Many of the nameplates and emblems that come in for review are designed to be placed on a flat surface. There are times when a brand needs to be placed on a curved surface. Here are some examples of aluminum badges and plastic decals which take on the contoured shape of the end product.
Aluminum Nameplates with Custom Form Tooling Operations
An aluminum badge can be formed to match the form of the mating product surface so that there are clean lines and natural transition between the identification and the product. A custom tool to form the metal with the necessary geometry should be figured into the project budget.
Discussion and review with Tool Engineering is an important part of the development of this type of nameplate. The amount of the form and the attachment to the end product are some of the elements to be reviewed. Pressure sensitive adhesive and assembly to a molded plastic carrier are common attachment options when formed aluminum is used.
Decoration for aluminum that will go through a forming operation is wide open. Transparent tints of color or screened background textures should not shy you away from a formed nameplate. 
Formed aluminum can also be enhanced with Norlens, a durable urethane lens. The domed lens creates a smooth surface, magnifying the natural highlights and shadows present in the metal substrate.
Nameplates and badges in markets including appliance trim, medical equipment, recreational equipment and interior automotive trim have incorporated formed aluminum into the design.
Individual Letters with NECODome Process
Another way for branding to take into consideration the geometry and contour of a product is to engineer the badge with individual or separate letters.
The NECODome process layers flexible plastic material to create a dimensional graphic on a nameplate with a flat back that can be applied to a curved surface with pressure sensitive adhesive. A clear mask is used for positioning and alignment to the end product.
This process has been used for attractive badges on products including motorcycles, medical equipment and computerized robotics.
Flexible Plastic Labels Wrap Around Products
The flexible nature of polyester and thin polycarbonate makes it possible to consider these materials as well for product identification labels and decals. Standard printing and screening processes can be used for decoration and graphics.
The labels are supplied flat. They are commonly attached with a pressure sensitive adhesive which bonds to the surface of the end product.
These types of flexible nameplates have been used to enhance the labeling and packaging of champagne bottles, beer tappers and golf club shafts.
Curved Surfaces Can Be Branded Too
We've walked through some examples of nameplates and labels which have been applied to curved surfaces. Isn't it amazing to think that your branding efforts do not have to be limited to just the flat areas of your product? Let your aluminum badge or plastic label follow the form and curve of your design. When you're ready, we're here to help!
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