Category Archive: Nameplate Material

What Is Mylar and Why Is It Used for Nameplates?

Mylar is a flexible material known for its transparency, tensile strength, dimensional and chemical stability, reflectivity, gas-blocking properties and ability to resist heat. Also referred to as biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BoPET), mylar is made of stretched polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and is a member of the polyester film family. Mylar was developed in the 1950s and is a registered trademark of the DuPont-Teijin Corporation. Some people use the word “mylar” generically to refer to polyester or plastic sheeting. In its proper form, mylar comes in polyester sheets or rolls, containing either a brite chrome, brushed chrome, clear typeable or white finish. At American Nameplate, we use mylar in several different applications.

What Is Mylar Used For?

Mylar is used for several applications because of its tremendous flexibility, durability and strength. Mylar applications include:

• Lamination: Mylar provides a unique protective coating when adhered to various materials.
• Archives and collectibles: Collectors use mylar to preserve valuable paper goods because of mylar’s ability to seal and protect against damage.
• Medical products: You can use mylar to package medical supplies. Test strips and X-Ray films also often consist of this material.
• Labels and tags: Mylar’s durability makes it the perfect choice for labels that need to be strong and rugged.
• Nameplates: Mylar is ideal for nameplates that require chemical resistance and anti-abrasive properties.

Printability is another core characteristic of mylar, making it the perfect material for products that require high-end graphics and shelf appeal. This material is also user-friendly with most types of adhesives, providing you with extended shelf life, high-end graphics and shelf appeal. This material is also user-friendly with most types of adhesives, providing you with extended shelf life.

Mylar Nameplates and Labels

In addition to providing added durability, mylar can give plastic nameplates or labels a three-dimensional look and high-performance flexibility. Mylar’s resistance to oils and most other liquids makes it easy to clean. This material’s pliability and malleability mean mylar is ideal for showcasing almost any graphic style.

At American Nameplate, we can provide you a mylar label with several process techniques:

• Screen printing
• Digital printing
• Doming

You can use mylar for any nameplate regardless of the style or design, opening endless possibilities for your applications. Mylar also comes in various thicknesses, ranging from 0.001 inches to 0.010 inches, so you have additional choices in resilience and appearance. You also have the option of selecting your preferred finish from various coatings.

Mylar UL Approved Labels

What Are UL Approved Labels?

UL approved labels are required signage for many household appliances and items. Products that have warnings or cautionary advisories, installation information, electrical ratings and other safety details will boast a UL recognized metal nameplate. Sometimes they even include information about where the item or appliance should be stored, what kind of weather exposure it can handle, and how it could react to the presence of chemicals.

Electronics and household appliances are commonly equipped with UL recognized nameplates and decals. Some examples that are found in your home include:

• Light bulbs
• Standing light fixtures
• Cooking equipment
• Control panels
• Office furniture
• Refrigerators
• Computers
• Generators

A UL Authorized Nameplate Company

American Nameplate will design and print the necessary UL classified label needed for all appliances and home goods. Our sales team can discuss your specifics such as the labels: mounting surface, indoor or outdoor temperature ranges, cooking oil exposures, and even lubricated oil exposures to find the best choose for your product.

Whether you’re choosing a domed label or the increasingly popular mylar UL compliant labels, we’ll meet your requirements and design blueprint. No order quantity is too large, too small, too simple or too complex!

Contact us today to place an order or learn more about our services. If you’re looking to use mylar as the material for your nameplates or labels, American Nameplate is the perfect partner for your business. No order quantity is too large, too small, too simple or too complex! today to place an order or learn more about our services. Choosing American Nameplate as Your Trusted Supplier

Different Thicknesses of Nameplates and Their Uses

When choosing a metal for making your company’s nameplates, one of the most important considerations is the material’s thickness. The metal nameplate thickness affects the finished product’s durability and the level of detail you can add to it.

Generally, the thicker the material, the more rigid it will be. However, be sure to have your nameplate thin enough to avoid any protruding metal from your parts which can be risk of injury to passing personnel. Rigidity, also known as stiffness, indicates a metal’s resistance to bending. On the other hand, strength refers to the material’s degree of protection against breakage. You’ll want to consider both factors.

