Archive for the ‘Industrial Decals’ Category

6 Industrial Nameplates & Labels Your Business Needs

Posted on: December 5th, 2021 by | No Comments

industrial nameplates, warning labels, asset tags, serial plates, control panels

 

Running a successful business involves a lot of details, and some important ones often get overlooked. If you’re in charge of operations, promotion, or manufacturing, you probably have a lot of decisions to make and too many options to count. Nameplates/Labels may not be high on your list of priorities, but they should be.

If your business involves any type of manufactured goods, machinery, electronics, or industrial equipment, find out how U.S. Nameplate Company can help your business. From inventory management to safety and efficiency, we’ll explain why these are the six nameplates/labels your business needs.

 

Serial Plates

Serial plates contain valuable information about your manufactured products including your company name, the model number and serial number, the date the product was made, and information regarding the batch the product was made with.  Serial plates are attached to the products and the information is recorded before products are shipped off to be sold. This helps your company, your retailers, and your consumers easily communicate and track important information about each product.

Many companies manufacture similar products with just slight differences. If there are any issues with a product, consumers are expected to call the hotline number printed on serial plates. Having this information on serial plates helps consumers identify the specific model number and serial number for the particular product so that your representatives in customer service can quickly locate and provide troubleshooting information to the consumer.

Serial plates also help identify a product’s warranty information. From the terms to the lifespan and status of the warranty, serial numbers and model numbers on serial plates are able to easily provide warranty specifics when a consumer calls in for replacement, repair, or return.

At the end of the day, everything comes down to the bottom line – sales.  With serial plates, you are able to track how many products were sold, at which dealers/locations/divisions they were sold, and which products had the highest number of sales.

 

Safety Labels / Warning Labels

To keep things running smoothly, it is important to keep both equipment and employees safe in what can be a dangerous environment. With the help of safety labels, companies are able to warn and inform employees about possible workplace dangers, including exposures to chemicals, loud noises, flying debris, and many other environmental dangers.

Warning labels are also necessary for dangerous equipment that can pose an injury to the operators, such as heavy equipment, electronics and machinery with high voltage. With the help of safety and warning labels, companies are able to lower the risk of injury and increase efficiency and production.

 

Control Panels and Graphic Overlays

Your equipment, machinery, or electronic devices have switches, buttons, or other means of controlling the system. Control panels and graphic overlays help ensure proper operating procedure by clearly labeling controls on complex machinery and equipment.

Control panels, graphic overlays, and deadfront graphics are just some of the different types of protective coverings you may need, depending on the physical needs of the specific device or equipment. Each of these are specially designed to correlate with the look, feel, and function of the specific application.

Control panels and graphic overlays can be placed on a variety of equipment, including industrial machinery, vending machines, sound systems, medical equipment, appliances, telecommunication devices, and many more. Any equipment with keypads, switches, or any other controllers need to have identification to keep the operator safe and the equipment from malfunctioning.

 

Property and Asset Tags

Whatever your industry, your business likely has physical assets that are important to keep track of for your own inventory and accounting purposes. Property and asset tags are used to more easily track and monitor those assets.

For moveable assets, tags help to keep track of where equipment is in each step of its transportation. This can also help with theft prevention since these products can change hands often and are at a greater risk of being stolen or misplaced. The asset tag contains your company identification and specific tracking information, so it is much easier to get products returned to the proper place.

Though fixed assets don’t typically change locations, it is still important to keep track of these for inventory audits. Property tags help you with inventory control and give you the ability to easily calculate the value of each asset over its life cycle.

Furthermore, asset tags with sequential numbering or barcodes can help track maintenance and repairs. Scanning a tag can quickly direct a user to a database of repair instructions or maintenance schedules.

 

Company Identification Plates

Branding is an important part of any business, in order to keep your company top of mind for consumers. Identification plates and products can contain your company name, logo, address and any other important information about your company.

Whether it is through the use of a building sign, industrial decal, or product label, identification products are long-lasting branding materials to promote your company and your products.

