Posted by Deidre Kruser on Wed, Nov 11, 2009
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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. |
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Posted by Deidre Kruser on Thu, Nov 05, 2009
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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. |
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Posted by Deidre Kruser on Thu, Oct 29, 2009
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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. |
Posted by Deidre Kruser on Thu, Oct 22, 2009
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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. |
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Posted by Deidre Kruser on Thu, Aug 27, 2009
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process
Printed aluminum
Doming (norlens)
application
Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Bronzers
challenge
• Create a luxurious tortoise shell insert with depth
solution
The luxe, brown and gold flecked tortoise shell finish is printed on aluminum using transparent layers of ink which allow the reflective quality of the metal to show through. The faux tortoise shell finish was custom developed on metal. Perfection of the artwork, critical to the success of the program, involved collaboration between Estée Lauder and our designers. Printed prototypes were used during the artwork progression process to fine tune the tortoise shell structure and overall color. The application of a urethane dome to the metal insert makes the plaque an eye-catching durable solution for cosmetic packaging. |
Posted by Deidre Kruser on Thu, Aug 13, 2009
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process
Screen print and emboss aluminum
application
Sephora Eye Shadow Palette
challenge
•Create detailed dimensional pattern on insert
solution
The calypso inspired aluminum compact features a screen printed aqua blue color with the Sephora logo and interlocking pattern embossed. The aluminum insert is laminated with a pressure sensitive adhesive for assembly to the compact.
Early concepts for the aluminum insert on the compact explored options in creating a textured pattern. In addition to embossing the designers considered a screen printed texture. Prototypes were created for both the screen printed and the embossed option. The embossed version created a sharper definition in the graphics and was chosen for production.
The initial compacts were designed to feature a warm white color offset by a transparent gold tint. The design is carried across rectangular and round aluminum inserts. This tooling was then used to create a new insert for the following season. Changing the screen printed color created a dramatic difference in the look of the compact. |
Posted by Deidre Kruser on Thu, Jul 23, 2009
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process
Embossed aluminum
application
Chevrolet Vehicles
challenge
• Exact match of dimensional texture in bowtie logo
solution
The detail in the Chevrolet logo is created with a combination of a transparent gold tint of color and an embossed texture. Since the nameplate is positioned under the hood, it was critical to the success of the program that the part also stand up to the harsh environment which includes high temperatures and oil. The printed aluminum is protected with a clear topcoat. The nameplate is applied with an open cell foam adhesive which facilitates application to the uneven surface of the engine. |
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