Identity Solutions

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. 

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.