 

Data Rating Plates / Specification Plates

Data rating and specification plates document the different limitations of industrial equipment for several industries, such as construction, mining, and manufacturing. Common applications for data rating and specification plates are motors, pumps, fans, heating equipment, and lighting fixtures.

These plates help operators understand a product’s performance specifications to help ensure proper use and safety for both the operator and the equipment. Specification plates can display information about weight limits, temperature ranges, lifting capacities, electrical hookup information, and more.

 

How U.S. Nameplate Co. Can Help

With 70 years of experience in the industry, U.S. Nameplate Company has become the supplier of choice for over 3000 Original Equipment Manufacturers. We’ve manufactured identification products across multiple industries, including construction, mining, farming, transportation, medical, utilities and military.

We are also an ISO certified facility and a UL approved label supplier, so you can be sure your nameplates will meet industry standards.  Our knowledgeable and experienced staff is happy to help provide solutions to meet any need specific to your industry.

Everything that we do is custom designed and we offer a variety of options for materials, thickness, finishes, attachment methods, and fabrication to meet your exact specifications. All of our products are built to withstand harsh environments and last for years so that your company’s brand and products are represented with professional, high quality nameplates.

 

Trust the staff at U.S. Nameplate Company for all of your industrial identification needs. Request a free quote or contact us today for more information.

Quick Reference Guide–Techniques & Design Considerations for Metal Components

Posted on: September 24th, 2021 by | No Comments

Metal nameplates and components are as valuable as the product they’re attached to, which means the design phase in creating them is a critical process. There are specific considerations that should be made before moving forward with a design, so taking time to weigh the implication of your particular application carefully will lead you toward a safe and great looking nameplate or component.

 

Who will lay eyes on it?

Metal components such as emblems can act as an eye-catching accent on products such as vehicles; however, when chosen hastily they can easily become an eyesore. Creating a badge for your product that complies with company brand standards not only maintains an integrated look but conveys an easily identifiable message whether it’s for the safety of the user or simple aesthetic pleasure. Consider the following when creating your next component or nameplate:

 

  • When building brand awareness and drawing attention to your product, using metal components adds a sleek, stunning, high-end aesthetic that draws more attention to it than a blandly designed component. Simply stated, metal nameplates, labels, and components have a significant impact on how your product is viewed are representative of your brand.
  • U.S. Nameplate Co. has devised a way to simplify the process to assist customers in selecting the correct material for their nameplates and labels based on industry, environment, and application. We have a staff of technical professionals, engineers, and graphic artists with experience and are more than capable and willing to assist companies of all industries in the design, specification, and ordering of custom nameplates.

 

Communicate Your Requirements

Specific applications require a reliable performance standard which is expected within the nameplate industry, so don’t hesitate to communicate any requirements and tolerances you may have. Consider the conditions your label or nameplate will face; are any of the following likely to occur?

  • Will the nameplate or label be outside? If yes, for how long? 1-3 years, 3-5 years, 20 years or more?
  • Will it be prone to scratching, rubbing, scraping, or scouring? Nameplates in these situations require a resistance to abrasion—measured in cycles on a tabor abrader (500, 1,000, 4,000, 7,000+).
  • Is the label likely to be close to a heat source such as an engine, pump, generator, furnace, etc.? Such applications commonly require the label to be heat resistant in excess of 1,200ºF.
  • Geographically, where will the product be used? Resistance to a salty solution will add life to the label or nameplate when deployed on the coasts or areas where snow removal is common.
  • What is the probability the nameplate or label will come into contact with harmful or corrosive liquids and chemicals? Resistance to chemicals—such as Skydrol, diesel fuel, hydraulic fluid, and MEK; measured in hours before degradation.

 

U.S. Nameplate Co. offers an extensive list of products and materials from flexibles like polycarbonate and vinyl to metals like aluminum, brass, Metalphoto, and stainless steel which offer a wide range of durability to meet your product specifications.

 

What will it say?

To effectively communicate information, a nameplate needs to be optimally-legible. It’s important to know exactly what the nameplate is intended to communicate so the following can be addressed.

