-
-
Company / Product/Service
What Are Equipment Nameplates?
Share:
Metal Marker Manufacturing Co, North Ridgeville, OH
Posted on Jun 13, 2019
Equipment nameplates play an integral role in industrial worksites across the globe. They provide instantly accessible information to workers, managers, and anyone on the job site.
This includes everything from safety warnings, usage guidelines, asset tracking codes, and/or manufacturer info. The uses for these nameplates are endless.
What Info Goes on Equipment Nameplates?
Identification Information
Metal nameplates for equipment are primarily used for identification. This means providing important information to operators. They are sometimes referred to as data plates, as they provide a data source directly on the machine or equipment.
What information is on the tag? Anything you can imagine. Everything from machine specifications to year of installation.
Barcode/QR Codes
Add serialized numbers on your equipment plates to make your equipment easy to track. Just by adding a barcode or QR code to your equipment, it becomes traceable with a quick scan. Modern asset tracking software integrates seamlessly into your business or supply chain to provide insight and increase efficiency. This takes the legwork out of manually inputting a ton of info.
Asset Tagging
In addition to code scanning, serial number tags can provide a simpler alternative method to tracking.
In addition to monitoring, these nameplates also serve as a means of deterring theft. Something as simple as a company logo attached to a piece of machinery can be enough to discourage theft or prevent resale.
Warning Labels & Signs
Safety is incredibly important, especially in an industrial setting. Anyone who has stepped into a factory knows there are warning signs everywhere you look, and that’s a good thing. Warning signs and labels make a huge difference in maintaining a safe work environment.
Metal identification is a great way to provide warning and safety messages directly on equipment. This can include: weight restrictions, machine tolerances, proper usage techniques, etc.
For example, a machine might have an electrical limit, or a message regarding running it safely for long durations.
Manufacturer Info/Branding
For industrial equipment manufacturers, nameplates are an excellent way to promote your company and engage with end users.
When your customer gives a tour of their manufacturing facility to a colleague in the industry, they will easily recognize and remember the branded nameplate on a machine. Then when they research their own equipment, they will have a starting point.
If there is a defect or issue with a machine, an operator can use contact info found directly on the equipment to quickly get information on repair or replacement.
Including details such as date of manufacture or warranty information may seem minor, but can make identifying and servicing equipment significantly easier.
Many More
These are just a few of the many potential applications for metal equipment nameplates. The only real limitation is what you can imagine.
Industries
Equipment nameplates are used in nearly any industry you can imagine.
A few examples include:
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Energy
- Oil & Gas
- Telecommunications
- Many More!
Processes Used for Equipment Nameplates
There a wide range of marking processes used to fit different applications.
Photo Anodized Nameplates
If you’re putting a metal nameplate on an expensive piece of equipment, you have high expectations. You expect the plate to be highly durable, long-lasting, and provide clear and legible information. Photo anodized nameplates check all those boxes.
This process embeds a design underneath super strong anodized aluminum material layers. Even if your machine takes a beating, your tag will hold up for a long time (upwards of 20+ years).
Photo anodization (MetalPhoto) is very versatile when it comes to design. These nameplates can feature any image, number, text, or barcode. Plus, a color background can be added.
The only restrictions pertain to color, such as using colored text or multiple colors for the background.
It’s easy to see why MetalPhoto nameplates are such a popular choice for industrial equipment labeling.
Screen Printed Nameplates
If you absolutely need multi-color designs on your equipment, screen printing is the option for you. While these tags are more susceptible to wear (due to their topical ink printing) they are the best choice for full color designs.
These nameplates are fantastic for equipment warning signs since they can be adorned with bright and vibrant print. This allows for the message to stand out in most environments. Plus machine manufacturers are able to use their full logo design without restriction.
Etched Nameplates
The etching process is a more durable marking technique than printing, and allows for colored designs as well. After a design is laser or chemically etched into the metal substrate, an infill color can be applied.
Wrap-Up
Mounting nameplates on equipment is one of the simplest (but effective) applications for metal identification. By providing easily accessible information directly where workers will be interacting with machines lowers the chance of misuse, accidents, or misunderstanding.
With many process options to select from, equipment nameplates are suitable for nearly any industrial application.
Source Destination: https://www.metalmarkermfg.com/what-are-equipment-nameplates/