How Thickness Impacts a Metal Nameplate

Does thickness matter with nameplates? It will, as it directly affects the outcome of your nameplate projects. Aluminum is one example of a metal commonly used in nameplate manufacturing. One of the benefits of this material is its expansive thickness range — from 0.002 inches to 0.063 inches. Your applications and project requirements should guide you when choosing from thicknesses such as:

• .002: This extremely thin aluminum is soft and malleable, making it a good choice when needed a foil label application. Affixing the plate with an adhesive offers a more practical solution to rivets or holes.
• .008: While still relatively thin, this aluminum thickness level won’t bend as easily as a .002 measurement. It provides enough rigidity for less demanding nameplate uses. You can find this type of material thickness call out for blueprints in: control panel or airplane labels.
• .012: This thickness level gives you a cost-effective manufacturing solution that resists bending. Use it for nameplates on doors, desks and other locations where bending could be an issue. Because this degree of thickness produces a lightweight aluminum product, you can affix it to the desired surface with adhesives.
• .016: This aluminum thickness level falls under the “somewhat rigid” category.
• .020: For many projects, this thickness delivers the ideal combination of rigidity and functionality. Because of this versatility, you can use this measurement for aluminum nameplate marking projects that involve etching, engraving, digital printing and many other methods. You can affix the finished plate with rivets or adhesives.
• .032: If your project requires an extremely thick plate, this thickness offers the right mix of durability and flexibility. It’s often the best choice when you need to add a high volume of information. Examples of this thickness are similar to the thickness of a credit card.
• .063: As one of the thicker “nameplate standard” aluminum used to manufacture nameplates, this version provides maximum rigidity and superior strength. You won’t be able to bend the finished product by hand. It’s also compatible with various marking methods. Consider this thickness for larger nameplates that require screw or bracket mounting; however, adhesive is always optional!
• .125: This aluminum can be brought in for special jobs and printed to your specifics. If your blueprint or drawing calls out for a thickness of 0.125″ or more call our salesman to discuss the best process for making your nameplate.

Learn More About Nameplate Thickness and Uses

As a leading manufacturer and marker of nameplates, labels and decals for a wide range of industries, American Nameplate can help you determine the ideal thickness of nameplate for your project. We have extensive experience working with aluminum and other materials such as stainless steel and brass.

Contact us online or give us a call at 800-878-6186 for more information.

How Embossed Nameplates Are Made

Companies that utilize nameplates or decals for product identification and other purposes have numerous options for marking them. Embossing is one technique that offers unique marking when creating custom metal tags for your products, equipment or machinery.

What Is Embossing?

The embossing process involves marking a metal surface with a raised design or lettering. The result is a three-dimensional image that is eye popping and unique for customers to see. Businesses in industries such as automotive, product manufacturing, and furniture manufacturing often choose to emboss their nameplates and decals to make a product stand out or convey crucial information, like weight, directions and brand messaging, more clearly.

How Embossing Works

The embossed metal nameplates process relies on pressure to raise the text or image on a metal substrate. The manufacturer uses two custom dies to mark an “impression” into the chosen metal material. A male die consists of raised engraving on the face, while its female counterpart features a sunken matched copy.

To emboss the metal, the operator places the material between the two dies affixed to a machine press. The press applies substantial force to squeeze them together. The metal is pressed between both the male and female die component.

This technique raises the text or image on the surface to produce the desired 3D effect. It’s also possible to implement various finishing techniques to enhance the appearance of an embossed nameplate. You can select a brushed or milled finish or one that’s more polished to create an ornamental look.

Benefits of the Embossing Process

Many businesses choose to emboss their products to gain a marketing advantage. You can improve user awareness by making an image or text easier to see. A company logo embossed onto an item, for example, can generate more brand recognition due to its heightened visibility.

Embossed nameplates are also surprisingly durable. Although the technique softens the metal, it hardens upon cooling and creates additional strength. What’s more, embossed nameplates can withstand harsh operating environments, resulting in a longer lifespan.

Which Metals Work Best With Embossing?