  • Know what data your nameplate or label needs to hold, so you get an idea of how large it needs to be.
  • Does your nameplate have to follow OSHA, ANSI, ISO, or perhaps other standards?
  • Will the date be the same on every nameplate or will it be serialized?
  • Will the product include barcodes or other machine-readable (AIDC) marks?
  • Do you need other graphic features like micro-text for anti-counterfeit features or high-resolution maintenance schematics?
  • Ensure that the material your supplier recommends is certified to any commercial or military specification you need to meet.

 

 

Consider the Physical Attributes

Focus in on the specifics. Think about the size, specifically, thickness, height, and width. Equally important are attributes such as sheen and pattern, and even the methods of attachment. Choose wisely by weighing the following.

Thickness

Thinner foil labels (.003” and .005” thick) will adhere to curved surfaces or sit inside recessed areas of your part. This feature affects the location a label can be used and even the amount of abrasion it must withstand.

Size

Does your application require the nameplate to fit in incredibly small spaces or be easily seen from afar? Different materials lend themselves to performing well at specific sizes such as Metalphoto, which is available as small as .25” x .25” and as large as 24” x 40”.

Attachment

The surface type and environment are the major determining factors in which method of attachment can be utilized. Think about the texture, material, and elements the nameplate will be exposed to.

 

Enlist the Help of Experts

The knowledgeable professionals at U.S. Nameplate Co. are prepared to assist you in creating the perfect nameplate or label for your product. When creating your nameplate, we understand the importance of considering who will see it, special requirements that must be met, what it says, and physical attributes such as thickness, size, and how it will be attached to a surface. Contact us for everything you need in your next nameplate.

When It Is Time To Order, Don’t Be Left Hanging

Posted on: June 5th, 2020 by | No Comments

Think; you just started your business and are in need of an industrial metal nameplate or decal. One that can with stand the harsh conditions your equipment goes through. You have a lot of questions but don’t know whom to turn to. The experts at U.S. Nameplate are here to answer those questions.

The biggest question you have is probably: What is it going to cost me? Typically, 4/5 of the cost of an industrial decal or metal nameplate is labor, and 1/5 is the cost of material. Metal will cost more than other substrates such as polyester, polycarbonate, vinyl and paper. Even though you will pay more initially, you will get a longer lasting product.

Which brings me to the next question. How long will my industrial decal or metal nameplate last? The length of durability varies greatly by exposure to the elements: temperature, humidity, how much sunlight it gets, for example.

Generally, you can expect high-performance premium vinyl films to last 5-7 years. Economy-grade vinyl films, which are less durable, can last between 1 and 3 years. Vinyl is a durable plastic film that is flexible. Often, vinyl is used on curved surfaces and is abrasion resistant and water and weatherproof.

Standard polycarbonate can be expected to last 3 years whereas coated polycarbonate can be expected to last 5-7 years. Polycarbonate is a strong, rigid plastic film offering excellent chemical and abrasion resistance. In addition, polycarbonate has good electrical qualities and like vinyl can conform to surface irregularities when heated.

Polyester films can last around 2 years. Polyester is a very strong plastic film. It does not conform as well as polycarbonate or vinyl, but offers little or no shrinkage.

Metals however, can almost stand the test of time depending on the process. Aluminum and stainless steel, which can be screen printed or digitally printed, can last 20 years. Aluminum that has been etched or screen filled can last around 25 years. Metalphoto decals and nameplates can last over 30 years.

Aluminum is one of the most widely used metals in the world. Its lightweight, high strength excellent chemical resistance and temperature resistance makes aluminum a high-performance label application. Aluminum can also be anodized which creates an even more durable aluminum product.

Stainless steel’s resistance to corrosion, staining, temperature, low maintenance and familiar luster make it an ideal material for many label applications.

All these numbers are if conditions are perfect. With simple cleaning and maintenance every once in a while, your industrial decals and metal nameplates can last even longer.

The process of how your industrial decals or metal nameplates are printed depends on how long you would like for them to last. U.S. Nameplate has the capabilities to Metalphoto, metal etch, screen print and digitally print your industrial decals and metal nameplates. The table below shows the durability of the printing process in years.

