Bold and Beautiful - Microchip Technologyww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/DeviceDoc/Northern... · 2008-11-10 · Bold and Beautiful Aluminum Trim & Nameplate Options for Inductive

®Northern Engraving®Northern Engraving

Bold and BeautifulBold and BeautifulAluminum Trim & Nameplate Optionsfor Inductive TechnologyAluminum Trim & Nameplate Optionsfor Inductive Technology

Aluminum Trim & Nameplate OptionsAluminum Trim & Nameplate Options

www.norcorp.comwww.norcorp.com

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.

Introduction: Brief Overview





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 PanelConductive 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.

SpacerThe 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.

PlasticABS, Acrylic, Polycarbonate, Polyester, Vinyl

MetalAluminum, Stainless Steel, Cold Rolled Steel

In-Molded PlasticAcrylic, Glass Filled Nylon, Polycarbonate

AdhesiveA wide range of adhesives are available to meet specific environmental and bonding

requirements.

Pressure SensitiveHeat Activated

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Enhanced• LCD module mounting

Embossed bezel in the front panelPierced opening in front panel with a clear spacer over the LCD screenPierced opening in front panel allowing LCD module to pass through the metal

• Indicators and displaysPierced openings with clear spacers allowing LEDs to shine through

Inductive Touch



Spacer

Printed Circuit Board

Front Panel/Target

Spacer

Printed Circuit Board

Front Panel/Target


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 ThicknessesAluminum .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.

Basic 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.



Premium Aluminum




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 SubstratesABS .010”, .015”, .060” – Black, WhiteAcrylic .093”, .032”Polyester .002” - .010” – Chrome, Clear, Brushed, WhitePolycarbonate .005” - .060” – Textured, Velvet, ClearVinyl .010” - .020” – Scuff Resistant, Black Matte



Plastic




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 ProcessesNorthern 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.

Tooling




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.


About Northern Engraving

803 South Black River Street, Sparta, WI 54656608.269.6911 [email protected] www.norcorp.com

803 South Black River Street, Sparta, WI 54656608.269.6911 [email protected] www.norcorp.com



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Bold and Beautiful - Microchip Technologyww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/DeviceDoc/Northern... · 2008-11-10 · Bold and Beautiful Aluminum Trim & Nameplate Options for Inductive