The embossing process is compatible with various metal materials including but not limited to: Aluminum, Stainless Steel and Brass. Contact our sales team today to discuss the most cost effective option. Other possibilities include zinc, corrosion-resistant steel (CRS) and brass.

Learn More About How Embossed Metal Labels Are Created

American Nameplate has been providing high-quality nameplates, labels, tags, decals and specialty products since 1934. We’re experts when it comes to the embossing process. We’ll work with you to create a custom solution that meets your unique product identification, branding, or informational requirements.

Want to learn more about how embossing works and how these metal labels can help your business? Give us a call at 800-878-6186 or contact us online today!

Benefits of Industrial Labels

Labels such as nameplates and decals are standard items in many areas of industry. You can find them on products, equipment, machinery and more. They serve a variety of purposes, such as identifying items and ingredients and providing usage and safety instructions.

Why Industrial Labeling Is Important

You can find numerous reasons to use industrial labels in your business or manufacturing operations. Here are a few of the top benefits.

1. Enhanced Organization

A factory floor or warehouse is often a cluttered environment, making it hard to find products, tools and other items quickly. Labeling improves organization by identifying and marking shelving and other storage areas. Your workers will spend less time looking for what they need, increasing their productivity.

2. Compliance

One of the most important benefits of industrial labels is helping you achieve regulatory compliance. These days, businesses and organizations must adhere to stringent OSHA regulations when creating and maintaining a safe work environment. For example, if you manufacture or use hazardous chemicals or other materials, you must mark the containers to alert workers of the potential dangers. Labels help you accomplish this objective and stay compliant.

3. Deterring Theft

Does your business utilize small, expensive tools or electronics? Preventing the theft of these valuable items is another advantage of industrial identification labels. They enable you to permanently mark these objects and identify your company as their owner. Thieves will think twice about stealing them from your facility or attempting to sell them for a quick profit.

4. Training New Employees

Labels in the form of signs can be extremely beneficial when onboarding and training new hires. They can provide essential company information, like directions that help workers navigate the facility more easily. By helping to speed up the orientation and acclimation process, labels enable these workers to become productive team members faster.

5. Quality Control

Labels add value to the quality control process in a manufacturing environment. The ability to scan barcodes, for instance, can reduce data entry errors, ensuring more accurate product information. Labels also increase traceability, resulting in fewer lost or missing products.

6. Customer Satisfaction

Does your company manufacture sophisticated or complex products? Labels can provide instructions to help your customers use the items more easily and safely. You can also offer care and maintenance guidelines to ensure owners get the maximum benefit and a longer product lifespan.

7. Product Recalls

Manufacturing defects can happen from time to time, even when you implement the most stringent quality control protocols. Labels that include batch, lot or serial numbers will make any damaged items easier to trace and identify. You can get the damaged goods out of circulation faster and avoid the cost and waste of recalling defect-free products.

8. Brand Awareness

Want to bring awareness to your company’s new product line? Etch, screen print, or engrave a company logo, informational directions, or product information on your nameplate for quick reference. This can build your company’s manufacturing reputation, grain consumer recognition and even identity your trade marks.

Contact American Nameplate to Learn More

Are you still wondering why businesses should invest in industrial nameplates or other labels? American Nameplate has the answers. As a leading manufacturer of labels for industries such as aerospace, automotive and construction, we understand the value of these small but essential items. Contact us online or give us a call at 800-878-6186 to learn more. You can also request a quote online.

Choose the Best Marking for Your Nameplate

A metal nameplate can say a lot about a business, product or individual. It can provide access to valuable information. When selecting a nameplate, though, your message isn’t the only thing to think about. You’ll also need to determine the best fit nameplate marking method. You might be surprised at the broad assortment of marking methods for nameplates that are available these days. Exploring the various types can help you make an informed choice.

Which Nameplate Marking Should I Choose?

