--- title: Adding Depth to Your Nameplate with a Formed Edge description: Forming the edge of a nameplate adds depth and visual weight to your product branding. image: https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-29878623-jpg/images/metal-nameplates-with-wiped-down-skirt.jpg --- //cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/60349/file-29878623-jpg/images/metal-nameplates-with-wiped-down-skirt.jpg [](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/76479/adding-depth-to-your-nameplate-with-a-formed-edge#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) - Adding Depth to Your Nameplate with a Formed Edge # Adding Depth to Your Nameplate with a Formed Edge [![](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%2F76479%2Fadding-depth-to-your-nameplate-with-a-formed-edge) [![](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%2F76479%2Fadding-depth-to-your-nameplate-with-a-formed-edge&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%2F76479%2Fadding-depth-to-your-nameplate-with-a-formed-edge) [![](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%2F76479%2Fadding-depth-to-your-nameplate-with-a-formed-edge) [Previous← How to Pick an Adhesive for Aluminum Namelates](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/how-to-pick-an-adhesive-for-aluminum-nameplates) [NextTwo Ways to Create Dimensional Nameplates →](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/74033/two-ways-to-create-dimensional-nameplates) [Deidre Kruser](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/author/deidre-kruser) **Tue, Dec 6, 2016 ** There has been a strong trend in adding depth to product branding with a formed edge or *skirt*. Nameplates are often designed with a skirt to add to the visual weight of the product branding. In some cases this is used as an alternative to a heavy cast badge. In others it is used to offer a finished edge to the nameplate hiding a raw aluminum edge.   *![metal nameplates with wiped down skirt](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-29878623-jpg/images/metal-nameplates-with-wiped-down-skirt.jpg)* #### Options - Depth - Minimum skirt length of .040" - Maximum skirt length of .200" (additional tooling is required for greater depth and requires more discussion and review to confirm feasibility on a case by case scenario) #### Considerations - Radius minimum of .040" - this can be impacted by these factors and are subject to review - Finish or Decoration Process - Material Thickness - Test Requirements - Additional tool operations are required #### Attachment of Your Nameplate There are several options for attaching a  nameplate with a skirt. Our engineers can help you understand the benefits and limitations of each. The four most frequently used options are: 1. Design a mating surface with the same contour 2. Fill the back surface with a backplate 3. Apply a foam adhesive 4. Design tabs into the badge ##### Mating Surface with Same Contour *![metal bonded to plastic](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-29878331-jpg/images/metal-bonded-to-plastic.jpg)* In this option the plastic component that the nameplate is attached to is molded to have the same shape as the back side of the nameplate. In other words, the [aluminum nameplate is formed to the contour and shape of the mating product housing](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/nameplates-for-curved-surfaces). A heat activate adhesive is commonly used in this application. ##### Nameplate Back Surface Filled with a Backplate *![plastic backer metal nameplate](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-29889926-jpg/images/plastic-backer-metal-nameplate.jpg)* A metal or plastic backplate is used to fill the space created on the back of a nameplate with a skirt. Adhesive is applied to both sides of the backplate for adhesion to the nameplate and bonding to the product. This example shown here uses [molded-in features in the backplate to further assist with attachment to the end product](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/bid/22061/Yamaha-Logo-Molded-Feature-for-Nameplate-Alignment). ##### Foam Adhesive  *![foam backer metal nameplate](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-26253329-jpg/images/foam-backer-metal-nameplate.jpg)* Foam adhesive is available in various thicknesses to be used as both a [filler and a method of attachment for aluminum nameplates](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/foam-adhesive-for-aluminum-nameplates). This is a good choice when the nameplate is being applied to a rough surface.  It can be more cost effective than using a backplate since it requires minimal or no investment in tooling. ##### Tabs *![tabbed metal badges](https://www.norcorp.com/hs-fs/file-29894061-jpg/images/tabbed-metal-badges.jpg)* Obviously this option requires accommodations in the mating part. Tabs can be designed as a snap-fit or to be crimped. A badge with tabs can eliminate the need for adhesive. They also assist with [precise alignment of the brand identification to the end product](https://www.norcorp.com/nameplate-blog/using-tabs-for-precise-alignment-of-aluminum-nameplates). *Editor’s note: This post was originally published in October 2011 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.* *Could your next badge take advantage of a formed over edge? 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