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View A Video on Name Plates - A Quick Introduction Name Plates
Nameplates are plaque-like displays of information, specially designed with signs and symbols that identify things. Nameplate manufacturers fashion nameplates out of an extensive variety of materials for use in an equally extensive variety of applications. Office nameplates, desk nameplates and door nameplates are used in professional companies, industrial facilities and institutions to identify the occupants of desks and offices.
Note: Nameplates are not the same thing as labels. They differ from labels in that nameplates are usually designed for long term person or product identification, whereas labels are designed for fairly easy removal. In addition, labels almost always use adhesive, whereas adhesive is only one of the options available with nameplates. They are also not the same thing as tags or dog tags. Tags fall under the category of jewelry.
Applications
Nameplates are used to display snippets of pertinent information, as opposed to the display of large amounts of information. Objects used to display larger volumes of information fit more appropriately into the category of signs.
Nameplates indicate information such as: the occupants and contents of desks, the occupants and contents of offices, directions, the location of emergency exists, the brand name of consumer products like cars and lawn mowers, and instructions and warnings relevant to the operation of consumer and industrial equipment. In addition, they can be used to identify work areas.
They are also used to indicate the name, origins and authorship of works of art, and they are very commonly used as title plates on commemorative plaques (trophies, memorials) to indicate the recipients of awards. Meanwhile, to identify brand name and ownership, nameplates can be found affixed to suitcases, briefcases, trunks and chests. Finally, they can be found on aircraft brakes, Navy destroyers and even the International Space Station.
Industries in which nameplates are used include: office supply, healthcare, sports, education, transportation, travel, museum and art, commemorative products, aerospace, consumer products and food and beverage.
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Name Plates Manufacturers – Douglas Corporation | Name Plates Manufacturers – Douglas Corporation | Name Plates Manufacturers – Douglas Corporation |
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Name Plates Manufacturers – Douglas Corporation | Name Plates Manufacturers – Douglas Corporation | Name Plates Manufacturers – Douglas Corporation |
Design
Production Process
Manufacturers make nameplates by inscribing a chosen material with words and/or symbols. Nameplate labeling methods include hot stamping, screen printing, sub-surface printing, etching, embossing, mechanical or laser engraving, photo anodizing and lithography.
Hot Stamping
During hot stamping, name plates manufacturers heat an engraved image and then, using a metal marker die or metal stamp, force it against a part with a marking foil in between. Where the die meets the part, ink from the foil stays behind. Since hot stamping is a dry process, the parts can be handled right after stamping. Hot stamping is a popular method of serial number plate printing.
Screen Printing
Screen printing involves applying a photographic stencil to a piece of porous, tightly stretched polyester through which enamel colors are forced.
Sub-Surface Printing
Sub-surface printing is a process during which ink is processed on the underside of transparent plastic materials. This way of printing creates symbols that are abrasion, oil and chemical resistant. This is a popular way to print durable and resistant serial numbers that are fully protected from abrasions and solvents.
Etching
Chemically etched nameplates are manufactured by masking certain areas of metal with an acid resistant material. The uncovered areas are then exposed to a corrosive material, which creates engraved words based on the configuration of the stencil while preserving the covered area.
Embossing
The embossing process involves squeezing a nameplate material between a female metal die and a male counter using heat and pressure.
Engraving
Mechanical and laser engraving involves cutting a nameplate with a rotary tool, engrave plate or a laser beam. Suppliers choose to laser engrave when they are looking for extreme precision.
Photo Anodizing
Lithography
In lithography, a printing press is used to move a master image to a nameplate using an ink-transferring roller device.
Materials
Materials used by nameplate manufacturers include wood, metal and brush metal and plastics. Examples of metal nameplate materials include: gold, aluminum, stainless steel, stainless steel alloys, brass and alloy metal. Examples of plastic materials used for nameplate construction include: polycarbonate, Mylar®, rigid PVC or plastic, MetalPhoto®, vinyls, foils and more. Metal nameplate varieties are generally the most expensive and require the most maintenance. For instance, brass metal nameplates that are mounted outside must be coated with a protective layer of weather-resistant chemicals to keep the brass from becoming tarnished.