Examples of the numerous nameplate marking options include:

• Etched: The etching process entails using strong acids or chemicals to cut into a metal surface. One of the benefits of this marking method for nameplates is that the depth of the etching ensures the product information is permanently visible for the end user. Consider this method for producing model numbers, manufacturing dates or serial numbers on items such as manufacturing equipment, aircraft or military vehicles.
• Screen printed: Screen printing offers a cost-effective solution for placing colored logos or graphics on equipment. This multi-step process involves covering the metal surface with a mesh screen and using a squeegee-type applicator to apply an epoxy or ink. A final surface coating seals the color and protects it from wear. These nameplates and printed using spot colors.
• Photo sealed: This technique provides the best marking for nameplates made of aluminum. The method involves screening ink onto an unfinished, unsealed piece of aluminum and applying a finishing chemical layer to create a permanent seal. Because the ink is on the inner service instead of atop the plate, it’s not likely to scratch off.
• Digital: Digital printing is typically the best marking method for nameplates when working with uniquely colored designs, half tones, or gradient colors. This technique offers ample opportunities for customization and a host of fabrication options, such as holes, rounded corners and various adhesives.
• Embossed: Choose the embossing technique if you want a raised surface for your letters and numbers to make them more visible and legible. The process involves squeezing the metal between two custom die cuts to form a pressurized force to bump up (or down) your specified copy content.
• Engraved: Engraving works well with either metal or plastic nameplates. This computer-generated technique uses a rotating tool to gently cut into the material at the desired depth. It’s also possible to engrave with a carbon dioxide laser to produce two-dimensional barcodes on stainless steel or aluminum surfaces.

American Nameplate Can Help You Pick the Best Nameplate Marking

At American Nameplate, we can create and mark custom nameplates for a wide range of industries and organizations, such as automotive, aerospace, construction, safety, OEM manufacturers and municipalities. We also have the expertise to help you select nameplate marking that delivers the best results for your materials and applications. Our well-trained, highly skilled craftsman use state-of-the-art equipment and cutting edge techniques to create products that stand the test of time.

Contact us online to learn more about our products and services today. You can also give us a call at 800-878-6186 or fill out and submit our quote request form.

Reasons You Need a Product Identification Nameplate

Take a look at any nearby product, and you’ll probably see some form of labeling on it. A product identification nameplate is a common method for providing helpful information to customers and users. These small, permanently affixed items can also deliver a host of additional benefits for your business or organization.

Why Choose Product Identification Labels?

Consider a few of the many reasons to use product identification labels in your manufacturing processes.

1. Making a Favorable First Impression

The initial impression that potential customers get when looking at your products often determines whether they will purchase or use it. A visually appealing product identification nameplate can introduce the item to a prospective buyer in a positive light. Likewise, an inappropriate labeling choice can convey the wrong message and cause customers to move on.

2. Promoting Brand Awareness

Another purpose of identification nameplates is to make your business more recognizable and create awareness over time. Many of the most well-known and successful businesses have eye-catching logos that make them stand out. The right nameplate gives you another avenue to display your logo, helping you build a stronger brand image.

3. Establishing Credibility

Brand awareness and credibility go hand-in-hand. The more people see your products and your company’s logo on an attached nameplate, the more familiar they’ll become with your business’s name. Frequent exposure to your nameplate builds trust and makes customers choose your products over those of your competitors.

4. Educating Buyers

Nameplates and labels are often the first places potential customers look when evaluating a product for the first time. Specifically, they check to see if you’ve provided instructions for using the products safely. In some cases, not listing this information could violate safety regulations and make you and your company a target of lawsuits.

5. Launching New Products

The credibility that nameplates help to build also applies when you make additions to your product lines. Customers sometimes view new items with skepticism, especially if they are unique or unusual. Because nameplates assist in building brand familiarity and trust, buyers will be more receptive to your latest offerings if they feature a familiar label. They’ll have more confidence in their quality and value.

6. Protecting Against Theft

Theft deterrence is another of the many benefits of product identification nameplates. A permanently affixed nameplate that contains easily traceable tracking information will make would-be thieves think twice about stealing your items.

Learn More About the Advantages of Product Identification Nameplates

American Nameplate has been providing high-quality product identification solutions since 1934. We can create custom nameplates, labels or decals that convey crucial information like weight limits, serial numbers and user instructions that assist your product identification efforts. We specialize in small-to-medium-sized runs for a wide assortment of industries, including automotive, aerospace, safety and many others.

