Identity Solutions

process
Litho printed aluminum
Crimped aluminum
Aluminm in-mold  

application
Mustang Concept Car 

challenge
•Duplicate look and feel of leather on aluminum

solution
Ford designers carried their custom theme across the aluminum trim in this concept car with a decidedly non-aluminum finish.  The wrapped leather trim is aluminum printed with a custom faux leather finish.  The unique finish is an economical option making use of the production tooling.  Development of the finish began with baby hornback crocodile skin.  Our designers translated the leather finish onto aluminum using a combination of traditional metal decorating processes.  Key to the success of the concept was alignment of the pattern across mating parts in the vehicle.

process
Brushed aluminum
Litho printed aluminum
Crimped aluminum
Aluminm in-mold  

application
Cadillac Escalade 

challenge
•Create trim with multiple finishes and illusion of being two trim pieces

solution
This interior is taken to a new level of luxury and sophistication featuring trim combining brushed aluminum with a printed burl woodgrain.  The woodgrain was developed in collaboration with the designers at GM.  A recessed groove between the finishes helps to differentiate the surfaces facilitating the look of separate trim pieces.  This option minimized the number of part numbers and assembly involved in this program.  The finishes are applied in the flat sheet and formed afterward.  A clear topcoat protects the finishes during the forming process.  Key to the success of this program was the development of the finishes to align with the debossed groove. 

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
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
Laser etch
Engine turn

application
Navistar Harley-Davidson Truck

challenge
• Personalize limited edition trim with name and edition number

solution
A laser was used to customize each of the 250 Lonestar Harley edition gear shift bezels.  Engineers worked with manufacturing to prove out the laser customization process on the curved metal surface.  The personalized shift bezel is one of a series of aluminum trim pieces created for the special edition truck.  The engine turn finish popular on Harley-Davidson bikes is featured on the metal trim.  The shift knob bezel has the Harley-Davidson bar and shield logo embossed in bright aluminum on the engine turn background printed with a transparent grey tint.  The aluminum trim is assembled to a plastic backer for final assembly to the shifter. 

process
Selective brush and printing

application
Ranger Boats Z521 Commanche

challenge
•Support the high performance and aggressive styling of the bass boat by integrating carbon fiber finish into aluminum trim

solution
A carbon fiber finish was chosen from our library of finishes on aluminum for the new Z251 Comanche.  Concept drawings were used to explore the placement of the carbon fiber and options in border width and design.  Recommendations were made to minimize costs.  The imitation carbon fiber has movement and depth created with a selective brush.  The low gloss carbon fiber finish is accented with a high gloss bright aluminum border.  The trim is cost effectively updated in following model years with a new metal finish changing the overall appearance of the dash trim.

process
Aluminum in-mold

application
Volvo S60/V70 and S80 Executive

challenge
•Replace plastic roller door with aluminum continuing metal theme throughout vehicle

solution
This project literally started on the back of a napkin.  It began with a wish to integrate aluminum into the roller door for the center console.  Ability to continue the aluminum finish, featured on the doors and dash, across the roller door would upgrade the interior.  Our engineers came up with an aluminum roller door solution fine tuning it through prototypes.  The roller door consists of a series of aluminum strips which are in-molded.  The aluminum in-mold process allows each of the parts to have a sharp edge.  When the strips are placed next to each other they create a continuous smooth surface.  There is no radius between the strips.

process
Printed aluminum and polycarbonate

application
Dell Laptop

challenge
• Coordinate pattern development across aluminum and plastic trim

solution
The rugged laptop, designed and built for tough military and industrial environments, needed durable trim with a finish that reflected the rugged product image.  A finish from the Northern Engraving trend presentation was chosen based on its rugged and tough appearance.  It was translated on to polycarbonate for use on the palm rests.  The aluminum finish is featured on the exterior trim with the Dell logo embossed into the surface.  Northern Engraving coordinated the development of the finishes and supplied both components to Augmentix.

process
Printed aluminum
Crimped aluminum
Aluminum in-mold 

application
Vehicles

challenge
• Forming complex shapes while meeting durability needs for trim handled frequently  

solution
A wide variety of gear knobs have been manufactured by Northern Engraving.  Complex forms highlight the metal character of the trim.  Most gear knob trim is decorated in the flat sheet, formed and crimped around a plastic carrier.  Aluminum in-mold can be used when the edge of the part is hidden.  Technical finishes, brushed tints and woodgrain finishes have all been featured on metal gear knobs.  Finishes are printed to coordinate with aluminum trim throughout the vehicle.