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Aluminum Trim & Nameplate Options
Bold and Beautiful
Aluminum Trim & Nameplate Options
for Inductive Technology
Northern Engraving
®
w w w. n o r c o r p . c o m
Aluminum Trim & Nameplate Options
Introduction: Brief Overview
The options for decorating metal trim used in inductive technology are
limited only by imagination. Inductive technology offers a clean smooth
surface uninterrupted by protruding buttons. This is because the
technology allows sensing through most materials including aluminum.
Aluminum trim is an authentic material which can be decorated using
any combination of brushing, printing, texture and forming. An extensive
library of patterns is available to be integrated into the trim. Logos can
be included two dimensionally or embossed for a 3-D effect. An
aluminum touch control for products ranging from refrigerators to laptops
and automotive to electronics is now a reality. Explore the possibilities of
aluminum trim.
Northern Engraving
®
w w w. n o r c o r p . c o m
Aluminum Trim & Nameplate Options
Inductive Touch
Inductive touch sensors require a layered construction. The front panel
or overlay is the top layer of the construction. Aluminum is the most
versatile option for this layer since it offers a wide variety of decorative
and functional options. It is an excellent candidate for inductive touch
because it has a low resistivity and does not increase the inductance. It
allows deflection relative to the underlying coil. A spacer is required
between the front panel and printed circuit board. This layer is typically
polycarbonate with adhesive on both sides for bonding to the front panel
and circuit board.
Front Panel
• Conductive Substrates
Aluminum or Stainless Steel
• Non-conductive Substrates
Polycarbonate
• Conductive Target Layer
This layer is only required if a non-conductive substrate is used as the front
panel. Typically this layer will be aluminum laminated with adhesive.
Spacer
The spacer provides a separation between the conductive target and coil windings
allowing for deflection. Holes are located in the spacer above each coil on the printed
circuit board. The holes are pierced for both metal and plastic options and adhesive is
used to apply the spacer to the front panel. Alternatively, the use of in-mold creates the
required holes during the molding process in addition to attachment features.
Front Panel/Target
Spacer
• Plastic
ABS, Acrylic, Polycarbonate, Polyester, Vinyl
Printed Circuit Board
• Metal
Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Cold Rolled Steel
• In-Molded Plastic
Acrylic, Glass Filled Nylon, Polycarbonate
Adhesive
A wide range of adhesives are available to meet specific environmental and bonding
requirements.
• Pressure Sensitive
• Heat Activated
Enhanced
• LCD module mounting
Embossed bezel in the front panel
Pierced opening in front panel with a clear spacer over the LCD screen
Pierced opening in front panel allowing LCD module to pass through the metal
• Indicators and displays
Pierced openings with clear spacers allowing LEDs to shine through
Front Panel/Target
Spacer
Printed Circuit Board
Northern Engraving
®
w w w. n o r c o r p . c o m
Aluminum Trim & Nameplate Options
Basic Aluminum
Color and gloss are two basic considerations when designing a part.
Printing on aluminum is similar to traditional printing, however, it creates
many additional options. Aluminum’s reflective qualities can be built
upon to achieve effects not available on other substrates.
Our library of thousands of patterns enhances aluminum’s richness
through the use of color and gloss. Texture is used to provide an
additional aesthetic look and feel. Patterns are customizable in scale
and color. They can be printed selectively and in combination with other
processes.
Color
• Metallic, Opaque
Opaque inks ranging from Pantone colors to metallic colors are custom
matched in house. The colors can be matched in high or low gloss.
• Transparent
Transparent tints of color let the reflective quality of aluminum show through,
working in combination with mechanical brushes and spins to create attention
getting looks. Tints can also be matched in various gloss levels.
• Process Color
Process color provides high definition and multiple colors economically. Unique
effects are created when combined with additional processes such as norbrush
or texture.
Gloss
• Low, Medium, High
Gloss levels are achieved through protective topcoats applied after printing
which protect the finish from fading, scratching, staining and environmental
extremes.
• Selective
Selective gloss levels can be used to provide subtle contrast or draw attention
to a logo.