Contact us today for more information about the numerous benefits of product identification nameplates. You can also give us a call at 800-878-6186 or reach out online to request a quote.

All About Brass Nameplates

Brass Nameplate Material

Nameplates serve multiple industries for many reasons. If you’re looking for custom nameplates, the first feature you need to identify is the type of metal you’d like to use. Brass has a variety of attractive features that could make it a great choice for your nameplate order.

Benefits of Brass Nameplate

When it comes to different metal options for your nameplate needs, brass has an array of benefits that may support your labeling goals. Benefits of brass include:

• Durability: Brass survives well in multiple conditions both indoors and outdoors. It withstands weather conditions like the heat and cold, and it’s corrosion-resistant. Just as brass is unharmed by water, it can also survive exposure to chemicals, solvents, and dirt.
• Appearance: Unlike other metals, brass has a natural golden tone that makes it attractive and noticeable. The color comes from its composition, a mixture of copper and zinc. Industries use brass for a sense of luxury without paying the price for gold.
• Nonsparking quality: Ferrous metals, or metals that contain iron, will spark when another metal collides with them. Brass is a nonferrous metal, so it will not spark from any kind of impact. In industrial processes, sparks can be a fire hazard, so a nonsparking quality desirable for safety.
• Malleability: Brass includes a portion of copper, which is easy to manipulate into different shapes. Malleability is great for nameplates because it makes techniques like embossing and etching manageable and successful.

Industries That Use Brass Labels

Thanks to their striking golden hue and durability, brass nameplates have a place in many industries, including:

• Electrical
• Wood Working
• Plumbing
• Industrial
• Automotive
• Corporate

Applications of brass nameplates cover a wide range of purposes. Their overall appearance makes them a great material for any aesthetic intent, including use in plaques and memorial items.

With its corrosion resistance and nonsparking nature, brass is also practical for electrical and environmental uses. It can last up to 20 years in outdoor conditions, so it can be used for safety and information labels on outdoor equipment.

Processes for Brass

Along with finding the right metal for your nameplate, you’ll want to use an ideal carving or printing process for your desired material. Because of the malleability of brass, a few different methods can work well, such as:

• Embossing: For this technique, your metal will be sandwiched between two cut pieces to create raised text and images.
• Engraving: To engrave a nameplate, we use a computer synced with a cutting tool to make a precise cut of the customized design.
• Etching: This process uses acid to carve out a design, and we coat the carving with enamel to emphasize and protect the colors.
• Screen printing: For screen printing, a screen acts as a stencil, and we apply ink on top to create the desired design.

Trust American Nameplate for Metal Labels

Whether you’re searching for an aesthetically pleasing nameplate or an instruction label designed to withstand the elements, American Nameplate offers the services and materials best suited for your needs. If you’re interested in brass nameplates for your industry, request a free quote and our staff will contact you with more information.

All About Stainless Steel Nameplates

Stainless Steel Nameplate Material

When you work in industries like manufacturing, food service, or transportation, you have to meet safety regulations and provide information panels for machinery. Nameplates fulfill this purpose, but it’s important to choose a material that works best for the environment it has to exist within.

Stainless steel is an incredibly strong material that may be a great fit for your industry and application. Take a look at the advantages and printing methods for stainless steel to see if it’s the right metal for you.

Benefits of Stainless Steel Nameplates

Before choosing the metal for your nameplate order, you should consider the benefits of stainless steel, including:

• Durability: Stainless steel is impervious to corrosion because of its outer chromium layer. This layer and the overall composition make it able to withstand harsh weather, dents, scratches, chemicals, and physical pressure that might cause other metals to bend.
• Welding: When you’re attaching metal nameplates to your desired surface, you’ll find that welding to this material comes with no trouble. Stainless steel lends itself to welding more than other metals, so the attachment process is simple.
• Hygienic properties: Bacteria have a hard time adhering to the slick metal surface of stainless steel, so the material is easy to keep clean.
• Attractive appearance: With its stainless property, this metal has a nice sheen that rarely needs polishing, so it will always stand out and communicate its message.
• Long-term value: Though stainless steel’s initial costs aren’t as low as those of other metals, the material requires less maintenance and repair, giving it the best long-term value.

