Indianapolis Badge & Nameplate Co.

• MaterialsPlastics, Anodized Aluminum, Brass, Stainless Steel, Cold Rolled Steel

Computerized Rotary: Computerized rotary engraving uses a metal cutter rotating in a spindle and controlled by a computer to engrave logos, text and numbers up to .020” deep primarily into laminated plastic and color anodized aluminum to leave a contrasting and durable image. Rotary engraving is a good alternative when there are many text changes like a list of names or random numbers. Laser: Laser engraving is done on special materials that respond to a computer controlled laser to produce images or to cut through material. Laser engraving is usually done on laminated plastic or color anodized aluminum to produce a contrasting image. Laser engraving is generally not as deep as rotary engraving but is better for complicated graphics and usually produces a cleaner and sharper image than rotary engraving. Specially prepared brass, stainless steel and cold rolled steel can also be laser engraved.

• Materials:Label Stocks, Aluminum, Anodized Aluminum, Light Brass, Light Gauge Stainless, Cold Rolled Steel

Embossing creates a raised image through the use of a die. Embossing is good alternative for imprinting where the tag or nameplate may be painted over or the image faces harsh environments.Raised images include logos, unique text and consecutive numbers. The raised areas can also be painted for contrast.

• Materials:Aluminum, Anodized Aluminum

Photo anodizing is a highly durable method of printing text, graphics and grayscale images (like photos) on aluminum that has been pretreated with light sensitive chemicals. Graphic film is used to block out or expose desired areas of the material to print the image before it is run through a developing process, much like film. Not only is the image very durable but also duplicates the quality of the artwork onto the aluminum. Once the image is exposed and developed it is run through an anodic sealing process that impregnates the image into the aluminum. Photo anodizing can be used in interior and exterior environments. Generally photo anodizing produces a black image on various colors of aluminum such as silver, red, gold, blue and green. Materials are also available with satin, matte or gloss finishes. Color graphics can be added by using special screen printing inks. Standard colors and custom colors are available.

• Materials:Opaque and Transparent Vinyl, Banner Material, Paper, Card Stocks

Digital graphics are output on high resolution printers and plotters on opaque and transparent vinyl, banner material, paper and card stocks and other substrates. Digital graphics can be used for labels, banners, PoP displays, vehicle graphics, window logos, custom signs, name badges and many other uses. Customers can supply digital files or we can produce custom art based on customer instructions. Options include interior or exterior quality, lamination, and application to various substrates like plastics or metals.

• Materials:Aluminum, Anodized Aluminum, Plastics, Light Brass, Light Gauge Stainless, Cold Rolled Steel

Stamping creates a sunken image through the use of a stamping die. Stamping is generally less expensive than embossing. Stamped images are very durable but may be less visible if painted over. Stamped images can be color filled with enamel for contrast. Stamped images include logos, unique text and consecutive numbers.

• MaterialsAluminum, Anodized Aluminum, Brass, Stainless Steel, Cold Rolled Steel

Etching is a process where acid burns into the material in areas not protected by photo polymer film that has been exposed to light through artwork film. Etching can produce and highly detailed images with good resolution. Generally images are from .003” to .025” deep. Etched images can also be color filled for contrast. Material can also be reverse etched to leave a raised image and be colored for contrast.

• Materials:Aluminum, Anodized Aluminum, Plastics, Vinyl, Brass, Stainless Steel

Screen printing is a printing technique that uses a woven mesh to support an ink-blocking stencil. The attached stencil forms open areas of mesh that transfer ink or other printable materials which can be pressed through the mesh as a sharp-edged image onto a substrate. A fill blade or squeegee is moved across the screen stencil, forcing or pumping ink into the mesh openings for transfer during the squeegee stroke. Like other printing process screen printing allows for color matching, multiple colors and detailed graphics. High Detailed graphics, such as photographs, can be done with screen printing but digital printing is better in most situations.Various inks can be used for differing environments and materials. It is important to consider the long term environment when considering the use of screen printing and determining which inks to use.