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Name Plates

Nameplates are informational plaques designed with signs and symbols to identify people, places, or items. Nameplate manufacturers use a wide range of materials to create nameplates for diverse applications. Office nameplates, desk nameplates, and door nameplates are commonly found in businesses, industrial environments, and institutions to clearly identify office occupants or workspace users.

Note: Nameplates differ from labels. Nameplates are intended for long-term identification of persons or products, while labels are generally designed for easy removal. Labels typically use adhesive, but adhesives are just one mounting option for nameplates. Nameplates are also distinct from tags or dog tags, which are categorized as jewelry.

Quick links to Name Plates Information

• Advantages of Name Plates
• Name Plate Production Processes
• Name Plate Design and Materials
• Features of Name Plates
• Name Plate Images and Illustrations
• Types of Name Plates
• Name Plate Applications
• Standards and Specifications for Name Plates
• Things to Consider When Purchasing a Name Plate
• Name Plate Alternatives
• Name Plate Accessories
• Name Plate Terms

Advantages of Name Plates

Name plates offer several key benefits. They improve workplace efficiency by helping visitors and new employees easily locate people, offices, or departments, allowing staff to focus on their work. Nameplates add organization and structure, reducing confusion and supporting a productive environment. They also convey professionalism, building trust with clients, visitors, and patients. Additionally, nameplates recognize individuals by clearly displaying their names and roles within the organization.

Name Plate Production Processes

Production Process

Manufacturers create nameplates by inscribing text or symbols onto the selected material. Common nameplate marking techniques include hot stamping, screen printing, sub-surface printing, etching, embossing, mechanical or laser engraving, photo anodizing, and lithography.

Hot Stamping

In hot stamping, name plate manufacturers heat an engraved die and press it against a part with a marking foil between them. The ink from the foil is transferred where the die contacts the surface. As a dry process, parts can be handled immediately after stamping. Hot stamping is widely used for printing serial number plates.

Screen Printing

This process uses a photographic stencil applied to a stretched polyester mesh, through which enamel colors are pressed onto the nameplate surface.

Sub-Surface Printing

This method prints ink on the underside of clear plastic materials, resulting in symbols and text that are resistant to abrasion, oil, and chemicals. It is ideal for producing durable serial numbers protected from wear and solvents.

Etching Nameplates

Chemically etched nameplates are made by covering parts of a metal plate with an acid-resistant mask. The uncovered areas are exposed to a corrosive agent, creating engraved markings as specified by the stencil and preserving the masked areas.

Embossing Process

Embossing involves pressing the nameplate material between a female metal die and a male counter using heat and pressure to raise the design.

Mechanical and Laser Engraving

Mechanical and laser engraving use a rotary cutter, engraving plate, or laser beam to carve text or images into the nameplate. Laser engraving is chosen for its high precision and detail.

Photo Anodizing

This technique is similar to developing a photograph, but it is done on a specially treated aluminum sheet.

Lithography

A printing press transfers an image to a nameplate using an ink-rolling device, allowing for detailed and consistent printing.

Name Plate Design and Materials

Nameplates are designed for close viewing and quick recognition, so they are typically limited to one or two lines of clear, legible text. Office nameplates, for example, usually feature a person's name and possibly their job title. When designing custom or standard nameplates, manufacturers focus on clarity and readability. While simplicity is often preferred, nameplates can be personalized and enhanced with graphic overlays and custom designs.

Manufacturers tailor plate designs to customer requirements, including specific wording, symbols, and material selection. The material, thickness, printing technique, and other characteristics depend on the intended use of the nameplate. Even mass-produced nameplates are customized to some extent, as each one may display unique instructions, labels, or identification details.