Enhanced
• Norlens
Norlens is a crystal clear urethane which adds an attractive jewel-like
appearance. The contoured finish has outstanding weathering characteristics
and a self-healing feature to resist marring.
• Pattern
Patterns add dimension and interest while adding to the overall perceived value
of the product.
• Texture
Textures are often used in combination with patterns. Whether subtle or bold,
they add dimension without the expense of tooling.
Standard Specifications – Metal Substrate Thicknesses
Aluminum
.012” - .060”
Brass
.012” - .032”
Stainless Steel 304
.008” - .060”
Stainless Steel 430
.012” - .050”
Cold Rolled Steel
.012” - .060”
Northern Engraving manufactures UL and CSA approved adhesives ranging from thin to
foam in thickness and heat activated to pressure sensitive.
Not all processes are available on all substrates. Additional processes and information are
available, please call for details.
Northern Engraving
®
w w w. n o r c o r p . c o m
Aluminum Trim & Nameplate Options
Premium Aluminum
Added value, durability requirements and aesthetics make aluminum
nameplates the preferred substrate for many product identification
applications. The following processes can be combined with many
design and decorating options. The samples shown are on aluminum
which can be tinted to look like brass, copper or steel. The mechanical
and chemical processes shown offer a high end look that cannot be
achieved on other substrates.
Mechanical
• Diamond Cut
Diamond cut offers a crisp distinct look. The graphics are first embossed and
then diamond cut in one of three cuts: phalanx, zebra or skive.
• Engine Stripe
Engine stripe, available in a variety of widths, is a unique look that adds
movement to a part. Used selectively as a background or incorporated into
graphics, transparent tints of color can be layered with engine stripe.
• Engine Turn
Engine turn can be used as a background or in graphics to add movement.
Whether left the natural aluminum color or tinted with a transparent color, it
provides an effect which can’t be matched in other processes.
• Norbrush
Norbrush can be used selectively on graphics or as a background. Selective
texture, transparent tints of color and high, medium or low gloss are options to
be combined with norbrush.
• Laser Etch
Laser etch can be used to create serialization tags by applying either sequential
numbers or bar-codes or a combination of both.
• Spin
Spin is available in a variety of sizes and in a radial of concentric design. It is
often used in the background of a round or oval dial with or without a
transparent tint of color.
Chemical
• Anodize
Anodizing is used to brighten aluminum. Color can be permanently sealed into
the aluminum during the anodizing process. The final product enhances the
quality of the aluminum and provides a highly durable finish.
• Chemical Etch
Chemical etch is durable and tactile. Used to create graphics or background
patterns, it holds up to environmental extremes.
• Norfrost
Norfrost, an authentic aluminum look, contrasts nicely with bright aluminum.
Silver or anodized gold, norfrost is a classic durable finish.
• Deep Etch
Deep etch is an economical way to add dimension. Creating a depth of .005” to
.006”, it can be combined with other mechanical finishes.
Not all processes are available on all substrates. Additional processes and information are
available, please call for details.
Northern Engraving
®
w w w. n o r c o r p . c o m
Aluminum Trim & Nameplate Options
Plastic
Plastic decoratives present added functionality. From clear windows and
dead front to touch controls and overlays, plastics provide many options.
Decorative and functional processes ranging from in-mold decoration to
lighting compensation are among the possibilities.
Color
• Metallic, Opaque
Opaque inks ranging from Pantone colors to metallic colors are custom
matched in house. The colors are printed or screened first or second surface
depending on the substrate and the part specifications.
• Back Lit
Back lit graphics can be designed to remain the same color or change color
when back lit, increasing visibility in dark environments or signaling a product is
in use.
• Transparent
Transparent tints of color can be back lit on clear substrates. They are also
used to allow the reflective quality of chrome polyester to show through.
• Dead Front
Dead front is used for display, readouts and LEDs and is only visible when back
lit. From slightly dull to nearly invisible, it combines with transparent colors
creating many options.
• Process Color
Process color provides high definition and multiple colors economically. It can
be combined with flexlens for unique effects or printed on chrome polyester to
add visual depth.
