Harold Wood Co. - Surfacing

NAMEPLATE SURFACE PROCESSES

Selection of imprinting process is important to cost. We offer you a choice of etching, anodizing, lithography and screening on aluminum, stainless steel, brass and plastic. We can combine metal finishes, etching and lithography to obtain special unique effects. Color matching can generally be obtained in any of our processes using paints or inks. We suggest the use of the PMS (Pantone Matching Systems) as reference for your choice of colors.

ETCHED AND ANODIZED

Our etched nameplate has areas that are raised and sunken. This effect is accomplished by masking certain areas of the metal. The unmasked areas, when exposed to a suitable etchant, are dissolved to a certain depth. This depth is what gives an etched nameplate it's decorating properties. An exceptionally durable metal reproduction is the result of this process. Since the design is below the surface of the metal, it promotes long life and resistance to abrasion, solvents and heat.

The depth of etching varies depending on the height and stroke of lettering used. After etching, all of our nameplates are given a coat of baking enamel with your choice of color to fill the etched area.

Our anodized and dyed nameplates are ones that have gone through a chemical process that has changed the aluminum sheet. This change allows the sheet to absorb colored dyes. our photosensitive nameplate is made by exposing a sheet of presensitized metal through a negative, the sheet is then developed. This method is best for prototypes or limited short runs. Additionally, this process will meet Mil-p-15024 Type G, H and Mil-P-19834B.

LITHOGRAPHED

Our lithographed nameplate is a decorating process using specially formulated inks that are suitable for flat metal or plastic substrates. A special metal decorating printing press is utilized to transfer ink from an image plate, via a rolling blanket, and deposits it on the desired material. Metal sheets are then generally lacquer coated for added protection. Plastic sheets may be also overlaminated at this point for added protection.

A lithographed nameplate has the advantage of being less expensive than an etched nameplate because of the fewer production processes involved. The disadvantage is having a shorter outdoor life. A lithographed nameplate is therefore best suited to interior uses. This process is often used when especially fine detail, small lettering, or multi-color reproductions are specified.

SCREENED

Our silk screen nameplate is a processs that photographically places an image on a material of fine mesh silk. Epoxy, enamel, or lacquer paoints are forced through openings in the mesh and deposited on the surface of metal or plastic.

This process yields a durable nameplate that will withstand outdoor and other harsh environments. It is a very flexible process especially in terms of color matching and unusual graphic presentations.