Nameplate Materials

Nameplate manufacturers use a variety of materials, including wood, metal, brushed metal, and plastics. Common metals include gold, aluminum, stainless steel, stainless steel alloys, brass, and other alloys. Plastics used for nameplates can include polycarbonate, ²Ñ²â±ô²¹°ù®, rigid PVC or plastic, ²Ñ±ð³Ù²¹±ô±Ê³ó´Ç³Ù´Ç®, vinyl, foils, and more. Metal nameplates tend to be the most costly and require more maintenance. For example, brass nameplates used outdoors need a weatherproof protective coating to prevent tarnishing.

Features of Name Plates

Nameplates can be attached to surfaces in three main ways: 1) with holes at each end for pins, screws, or other fasteners, 2) with strong adhesive backing pressed onto the surface, or 3) supported by a stand or holder.

Adhesives used for nameplates vary in weather and temperature resistance and are generally stronger than those used for labels. Adhesive-backed nameplates may be better suited for indoor applications to avoid quick adhesive deterioration; however, some, like vehicle nameplates, are designed for outdoor durability. Nameplates not mounted with fasteners or adhesives are supported by stands or holders. Many desk and office nameplates are displayed in metal, plastic, or wooden stands for visibility. The attachment method depends on the nameplate’s specific application.

Name Plate Images, Diagrams and Visual Concepts

Types of Name Plates

Industrial Nameplate

Used throughout industrial settings to identify work areas and equipment. When attached to machinery, they are often referred to as equipment nameplates.

Office Name Plate

A nameplate designed for office environments, identifying the user of a desk or room. Office name plates include wall, desk, and door varieties, each named for where they are placed.

Graphic Overlay Nameplate

These nameplates are resistant to chemicals and corrosion and may feature transparent windows, embossing, and selective textures. Graphic overlays are used on switches, control panels, LEDs, or display windows.

Brass Nameplate

Brass nameplates are visually appealing but not durable enough for aerospace uses. They are best suited for outdoor statues or buildings for identification purposes.

Gold Nameplate

Among the most premium nameplates, gold nameplates are used for doors, plaques, and artwork in professional and institutional settings such as universities.

Aluminum Nameplate

Aluminum nameplates are economical and widely used. They are often anodized for increased thickness and durability, and can be used for office identification or affixed to consumer products to provide instructions and safety warnings.

Plastic Nameplate

The most cost-effective nameplate option, plastic nameplates require minimal maintenance over time.

Wooden Nameplate

Typically personalized, wooden nameplates are popular for children’s rooms, often crafted in playful shapes and bright colors. They are more decorative than industrial or professional nameplates.

Desk Name Plates

Used to identify desk occupants in a variety of business, industrial, and commercial environments.

Custom Nameplates

Made to a customer’s unique specifications. The range of custom options depends on the chosen material and application.

Door Name Plates

Nameplates mounted on doors within offices, factories, or institutions to identify a room’s contents or occupant.

Engraved Nameplates

Produced by mechanical engraving, laser engraving, carving, or photo-chemical etching to permanently inscribe lettering or designs.

Equipment Nameplates

Attached to machinery to identify the manufacturer or provide details such as location, contact, specifications, and serial numbers.

Metal Nameplates

Typically crafted from aluminum, stainless steel, brass, bronze, copper, zinc, titanium, or alloyed metals.

Personnel Nameplates

Tags, badges, or plates used to identify employees or organization members, often serving as access or clearance devices.

Nameplates

Design and produce nameplates. Nameplates are specially designed signs and symbols that are used to identify things.

Name Plate Applications

Nameplates are used to present concise, relevant information rather than large volumes of text. When extensive information is required, traditional signs are more appropriate.

Nameplates commonly indicate details such as desk or office occupants, room contents, directions, emergency exits, product branding, and operational instructions or warnings. They are also used for area identification within facilities.

Nameplates display authorship and origin for art, serve as title plates on commemorative plaques or trophies, and identify recipients of awards. For brand and ownership identification, nameplates are applied to luggage, briefcases, trunks, and chests. They can also be found on aircraft, military equipment, and even in aerospace applications such as the International Space Station.

Nameplates are utilized in industries such as office supply, healthcare, sports, education, transportation, travel, museums, commemorative products, aerospace, consumer goods, and food and beverage.

