architectural nameplates from the Rivermeade product range
Architectural nameplates Rivermeade makes beautifully crafted architectural quality nameplates in the widest possible choice of materials, We are equipped to produce single or multiple quantities of plates in brass, stainless steel, aluminium, glass or acrylic using the latest production techniques. These include chemical etching, mechanical engraving, sandblasting, screenprint and vinyl to create nameplates which range in appearance from the traditional to the contemporary. Rivermeade has been supplying some of the biggest users of nameplates for years. Let us supply your requirements.
Architectural nameplates materials, processes and finishes Materials Rivermeade produces architectural nameplates in a variety of materials suited to different processes and end uses. We have the following materials in stock for immediate production. Brass is a wonderful traditional material for making etched or engraved plates. It is suited to both internal and external use although if used externally it will require regular cleaning to prevent tarnishing. Brass is available as standard in 1.5mm, 3mm or 6mm thicknesses to a maximum plate size of 1220 x 600mm in either a polished or satin grained finish (the grain normally runs horizontally and is a 240 grit). We supply brass with a high quality lacquered finish for internal use. For external use it will be supplied untreated. Brass looks particularly good mounted onto traditional wooden backpanels in mahogany, oak, cherry or ash. Bronze toned metal. This is a hand applied chemical process which artificially ages the metal to create a beautiful deep bronze patina. It is particularly popular with financial institutions. Its use creates a plate of timeless, aged, elegance instantly. However, the chemical reaction is an ongoing process which will change with the passage of time as different hues and colours in the plates appear. Bronze toned metal plates may be lacquered for internal use or waxed for external use. Stainless steel has a generally deserved reputation as a highly durable weather resistant material which is equally at home externally or internally. Stainless steel nevertheless does require some occasional cleaning to prevent deterioration. Stainless steel is available in 1mm, 1.5mm, 3mm and 6mm thicknesses to a maximum plate size of 2500 x 600mm for conveyerised etching in either a brushed or polished finish. This material is particularly suited to chemical etching, mechanical engraving or even sandblasting. Glass. A highly versatile material, the use of toughened glass in architectural plates has increased dramatically as users have became aware of the possibilities. Toughened glass can be used equally well externally as well as internally. Glass panels are available in various thickness and are supplied as standard with polished and arrised edges and drilled to accept mechanical fixings. Glass can be sandblasted to a maximum size of 1320 x 1320mm, screen printed or vinyl texted. Acrylic may be substituted for glass, although it should be pointed out that acrylic is particularly prone to scratching and static electricity which attracts dust. Acrylic is available in just about any size in 3 or 5mm thickness.acrylic can be sandblasted, screen printed, vinyl texted or mechanically engraved. Processes Rivermeade uses a number of different manufacturing processes to ensure your graphic is correctly transferred onto the raw material substrate. Different processes are matched to the raw material and the particular graphic requirement. Chemical etching We use both conveyerised etching and hand etching systems. Our conveyer system will handle panels up to 600mm wide as standard. Larger panels up to 2500 x 1250mm max-imum are etched by hand. Chemical etching produces superb photographic quality reproduction of line detail which cannot be matched by any other engraving process. Chemical etching produces highly durable nameplates and panels suitable for most
applications.this process is particularly suited to the production of single plates where flawless reproduction is required and to multiple plates, where the process becomes highly cost effective. Mechanical engraving. The mechanical process is particularly cost effective for single plates and short runs. Although the quality of graphic reproduction is not quite as good as chemical etching a deeper bite into the material is achieved making the finished plate long lasting and robust. Ideal for a traditional brass plate which will be cleaned daily. Sand blasting. This is a pressurised air process, in which grit or glass bead is directed at a pre-masked substrate to create an abraded or reverse abraded letter character, graphic or surface finish. The end result is a spectacular finish which is quite unlike any other. For example polished stainless steel may be masked with text and graphics and the background blasted to reveal the characters in beautiful mirror polished stainless steel. This produces an extremely long lasting and durable finish of superb architectural quality. Care and maintenance of architectural nameplates. Once you or have decided on the most appropriate material and process combination you will want to ensure that, given proper care and attention, the plate will last for years. It will, providing a few simple guidelines are followed. Brass can be supplied lacquered for internal use which should ensure a low maintenance lifespan. External brass is supplied unlacquered which means that regular cleaning is essential. Care should be exercised to avoid polishing out the infill. Avoid using abrasive cleaners. Stainless steel is almost maintenance free. However even stainless requires the occasional polish with a dry cloth to remove finger marks or even the odd clean with hot soapy water to restore it to peak condition. Glass and acrylic. Regular cleaning is required. To avoid scratches clean using a soft cloth and a proprietary cleaning agent. In the case of laminated glass ensure that the edge remains dry, remove any excess moisture which may be present after cleaning to prevent the panel joint deteriorating. Bronze toned metal can be supplied lacquered for internal use which should ensure a low maintenance life span. For external use the plates will be supplied unlacquered. Regular cleaning with a wax based non-abrasive cleaning agent is recommended. Care should be exercised to avoid polishing out the infill.
Nameplate options Glass sandblasted and screenprinted Clear acrylic screen printed and vinyl texted Polished brass Stoved aluminium machine engraved Post natural anodised aluminium machine engraved Cast bronze
Bronze toned metal Polished brass Satin stainless steel Polished stainless steel Stoved aluminium screen printed Polished stainless steel sandblasted
PO Box 155 Gateshead Tyne & Wear NE11 9WE T 0191 460 4646 F 0191 460 1121 northernsales@rivermeade.com Rivermeade Signs Roslin Road London W3 8BW T 020 8896 6900 F 020 8752 1691 sales@rivermeade.com www.rivermeade.com The Caledonian Suite St. Andrew House 141 West Nile Street Glasgow G1 2RN T 0141 333 6662 F 0141 333 1116 scottishsales@rivermeade.com