solution
Early modeling of the fuel cap cover insert was done with a mill.  Harley-Davidson designers wanted to keep the fine milled lines in the prototype logo on the production version of the insert.  Northern Engraving designers developed a subtle line pattern which uses a screen printed texture to duplicate the milled look.  The texture is applied in the silver area of the insert contrasting with the matte black background.  It is interesting to see a second version of the insert printed with a black logo on bright aluminum. 

process
Brushed aluminum
Screen printed aluminum  

application
Yearbook

challenge
•Create cost effective striking metal insert for yearbook cover

solution
The large metal insert for the Walsworth yearbook cover features a brushed aluminum background with screen printed black graphics.  The unique shape of the piece makes it stand out.  The Northern Engraving team collaborated on this project making suggestions to minimize cost and maximize impact.  Early involvement in projects allows our team to work with you in creative problem solving.  The completed insert is shipped with a removable mask to protect the metal surface.  A pressure sensitive adhesive is used for assembly to the yearbook. 

process
Screen printed aluminum
Aluminum in-mold
Crimped aluminum

application
Mustang Shelby Interior Trim

challenge
• Align finish across multiple parts in vehicle

solution
Ford color and trim designers developed the aluminum finish dialing in the size and spacing of the dots.  The interior trim in the vehicle included eight aluminum components, five of which featured this finish and mated up to each other.  The geometric finish meant the success of the program was dependent on the ability to have the finish flow seamlessly from part to part.  Exact placement of the finish was achieved through a print development.  Print development involved screen printing the finish and forming the aluminum in production tools.  Trials were evaluated for placement of dots and artwork was adjusted.  The process was repeated until the exact placement of the finish was achieved.

process
Singular ID graphics
Decorated polycarbonate

application
Medical Equipment

challenge
•Create nameplate with finely detailed individual graphics using pressure sensitive adhesive for final assembly

solution
Typically the Singular ID process, which creates individual metal graphics, uses a heat activated adhesive for finely detailed graphics.  The trademark symbol for the Alcon logo is an example of a small scale graphic, measuring only .050" in diameter.  The challenge for this nameplate was assembly to the final product didn't allow for a heat activated adhesive.  Applying the aluminum graphic to a decorated polycarbonate carrier meant fine metal graphics could be included while using a pressure sensitive adhesive for final assembly.  The polycarbonate background was printed to match the medical product.  A pressure sensitive adhesive was laminated to the back for easy assembly.