Design and Customization
Nameplates are not meant to be viewed from a distance, nor should they require more than a few seconds of attention to convey their complete meaning. Office nameplates, for example, are usually limited to one or two lines of information. A typical desk-mounted nameplate will feature a name and possibly a job title. When designing a standard or custom nameplate, manufacturers will keep this in mind, seeking to make it clear and legible. Of course, that doesn’t mean a name plate has to be plain, as illustrated by graphic overlays and personalized nameplates.
Manufacturers personalize plate designs based on customer specifications, including words, symbols and material. Nameplate material, thickness, printing method and other properties also vary depending on a name plate's application. All nameplates, even mass-produced nameplates, are characterized by some degree of customization; every nameplate is a custom name plate, as each variety features its own instructions, messages, labels and other information.
Features
Nameplates can be affixed to surfaces in three ways. They can 1) be drilled with holes at each end and affixed with pins, screws or other fasteners, 2) coated on one side with strong adhesives and pressed onto their surfaces, or 3) supported by a stand or other structure.
Adhesives vary in terms of the weather and temperature resistance. Typically, these adhesives are heavier than adhesives used for labels. Adhesive-backed nameplates, depending on their adhesive composition, may be more appropriate for indoor use (to prevent accelerated degradation of the adhesive). Others, though, like vehicle nameplates (hood and trunk ornaments) are very well suited for outdoor use. Nameplates that are not affixed with fasteners or adhesives must be supported by a stand or other structure. Many desk and office nameplates, which can be heavy, are placed in metal, plastic or wooden stands in order to make them visible. The method by which a nameplate is affixed depends on the name plate's application.
Types
Industrial Nameplate
Industrial nameplates are used around industrial facilities in order to identify different work areas and equipment. When attached to equipment, an industrial nameplate can alternatively be called an equipment nameplate.
Office Name Plate
An office nameplate, just like its name implies, is a nameplate used around the office. It is used to identify the occupants of desks and rooms within that workspace. Office name plates include a variety of nameplates, such as the wall name plate, desk name plate or door name plate, all of which are named for the surface to which they are to be affixed.
Graphic Overlay Nameplate
Graphic overlay nameplates are nameplates that are chemical and corrosion resistant, with transparent window displays, embossing and selective texturing. Graphic overlay nameplates are typically placed over switches, control panels, LEDS or windows.
Brass Nameplate
This type of metal nameplate is attractive, but due to the properties of brass, not durable enough for aerospace applications. Instead, brass nameplates are best affixed to outdoor statues or buildings to identify them.
Gold Nameplate
Gold nameplates are among the most expensive nameplate varieties and can be affixed to doors, paintings and plaques, usually in the offices of professional companies or in institutions like universities.
Aluminum Nameplate
Aluminum nameplates are among the least expensive and most widely used nameplate varieties. Because you can anodize aluminum, aluminum nameplates can be quite thick. Aluminum nameplates can be used to identify offices, or it can be affixed to consumer products like washing machines and lawn mowers to provide instructions for use and warnings of operational hazards.
Plastic Nameplate
Plastic nameplates are the least expensive nameplate variety and require the lowest amount of continuing maintenance.
Wooden Nameplate
Wooden nameplates are most often used as personalized nameplates. One of the most common places you will see them is on the door of a child’s bedroom or playroom. Because they’re made for children, manufacturers tend to offer these nameplates in playful shapes, such as animals, baseball bats or the child’s name. A wooden nameplate is also usually much more colorful than a professional or industrial name plate.
Advantages of Name Plates
Name plates are advantageous for a number of reasons. First, they promote efficiency in the workplace by making it easier for visitors and new hires to navigate. With the guidance of nameplates, they can more easily and quickly find an office, a person or anything else they need. This lets employees focus on their responsibilities, rather than directing others around the workplace. Similarly, they create organization and structure. The less chaotic an environment, the easier it is to relax and get down to work. Next, it lends spaces a degree of professionalism, and helps infuse trust in the visitor, customer or patient. Finally, nameplates given people the recognition that they deserve and cement their respective roles in an organization.