Screen Shot 2015-06-05 at 1.23.16 PM

These are just a few questions you may have. Contact us or call us at 1 (800) 553-8871 and a U.S. Nameplate representatives will be pleased to answer any other questions you may have. U.S. Nameplate Co. has been the supplier of choice to over 3,000 OEM’s and is equipped to handle any size of orders from one to millions.

Industry Labels: UL Decals (Underwriter’s Laboratory)

Posted on: December 23rd, 2019 by | No Comments

What is UL?

Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) provides certification, testing, and training services to companies who make labels, panels, and decals for regulated industries. The standards set in place by UL, allow businesses to create quality safety labels for their products that comply with industry standards. Products marked by UL are thoroughly tested for safety, energy efficiency, and environmental concerns.

Products that require safety-related information including hazards and warnings, installation instructions, electric ratings, and other information must comply with UL’s Component Certification Program. The program allows label manufacturers such as U.S. Nameplate Company to make labels with materials that meet UL standards and print labels that meet standards as well. Labels must also be waterproof.

Products that are UL Certified wear the official UL mark. The UL inform customers that the product they are using is UL certified or safe, energy efficient, and environmentally sound.

For more than 40 years, UL standards have helped today’s manufacturers, including U.S. Nameplate Company, provide safe and compliant labels.

U.S. Nameplate: UL Authorized Label Supplier

U.S Nameplate is an authorized supplier of UL standard labels. UL certification allows manufacturers such as U.S. Nameplate Company to legally produce UL Labels; these labels adhere to very specific guidelines set in place by UL. To be considered certified, U.S. Nameplate Company adheres to the standards set in place by UL and produces quality labels for important products. Custom industrial labels and nameplates created at U.S. Nameplate Company meet and exceed standards set in place by UL and meet the conditions of acceptability laid out by UL that includes application surface, exposure condition and temperature rating. Labels from U.S. Nameplate Company are made to withstand indoor, outdoor, and harsh weather conditions.

For more information about UL authorized custom industrial nameplates and labels from U.S. Nameplate Company, visit our website or give us a call at 1(800)553-8871.

Custom Safety Labels and Industrial Decals for your Workplace

Posted on: June 12th, 2019 by | No Comments

NOTICE. CAUTION. WARNING. DANGER. Enter any dangerous or hazardous workplace and you’ll notice these important words. However, not all machines or projects pose similar threats and many different dangers exist in varying workplaces. At U.S. Nameplate Co., Custom Industrial Decals and safety labels ensure safety, provide machine/equipment information, and ensure industrial strength quality specific to consumer and employee needs within a diverse range of industries.

Safety Labels and Custom Decals

Safety Labels

Customized safety labels keep the most valuable asset of any company safe: Employees. From large construction and mining equipment to medical devices, a safety label reminding workers and others of present danger and need for safety is important in ensuring well-being at your company.

Safety labels promote awareness of potentially dangerous situations and help prevent collisions and accidents. Displaying information informing others about the contents of trucks, dangerous chemicals, or distance to keep from machinery on a customized safety label from U.S. Nameplate Co. keeps all parties involved free from harm. Most importantly, safety labels made at U.S. Nameplate Co. are far from generic and allow your company the opportunity to provide specific safety warnings and information customized to the specific need of equipment or machines.

Custom Industrial Decals

Keeping your company’s brand and information at the forefront of any workplace is important. A custom industrial decal is a great way to display your company logo, machine data, or operating information on company tools and equipment. Custom colors, materials, and finishes make customizing a decal or label to fit the specific need of your company easy.

Machine/Equipment Information

Notifying employees of important machine information including data and potential hazards while operating company products is another important aspect of any workplace. A customized name plate allows your company to display important operating and safety information directly on a machine or piece of equipment. From data and information about weights, to important equipment specifications, a customized decal keeping operators informed is crucial for safety in any workplace. Customized metal nameplates offer employees instruction and safety information at all times of operation, lowering risks of misused equipment and highlighting safety concerns.