Standards and Specifications for Name Plates

While office nameplates typically do not have strict standards, many industrial nameplates do. Some nameplates must meet print life requirements and environmental tolerances for their specific installation. The National Electric Manufacturers Association (NEMA) sets standards for motor nameplates, including electric motors.

According to NEMA, all motor nameplates should display:

• Manufacturer's Type
• Rated Voltage
• Full-Load Current
• Rated Frequency
• Number of Phases
• Rated Full Load RPM
• Rated Temperature Rise, or Insulation System Class
• Time Rating
• Horsepower
• Locked Rotor Code Letter
• Service Factor
• Efficiency
• Frame Size
• Design Letter

Outside the United States, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) provides widely used motor nameplate standards.

Other nameplate standards exist for generators, centrifugal pumps, and photovoltaic (PV) modules, which are solar panels mounted on roofs. PV module nameplate standards are set by the Solar America Board for Codes and Standards (Solar ABCs).

Things to Consider When Purchasing a Name Plate

To ensure you get the best nameplate for your needs, work with an experienced nameplate manufacturer. With many manufacturers available, it’s crucial to choose wisely to avoid poorly crafted or low-quality nameplates. Start by reviewing the trusted providers listed at the top of this page.

The suppliers we recommend are thoroughly vetted and have proven expertise. Visit their websites to compare services, pricing, and certifications. Select several companies that meet your needs and contact them for production lead time estimates. After gathering information, compare their pricing and customer service. Remember, the right supplier will listen to your requirements and prioritize your satisfaction. Once you’ve identified your preferred manufacturer, proceed to order your custom nameplates.

Name Plate Alternatives

Barcode

Serial and model number plates use barcodes or encoded numbering systems to uniquely identify each part, product, or equipment. Manufacturers can create codes or use those provided by clients.

Decals

Decals are lightweight, non-metallic identifiers made from materials like heavy-duty paper, polyester, vinyl, plastic, or rubber. They feature removable adhesive backing and offer extensive customization options for size and design.

Dial Faces

Panels, labels, or plates that mark calibrations or measurements on dials and scales.

Panel Fronts

Thin plates designed to cover control or instrument panels, featuring cutouts and labels for switches, displays, or buttons.

Safety Labels

Labels that provide instructions for the safe use and operation of equipment or products.

Tags

Strips or pieces of paper, plastic, metal, or leather attached to items as identification. Tags are useful when limited surface area is available, such as on valves, wire rope, or cables.

Unique Identification (UID) Labels

Permanent, machine-readable labels using dot matrix inscription, attached to qualifying items for unique Department of Defense tracking and differentiation.

Warning Labels

Safety labels with vivid colors and prominent wording such as "Warning!" or "Danger!" to alert users to hazards.

Name Plate Accessories

Typical name plate accessories include name plate holders, interchangeable nameplate inserts, snap-on label holders, frames, pins, hangers, chains, hooks, and wall-mount adhesives.

Name Plate Terms

Anodizing (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.

Embossing

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.

Etching

The process of using strong acid to cut into the unprotected parts of a metal surface to create a design.

Hot Stamping

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.

Laser Engraving

A process that can precisely and quickly engrave very fine details using a laser beam combined with a CNC driver.

Lithography

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.

Mechanical Engraving

A high-speed rotary tool cuts into the surface of a metal or plastic. Then enamel paint is filled into the engraved area.

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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.

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A strong laminated polyester film suited for sub-surface printing that has good temperature, chemical and abrasion resistance.

Photo Anodizing

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.

Polycarbonate

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.

Screenprinting (also Silkscreening or Serigraphy)

A printmaking technique that creates a sharp-edged image using a stencil.

Sub-Surface Printed

Processed with the ink on the underside of transparent plastic materials, making it abrasion, oil and chemical resistant.

Vinyl

A non-laminated polyester suited for surface printing. This material has good chemical and abrasion resistance for normal indoor use.