Identity Solutions

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
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
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
Aluminum over-mold

application
Callaway Golf Club

challenge
• Go beyond previous brand decoration

solution
The popular trend of mixing materials provided the inspiration for our engineers to use plastic as a decorative element for an aluminum nameplate.  The aluminum in-mold process was used to create the dimensional X graphic.  The background aluminum features a spin or radial brush which adds movement.  A precision finish was created through screen printing a detailed texture on black.  The combination of metal, fine detail and plastic comes together in a nameplate with increased perceived value.  The nameplate helps to create  market differentiation for the customer's product and take a premium brand to the next level.

process
Aluminum and plastic medallions

application
Ping Golf Club

challenge
• Coordinate brand across aluminum and polycarbonate
• Chrome effect on plastic
• Multiple shaped parts with emboss for program

solution
Our designers worked with Ping exploring decorative options for the aluminum medallion.  Engine turn, a circular brush, was chosen for the eye-catching effect.  The success of the program was dependent on Northern Engraving's Tool Engineers working closely with Program Management to facilitate a timely launch.  Color matching was coordinated internally across both substrates.  In addition, an ink suitable for in-mold was used to achieve the chrome effect on plastic.  

See for yourself the engine turn detail on aluminum and the chrome effect on the formed plastic nameplate by requesting samples.

solution
Northern Engraving introduced the ability to combine the decorative quality of aluminum with the functional deadfront and backlit properties of polycarbonate. Our expertise in decorating aluminum and polycarbonate substrates creates a premium look.  The aluminum on this speedometer is spun so that highlights radiate from the center of the metal dial.  Major gradations are highlighted with embossed details.  The look is carried across a series of gauge faces. 

process
Backlit Aluminum In-Mold

application
Microsoft X-Box 360

challenge
-Functional decorative to enhance brand identity
-Meet high order volume requirements

solution
Northern Engraving's Program Management, Engineering and Design teams collaborated with the customer to develop a cost effective backlit button.  The aluminum in-mold manufacturing process incorporates a circular spin on formed aluminum with an in-molded transparent resin.  The aluminum button lights up when the game is live.  Manufacturing and quality teams worked together meeting time and high volume needs.