Common Questions About Nameplates

Many industries use nameplates to communicate critical machinery, safety and process information. Nameplates are an essential part of a company’s environment, so it’s important to understand their purpose and uses before putting them to work in your facility.

Why Does Your Business Need Nameplates?

For some businesses, nameplates are aesthetic pieces. Corporations use them to commemorate employee achievements or influential company leaders. In other industries, nameplates provide product identification or communicate information impacting compliance and safety. Companies in these sectors often need nameplates:

• Aerospace
• Defense
• Energy
• Industrial
• Government
• Manufacturing
• Corporate
• Plumbing
• Transportation
• Food service
• Electrical
• Wood Working
• Automotive

What Information Appears on Nameplates?

The type of information businesses include on their nameplates varies by industry. Here are some examples of how companies use nameplates.

Equipment nameplates may display:

• Company name and address
• Company logo
• Serial number
• Product number
• Certification(s)
• Manufacturing year

Safety and caution nameplates include information such as:

• Load capacity
• Maximum height
• Crushing hazard
• Shock hazard
• Hot surface hazard
• High voltage hazard

Electrical nameplates share details like:

• Amperage (A, Amps)
• Frequency (Hz)
• Voltage (V)
• Watts (W)

The information you include on your nameplates is essential for your facility’s operation and for protecting the safety of your employees. Nameplates remind workers about abbreviations or product specifications, helping them remember important information machinery and process information so they can focus on their tasks.

Where Do I Need to Install Nameplates?

Nameplates can be installed in a wide range of locations. The purpose of your nameplate will help you determine the best material and placement. Brass memorial nameplates often appear in the hallways of businesses, and because of their nonsparking quality, they can be used in areas where electrical safety is an issue. Stainless steel is easy to weld and hygienic, making it a good choice for an information panel on food processing machinery. Thin aluminum is ideal for mounting a nameplate on a wall for a manufacturing company. Certain materials, such as brass, can be formed into custom shapes.

Generally, metal nameplates are durable. Depending on the material, they can withstand harsh temperatures and weather, prevent corrosion and resist dents and scratches. So, you will also want to consider environmental factors when choosing a nameplate material and location. Select stainless steel if your nameplate will be exposed to pressure or needs frequent cleaning. Harsh chemicals won’t harm brass and aluminum.

How Is the Information Added to the Nameplate?

Depending on the metal, your label may be created using one of the following processes:

• Etching: Chemical or acid etching is used to print the design.
• Engraving: A computerized cutting tool lightly carves the design into your plate.
• Screen printing: This process uses ink and epoxy to create a design with color.
• Embossing: For this method, pressure is used to create raised text on the plate.
• Photo sealing (only for aluminum): The nameplate design is printed in ink and sealed with a chemical to protect it from scratches.

Where Can I Find More Information?

Whatever your nameplate needs, you want to work with a company that provides a quality product your employees will be able to read for years to come.

American Nameplates offers metal nameplates that withstand harsh conditions and are suited to industries such as aerospace, food processing and manufacturing. Call to request a free quote and important nameplate information and data. We’ll hold your price for 30 days to give you time to make a decision.