Industries That Use Stainless Steel Labels

Thanks to its versatility, stainless steel has a place in many industries. This strong metal works well in fields like:

• Aerospace
• Industrial
• Manufacturing
• Government
• Energy
• Food Service
• Transportation
• Military

Applications for stainless steel nameplates include designation plates, control panels, and military place cards. Any function that requires a strong material could benefit from the use of stainless steel.

Nameplate Creation Processes for Stainless Steel

American Nameplate offers a range of carving and printing methods to get your nameplate’s information across. Stainless steel works best with:

Engraving: Using a rotating cutting tool and a computer, our engraving system is highly efficient.
Screen printing: This process uses a stencil to print each design in ink, then seals it with a surface coat to make it last.
Etching: Using chemicals or acids to cut your nameplate design, this process can also be finished with an epoxy to protect the colors and emphasize the etching.
Embossing: This technique creates raised text by squeezing two cut pieces together. Since this process forgoes any use of ink, the design won’t fade with wear, and it can be painted over while still maintaining the message.

Buy Great Products From American Nameplate

For work in industries like manufacturing, aerospace, and energy, clearly defined information labels are crucial for safety and organization. At American Nameplate, we recognize this importance and strive to provide clear and long-lasting nameplates for a variety of purposes.

If you’re interested in our stainless steel products, request a free quote today. We’ll even hold onto your quoted price for 30 days so that you have time to make a decision about your purchase.

All About Aluminum Nameplates

Aluminum Nameplate Material

If you’re in an industry like manufacturing or energy, you may find yourself looking for metal nameplates to label equipment or other materials. Finding the right metal is just as important as the printed message. Aluminum nameplates are versatile and may be the right fit for your industry and plate application.

Benefits of Aluminum Nameplates

Aluminum offers a variety of benefits that you should consider before choosing your nameplate material. Its best qualities include its:

• Durability: This material forms a layer of aluminum oxide that prevents corrosion. As a result, it’s an excellent material for surviving bad weather conditions and harsh chemicals that could cause damage to other materials.
• Weight: This metal is incredibly lightweight compared to other nameplate metals. It can also be manufactured very thinly, making it ideal for wall-mounting.
• Color: Aluminum has anodizing and photo sealing capabilities for adding ink to your nameplate. Anodizing is a process that treats the outer layer of the metal. This outer layer absorbs color that won’t scratch or fade, while photo sealing presses and seals ink into the surface for scratch-resistant color.
• Cost: While aluminum is a pure metal, it has one of the lowest costs compared to the other pure metals we use for nameplates.

Industries That Use Aluminum Labels

We serve a wide variety of industries, and aluminum labels are popular among many of them. These nameplates are used in:

• Aerospace
• Defense
• Energy
• Industrial
• Government
• Manufacturing

Aluminum nameplates are widely used in a range of applications. These labels can make safety plates for large machinery or identification plates to raise brand awareness. Industries can also use them for barcodes and ID numbers to make it easier to catalog and track equipment.

Processes for Aluminum

At American Nameplate, we offer a range of printing options. You can use aluminum for many of our printing types, including:

• Etched: This option uses chemical or acid etching to print a design.
• Engraved: Engraving involves a computerized cutting tool that we’ll use to print your design a small fraction into the surface of your plate.
• Screen printed: Ink is applied and epoxied to the surface of your nameplate, then sealed to protect the color and make it last.
• Embossed: This process uses pressure to raise the text on the plate, making it bold and easy to read.
• Photo seal: Unique to aluminum, this process prints ink onto the metal then chemically seals it, leaving it on an inner surface layer where it will not be scratched.

Contact American Nameplate for Your Label Needs

At American Nameplate, we will strive to give you the best quality metal labels for your applications. Whether you’re involved in an industry like aerospace, government, manufacturing, or something totally different, you’ll find that our nameplates are designed to last. We value our customers, which is why we’ll make sure our products meet your needs and get to you in two to three weeks after you place your order.

If you’re looking for aluminum nameplates for your industry, request a free quote today. We’ll hold the price from your quote for 30 days to give you time to decide on your purchase.