--- title: Understanding Mechanical Finishes on Aluminum Nameplates description: Mechanical finishes can be used to enhance and increase the perceived value for aluminum nameplates. Walk through options in spin, brush, engine turn and engine stripe. image: https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-2557558906-jpg/images/MechFinishesGroup.jpg --- http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/60349/file-2557558906-jpg/images/MechFinishesGroup.jpg [](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/119066/Understanding-Mechanical-Finishes-on-Aluminum-Nameplates#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) - Understanding Mechanical Finishes on Aluminum Nameplates # Understanding Mechanical Finishes on Aluminum Nameplates [![](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%2F119066%2FUnderstanding-Mechanical-Finishes-on-Aluminum-Nameplates) [![](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%2F119066%2FUnderstanding-Mechanical-Finishes-on-Aluminum-Nameplates&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%2F119066%2FUnderstanding-Mechanical-Finishes-on-Aluminum-Nameplates) [![](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%2F119066%2FUnderstanding-Mechanical-Finishes-on-Aluminum-Nameplates) [Previous← Nameplate Archive | Etched Aluminum Graphics](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/117493/Nameplate-Archive-Etched-Aluminum-Graphics) [NextFavorite Nameplate | Point of Purchase Aluminum Nameplate →](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/118013/Favorite-Nameplate-Point-of-Purchase-Aluminum-Nameplate) [Vicky Bowie](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/author/vicky-bowie) **Thu, Oct 17, 2013 ** #### Mechanical Finishes on Aluminum Nameplates ![Mechanical Finish on Aluminum](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-2557558906-jpg/images/MechFinishesGroup.jpg?width=581&name=MechFinishesGroup.jpg "Mechanical Finish on Aluminum") Mechanical finishes combine with standard aluminum nameplate decorative processes to increase perceived value by creating movement and the look of shimmering metal. Use one or incorporate layers of brush and spin to create a unique look. #### Spin Spin creates movement behind transparent tint of color for any aluminum nameplate. When used in selective areas, it adds an accent or draws attention to a logo. #### Brush Many aluminum nameplates utilize allover brush in the background for a finished look. This option also can show depth or give appearance of beveled borders. #### Engine Turn For a sporty look, engine turn is a popular option. This builds off of the standard spin and creates layers resulting in greater movement behind any transparent tint on an aluminum nameplate.  #### Engine Stripe Engine stripe is another option for a sporty look. It can be used as an overall background for aluminum badges or selectively combined with textures or transparent tints. Either option creates a stunning high profile look. #### Layering Mechanical Finishes Layering mechanical finishes on aluminum produces an interesting combination of depth and dimension. The surface of the aluminum becomes interactive and "flips" around creating a multi-dimensional piece. *Now that you've walked through options for mechanical finishes on aluminum nameplates, let your next design come to life. 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