Quality

There’s no time to waste replacing these important safety labels or industrial decals in a busy, high pressure workplace. Products that last and withstand harsh elements are nearly as important as the content they display. A wide range of material, finish, and adhesive options at U.S. Nameplate Co. allows you the opportunity to choose custom industrial decals or safety labels specific to your company’s needs and conditions.

Where sun exposure poses an issue, UV clearcoat protected labels prevent fading and wear. More importantly, these important labels withstand up to 2-5 years of even the harshest outdoor exposure: an important factor in keeping your company safe and informed in all weather conditions.

Contact U.S. Nameplate Company today at 800-553-8871 to request a quote.

 

Brand Your Company With Quality Industrial Decals

Posted on: April 25th, 2019 by | No Comments

Look around you. Nearly everything you see has a mark, a label, a sign or a brand. Now imagine a world without labels. We would live in a constant state of confusion and stress.

Since 1946, U.S. Nameplate Company has been in the business of creating and manufacturing nameplates, custom industrial decals, safety labels, graphic overlays, and more. We’re experts at bringing order to a chaotic world.

Custom Industrial Decals

We custom design and create custom industrial decals, labels, and tags for more than 3,000 Original Equipment Manufacturers. Companies, large and small, rely on us for accuracy and superior quality.

Among our many solutions, U.S. Nameplate Co. offers custom designed industrial decals. These sturdy products not only provide distinctive branding for the company, they also provide clear branding for each company’s products. The decals are a quick and efficient way to label equipment, tools, technology and more.

U.S. Nameplate Company serves many industries that operate in rugged and unpredictable conditions. From the military to mining and from construction to transportation, the decals we manufacture must withstand the same harsh treatment.

We’re proud to produce safety decals that:

  • Can survive 2-5 years of outdoor exposure
  • Include a UV clearcoat to prevent fading
  • Offer adhesive backing based on your surface application
  • Contain lamination with protective film

U.S. Nameplate Company customers know that with our industrial strength decals, they can apply them and forget them—they’re that durable—and knowing that provides peace of mind. In dangerous conditions, our safety labels provide clear instructions and promote safety on the job.

Our graphic artists can work with you to custom design your safety labels, or we are proficient at producing your parts per your specifications. And with three material choices—polycarbonate, polyester, and vinyl—and dozens of colors and finishes, we can easily create the perfect decal. We’ll also custom cut your decals to fit your specifications and ship them to you in rolls, strips or individual pieces.

Contact U.S. Nameplate Company today at 800-553-8871 to request a quote.

Custom Decals: Why They’re Important for Your Business

Posted on: November 5th, 2018 by | 2 Comments

What’s in a name? A name helps to identify, to label, and to differentiate one item from another. And when it comes to running a business, names and labels are what set you apart from your competition.

Terex

Since 1946, U.S. Nameplate Company has been producing product identification items to help Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) companies succeed.

Whether you need product or equipment decals, U.S. Nameplate Company can quickly and effortlessly customize a product to save you time and money.

The benefits of using custom decals are clear. Designing your own labels helps you:

  • Deliver a clear and consistent branding image
  • Increase client recognition for your company
  • Create a unique and tailored look and feel for your products
  • Boost the opportunity and use for labels, as U.S. Nameplate Company’s versatile products can be used both indoors and outdoors
  • Customize the size and type of decal best suited for your company
  • Avoid confusion about equipment parts since everything is clearly labeled

After you’ve worked with U.S. Nameplate Company’s friendly customer service staff to create just the right look and just the right language for your custom decals, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to materials.

Depending on your needs and your preferences, you can choose from three primary finishes:

  • Polycarbonate Decals – These are available in thicknesses ranging from .005″ – .125″. Check out clear and velvet gloss options, as well as matte, suede, and brushed finishes.
  • Polyester Decals – This option offers more color choices including gloss finishing in white, yellow, and clear. Silver and gold are also available. Thicknesses include .002″ – .010″.
  • Vinyl Decals – Vinyl finishes offer the most options with thicknesses ranging from .002″ – .030″ and a multitude of colors and finishes.

Let U.S Nameplate help you with all your label needs. Request a quote or call us toll-free today at 1-800-553-8871.