--- title: Basics of Nameplate Manufacturing description: Are you designing a nameplate or emblem to represent your brand? image: https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-29880141-jpg/images/nameplate-wall.jpg --- https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/60349/file-29880141-jpg/images/nameplate-wall.jpg [](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/105875/Basics-of-Nameplate-Manufacturing#main-nav) [![Norcorp](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Northern-Engraving-Logo-white.png?width=530&name=Northern-Engraving-Logo-white.png "Norcorp")](https://www.norcorp.com/) - [Nameplate Blog](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog) - Basics of Nameplate Manufacturing # Basics of Nameplate Manufacturing [![](https://www.norcorp.com/hubfs/norcorp/social-icons/facebook_footer.png)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.norcorp.com%2Fnameplate-blog%2Fbid%2F105875%2FBasics-of-Nameplate-Manufacturing) [![](https://www.norcorp.com/hubfs/norcorp/social-icons/linkedin_footer.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.norcorp.com%2Fnameplate-blog%2Fbid%2F105875%2FBasics-of-Nameplate-Manufacturing&title=&source=%2F&summary=) [![](https://www.norcorp.com/hubfs/norcorp/social-icons/twitter_footer.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Check%20out%20this%20great%20blog%20post%20I%20just%20read&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.norcorp.com%2Fnameplate-blog%2Fbid%2F105875%2FBasics-of-Nameplate-Manufacturing) [![](https://www.norcorp.com/hubfs/norcorp/social-icons/googlefooter.png)](https://plus.google.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.norcorp.com%2Fnameplate-blog%2Fbid%2F105875%2FBasics-of-Nameplate-Manufacturing) [Previous← Options in Two-Tone Nameplates](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/105185/Options-in-Two-Tone-Nameplates) [NextFavorite Nameplate | Cosmetic Appliqué →](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/105733/Favorite-Nameplate-Cosmetic-Appliqu) [Kelly Kjos](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/author/kelly-kjos) **Fri, Jun 1, 2012 **   ![describe the image](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-29880141-jpg/images/nameplate-wall.jpg) ** 3 Critical Considerations in Designing a Nameplate** Are you designing a nameplate or emblem to represent your brand?  If so, you're considering finishes, shape and dimension.  And, you need to understand how all of these decisions impact the cost. If you don't understand the basics of the manufacturing process, you may not be getting the most out of your efforts. Aluminum nameplates that you see here have one thing in common; they are all decorated in the flat sheet.  This offers distinct advantages in the design of your product identification while helping to control costs. 1.  All decoration is done in the flat sheet with multiples on the sheet.  This is cost effective since numerous parts are being processed at once rather than piece finishing. 2.  Decorating in the flat sheet allows for critical registration between colors, finishes and dimensional graphics.  Print developments aid in aligning printed decoration to [embossed graphics](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/?Tag=Embossing) and formed borders. 3. Decorating in the sheet also allows for finishes to be applied selectively.  [Mechanical finishes](https://www.norcorp.com/design-aluminum-surfaces-blog/?Tag=Mechanical+Finishes), such as brush or spin, are not limited to overall application.  They can be combined with bright graphics.  In addition, gloss and matte finishes can be integrated into one design.  Finally, textures and [patterns](https://www.norcorp.com/design/pattern-library/) can be added to create detail and add interest. Don't hesitate to explore the numerous options available to you in building your product identification.  Subtle changes can make a big difference.  Understanding critical considerations allows you to push boundaries -- while staying within budget.  [![Namplate Samples, Aluminum Nameplates, Plastic Labels](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/60349/e164d075-68b4-4518-b827-4fc20bd2ec67.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/60349/e164d075-68b4-4518-b827-4fc20bd2ec67) [![Subscribe to Nameplate Blog](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/60349/0a3388fd-bb8c-4c82-8b38-fc280d838dce.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/60349/0a3388fd-bb8c-4c82-8b38-fc280d838dce)   Topics: [Nameplate](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/nameplate), [Materials and Processes](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/materials-and-processes), [Labels](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/labels), [Resources](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/resources)   ### Subscribe to Nameplate Blog   [Go to Nameplate Blog Home](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog)   [![Request A Quote](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/60349/707247f9-b11b-4b90-9cda-6376f5426b5c.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/60349/707247f9-b11b-4b90-9cda-6376f5426b5c) - [Topics](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/105875/Basics-of-Nameplate-Manufacturing#mia-topics) - [Popular](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/105875/Basics-of-Nameplate-Manufacturing#mia-popular) - [2021 (1)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/2021) - [3D (4)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/3d) - [Adhesives (11)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/adhesives) - [Aluminum (129)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/aluminum) - [Aluminum In-mold (9)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/aluminum-in-mold) - [Aluminum Trim (41)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/aluminum-trim) - [Anodize (4)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/anodize) - [Appliance (12)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/appliance) - [Appliqué (5)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/appliqué) - [Archive (35)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/archive) - [Artwork Submission (4)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/artwork-submission) - [Assembly (6)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/assembly) - [Automotive (35)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/automotive) - [Backlit (5)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/backlit) - [Boats (6)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/boats) - [Brass (8)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/brass) - [Brushed Aluminum (19)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/brushed-aluminum) - [Carbon Fiber (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/carbon-fiber) - [Classic (1)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/classic) - [Coined (5)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/coined) - [Color Development (25)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/color-development) - [Computers (13)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/computers) - [Cosmetics (24)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/cosmetics) - [Custom Patterns (11)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/custom-patterns) - [Customization (16)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/customization) - [Customized Patterns on Aluminum (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/customized-patterns-on-aluminum) - [Debossing (13)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/debossing) - [Diamond Cut (22)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/diamond-cut) - [Digital Printing (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/digital-printing) - [ebook (4)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/ebook) - [Electronics (23)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/electronics) - [Embossing (53)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/embossing) - [Etched (20)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/etched) - [Exterior (9)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/exterior) - [FAQ (29)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/faq) - [Faux Finish (1)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/faux-finish) - [Faux Finishes (7)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/faux-finishes) - [Favorite Nameplate (20)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/favorite-nameplate) - [Furniture (9)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/furniture) - [Gauges (5)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/gauges) - [Gloss (4)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/gloss) - [Hang Tag (1)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/hang-tag) - [IDSA (1)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/idsa) - [In-mold Decoration (5)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/in-mold-decoration) - [Individual Letters (7)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/individual-letters) - [Inlay (1)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/inlay) - [Key Fob (1)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/key-fob) - [Labels (10)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/labels) - [Large Vehicle (4)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/large-vehicle) - [Laser Etch (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/laser-etch) - [Lithography (3)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/lithography) - [Match Box Cover (6)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/match-box-cover) - [Materials and Processes (118)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/materials-and-processes) - [Mechanical Finishes (51)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/mechanical-finishes) - [Medical Equipment (10)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/medical-equipment) - [Metallic (8)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/metallic) - [Motorcycle (11)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/motorcycle) - [Nameplate (175)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/nameplate) - [Nameplate Examples (54)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/nameplate-examples) - [Nameplate Tools (7)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/nameplate-tools) - [Outdoor Equipment (4)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/outdoor-equipment) - [Overlay (7)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/overlay) - [Packaging (15)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/packaging) - [Patina Finish (3)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/patina-finish) - [Plastic (1)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/plastic) - [Plastic Trim (3)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/plastic-trim) - [Point of Purchase (8)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/point-of-purchase) - [Polycarbonate (10)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/polycarbonate) - [Process Color (16)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/process-color) - [Promotional Products (38)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/promotional-products) - [Prototypes (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/prototypes) - [Recreational Vehicles (6)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/recreational-vehicles) - [Resources (11)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/resources) - [Safety Labels (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/safety-labels) - [Selective Patterns (10)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/selective-patterns) - [Sill Plate (6)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/sill-plate) - [Sports Equipment (9)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/sports-equipment) - [Stainless Steel (17)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/stainless-steel) - [stock dies (10)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/stock-dies) - [Surfaces (4)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/surfaces) - [Sustainability (1)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/sustainability) - [Technical (1)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/technical) - [Telecommunications (9)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/telecommunications) - [Testing (3)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/testing) - [Texture (15)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/texture) - [Top 10 (9)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/top-10) - [Woodgrain (2)](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/topic/woodgrain) [see all](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/105875/Basics-of-Nameplate-Manufacturing#) [![Namplate Samples, Aluminum Nameplates, Plastic Labels](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/60349/e164d075-68b4-4518-b827-4fc20bd2ec67.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/60349/e164d075-68b4-4518-b827-4fc20bd2ec67) ### Resources ### Design ### About © 2026 NBHX TRIM GROUP - Northern Engraving | 803 South Black River St. | Sparta, WI 54656-0377 | Phone +1 608 269 6911