Surfaces on Aluminum Blog

Creating Four Distinct Looks Using Common Tools The Dodge Charger takes full advantage of the versatility of aluminum by updating the metal finish to create four distinct looks for unique interiors.  Both the instrument panel and shifter bezel take advantage of the naturally reflective surface of m

This week, Billie Theobald, a Regional Sales Manager at Northern Engraving, is sharing one of her favorite finishes on aluminum. There are several patterns and finishes that stood out to her, but this is one example of a favorite. Though many aluminum finishes appeal to me, this particular pattern i

This week, Jerry Chenoweth, a Regional Sales Manager at Northern Engraving, is sharing his favorite finish and the reasons behind his choice.   Jerry Chenoweth, Regional Sales ManagerJerry handles nameplate sales for his region and has a vast knowledge of both nameplates and finishes. Northe

This week, Gerald R Hoerres, the Graphic Arts Manager at Northern Engraving, is sharing the steps of pattern creation and the joy it has brought him to be involved in the process. There are several methods to design a pattern for aluminum, but this is one example that stood out to Gerald. The Joy of

This week, Vicky Bowie, our Sales Development Representative, is contributing to the Surfaces on Aluminum blog with some of the reasons in which a finish or pattern is added to a badge or emblem design. 5 Reasons for Adding Finish or Pattern to your Nameplate Design Selecting a background finish can

          Adding Interest to a Background Finish with Patterns These finishes all have one thing in common, they all feature a subtle pattern added to enhance the aluminum finish. The subtle look is achieved by either printing a tone on tone or screening a simple gloss change. Using these processes,

Crisp precision and repetitive alignment transform ordinary geometric shapes into complex interlocking structures.  Layering of textured and brushed structures creates interactive surfaces with depth.   (from left to right, top to bottom) PAT-3538-A, DES-915-B, PAT-4171-A, PAT-3522

The simplicity of basic dot patterns is counterbalanced with the technical precision of machined metal surfaces creating a laser-etched or perforated effect.   (from left to right, top to bottom) PAT-4312-B, NAS-260-A, PAT-4288-C, DES-610-A, PAT-2748-C, PAT-1623-I *patterns not sho

Organic finishes are a diverse category of patterns taking inspiration from nature, handcrafted surfaces and modern graphic effects.  Linear structures are popular as well as large scale graphic effects.  Random, imperfect and irregular details add interest to the surfaces which work well with the c

  Machined finishes traveling across the surface in a serpentine manner.  A smooth straight line that bursts into motion.  Carefully placed miniature spins all designed with the end application in mind.   (from left to right, top to bottom) NEC-124-B, NEC-123-B, NEC-114-I, NEC-125-