Accessories
Common name plate accessories include: a name plate holder, nameplate inserts (for changing out names while keeping the holder intact), a snap on label holder, a nameplate frame, pins, hangers, chains, hooks and wall mount adhesives.
Standards
While office nameplates aren’t really beholden to any standards, many industrial nameplates are. In addition, many nameplates have to meet certain requirements for print life, as well as any environmental tolerances the location in which the nameplate is used may require. The National Electric Manufacturers Association (NEMA) sets requirements for motor nameplates, including electric motor nameplates.
To meet NEMA requirements, all motor nameplates must include:
1. Manufacturer's type
2. Rated voltage
3. Full-load current
4. Rated frequency
5. Number of phases
6. Rated full load RPM
7. Rated temperature rise, or insulation system class
8. Time rating
9. Horsepower
10. Locked rotor code letter
11. Service factor
12. Efficiency
13. Frame size
14. Design letter
Outside of the USA, the most commonly used motor nameplate standards are put out by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
There are also nameplate standards for generators, centrifugal pumps and PV modules, which are roof-mounted solar panels. PV module nameplate standards are maintained by the Solar America Board for Codes and Standards (Solar ABCs).
Things to Consider
To find a nameplate that really works for you, turn to an experienced nameplate manufacturer. There are a lot of manufacturers out there, so it’s important to be discerning. The last thing you want is a set of nameplates that are poorly engraved or made with a cheap material. Get a leg up by starting with the providers we’ve listed near the top of this page.
All of those with whom we work are well vetted and experienced. To narrow it down, visit each of their websites and take note of the services they offer, their prices and standard certifications. Choose three or four in whom you’re most interested, then reach out to each of them. Make sure to get a production lead time quote. Once you’ve spoken with each of them, compare and contrast their responses, keeping in mind not only prices, but also customer service. No matter how inexpensive a nameplate is, it’s not a deal unless it’s what you really want. A nameplate manufacturer that listens to you and takes your needs into consideration is key to your success. Once you’ve determined which supplier that is, reach back out to them and get started on your custom nameplate order. Good luck!
Name Plate Types
Name Plate Terms
(or anodising) – A technique used to coat the surface of a metal with an oxide layer. It may be used to increase corrosion resistance, increase wear resistance, allow dyeing or to prepare the surface for other processes and coatings including paint.
– The process of creating an image or design in ductile materials by combining heat and pressure. This is achieved by using a metal die (female) and a counter die (male) that fit together and squeeze the fibers.
– The process of using strong acid to cut into the unprotected parts of a metal surface to create a design.
– A process in which an engraved image is heated then forced against a part with a marking foil in between. Ink from the foil is left behind where the die meets the part; it is a dry process and the parts can be handled right after stamping.
– A process that can precisely and quickly engrave very fine details using a laser beam combined with a CNC driver.
– An offset printing process where a rubber cylinder “blanket” rolls over a metal printing plate, picks up the master image and transfers it to another area of the press where the nameplate is located. It is possible to achieve extremely fine detail in both direct and reverse print but does not weather well when placed outdoors or in other harsh environments.
– A high-speed rotary tool cuts into the surface of a metal or plastic. Then enamel paint is filled into the engraved area.
– An anodized, photosensitive aluminum offering a sharp print quality that’s highly durable and extremely resistant to abrasion, corrosion and high temperatures. This material doesn’t fade or chip and is used in many military applications because it meets strict government regulations.
– A strong laminated polyester film suited for sub-surface printing that has good temperature, chemical and abrasion resistance.
– Exposing an image onto specially coated aluminum that is developed much like a piece of photographic film and then sealed, thus trapping the image in the metal under an anodized layer. This method can produce small quantities of highly durable nameplates with a fast turn-around time.
– A particular group of thermoplastic polymers easily worked, molded, and thermoformed. This material is extremely resistant to chemicals, corrosion and temperature; it also has excellent durability and light transmission.
(also silkscreening or serigraphy) – A printmaking technique that creates a sharp-edged image using a stencil.
– Processed with the ink on the underside oftransparent plastic materials, making it abrasion, oil and chemical resistant.
– A non-laminated polyester suited for surface printing. This material has good chemical and abrasionresistance for normal indoor use.