Enhanced
• Brushed
Brushed plastic substrates, whether chrome polyester or polycarbonate, can be
printed with color to achieve a desired look. A pattern can also be printed to
simulate brushing.
• Flexlens, Duolens
Flexlens is a crystal clear, self-healing, scuff resistant urethane. The domed
finish is flexible. Duolens adds dimension by combining a floating graphic and
flexlens.
• Texture
Selective textures can be used to increase aesthetics, improve readability,
increase solvent resistance and create custom textures unavailable on raw
material.
• Pattern
Patterns ranging from woodgrain and marble to technical finishes and textures
add dimension and interest while adding to the overall perceived value of the
product.
Standard Specifications – Plastic Substrates
ABS
.010”, .015”, .060” – Black, White
Acrylic
.093”, .032”
Polyester
.002” - .010” – Chrome, Clear, Brushed, White
Polycarbonate .005” - .060” – Textured, Velvet, Clear
Vinyl
.010” - .020” – Scuff Resistant, Black Matte
Not all processes are available on all substrates. Additional processes and information are
available, please call for details.
Northern Engraving
®
w w w. n o r c o r p . c o m
Aluminum Trim & Nameplate Options
Tooling
Northern Engraving provides process development, design services and
tooling capabilities. On-site we house two tool shops with the ability to
create dies ranging from prototype to Class A hard tools. A large
selection of dies in standard shapes and sizes are in stock and available
to reduce costs.
Our engineers become involved in the early stages of product
development. We recommend the designs for parts to precisely fit the
OEM product as both a decorative element and a seamless, even
functional part of the whole product.
Aluminum
• Coin
Coining lightly disrupts the surface of the metal. It can be used for graphics or
to create a variety of textures.
• Deboss
Deboss refers to tooling that results in recessed metal. It is often used on logos
to add dimension.
• Etch Emboss
Etch emboss tooling creates raised logos or graphics economically. The metal
is embossed to a height ranging from .005” to .006”.
• Cut Emboss
Cut emboss tooling raises logos or graphics from .006” to .025” based on part
requirements. Embossed features can be created to be sharp and crisp or
rounded. Diamond cutting requires graphics embossed with a cut emboss tool.
• 3-D Emboss
3-D emboss refers to tooling that raises the metal into multiple levels. The
decorative may have various flat planes or a sculpted logo or graphic.
• Form
Forming is the bending of metal in different directions, including formed outside
or inside edges, draw and cam. It can be used to add to the overall perceived
value of the part or to aid in the fit and function.
Plastic
• Emboss
Embossing raises a selective area of the plastic. Whether for aesthetics or
function it can be used to create rails, logos, or buttons and is attained through
either hot or cold process.
• Form
Formed plastic can be achieved through a variety of processes including
thermoforming, hydroforming, high pressure air and match metal. It can be
combined with in-mold decoration for decorative parts that offer added value.
Additional Processes
Northern Engraving has many processes which add value by aiding in assembly to the
finished product. Examples of these processes include blank on tape, blank with tear
tab, snap fit and tab. Custom packaging, such as vacuum trays or foam carriers, can be
created providing extra protection in shipping or aiding in final assembly to the OEM
product. We can also apply protective mask to parts overall or selectively based on
product requirements.
Northern Engraving
®
w w w. n o r c o r p . c o m
Aluminum Trim & Nameplate Options
About Northern Engraving
Founded in 1908, Northern Engraving Corporation is a leading
supplier of nameplate and decorative trim to a variety of markets.
Value-added services include in-house Design, Engineering,
Program Management, Test Lab and Tool Shops. A direct sales
force and manufacturer’s representatives across the United
States, Europe and Asia provide local service and attention for
projects. These areas interact with our Customer Service and
Manufacturing teams to ensure quality product on time and to
your satisfaction.
The integration of diverse decorative processes on substrates
ranging from aluminum and stainless steel to polycarbonate and
polyester gives an advantage in today’s highly competitive
market. From quality control to engineering; design to research
and development; prototype samples to production parts, we
provide the convenience of a single source for all your decorative
needs.
803 South Black River Street, Sparta, WI 54656
608.269.6911 sales@norcorp.com www.norcorp.com
Northern Engraving
®