Custom nameplates are long-lasting and perfect for branding and labeling of your products and equipments. These nameplates can be manufactured with metal or plastic base materials, depending upon where they will be used. It is also important to make sure that all the needs are met before placing the order to avoid confusion.
Here are the main steps of the nameplate design and some tips on choosing the proper nameplates for your application. Considering the variety of possibilities, it may be rather difficult to select proper design elements, especially in case you are not versed in the characteristics of the material’s endurance. The purpose of this guide is to make preparation as simple as possible.
When choosing certain characteristics of a nameplate, determine what your application needs will be. Types of surface, location of installation and the surrounding environment should also be considered.
Once it is fully informed of these application details, it is easier to select the correct design parameters. It is important when choosing the material in the next step to look at any conditions which may be potentially hazardous, such as abrasion, moisture and extreme heat.
Brass: Common for its golden appearance and ability to resist saltwater and corrosion making it suitable for ornamental and aquatic purposes.
Stainless Steel: Extremely thick and cannot be scratched easily; used in areas like food preparation because of its anti bacterial properties.
Aluminum: Flexible in nature and highly portable and can be used in areas with extreme weather factors because of its strength.
Anodized Aluminum: Increased strength due to the final layer to improve the material’s resistance to wear and rust.
Metalphoto® Aluminum: Long-wearing products that possess longevity in their usage for more than two decades in adverse environmental situations and satisfy different government, automotive industrial nameplate, and military requirements.
Polyester: Able to bear high tension stress typically used for product and packaging identification.
Polycarbonate: Stiffer and stronger than polyester, it is selected for its ability to withstand wear and multiple heat cycles.
The next step is to identify the graphic components that will be on the nameplate like the text required, logos, graphics and even bar codes. Best to work with a graphics department or they can submit their layout in AutoCad, Illustrator or Corel Draw.
Screen Printing: Able to be produced at a comparatively low cost for utilizing in light duty tasks and large orders.
Digital Printing: Making it perfect for mid- run orders with high quality graphics. UltraColor is a subsurface digital printing technique for anodized aluminum with enhanced durability against several formations.
Photo Imaging: The most time–tested method, employed with Metalphoto® nameplates, with high level of abrasion, heat, and light resistance.
Etching: Chemical etching has the advantage of developing a surface that is both smooth and resistant to the harshness of outdoor environment.
Check and confirm the type of nameplate that you want before the actual process of making it starts.
Complement the nameplate by perfecting its size, form, and measurements. Choose the appropriate thickness of the substrate material and decide the form of attachment, using a high-strength adhesive or physically attaching the material with the help of bolts and similar tools.
In the process of designing nameplates, the following factors should be considered:
When it comes to the actual design of nameplates, some important aspects have to be taken into consideration for it to be effective. These considerations make certain that nameplates are long-lasting, can be easily read, and are suitable for the intended applications.
This explains why it is important to discuss the suitable material for your nameplates. That is why depending on the surface of the nameplate the material may be more or less durable, attractive, or suitable for the given environment. Common materials include:
Aluminum: A very general type of construction used in many ways due to its lightweight.
Stainless Steel: Long-lasting material, Co-Sen anti-corrosive, and ideal for challenge settings.
Brass: Provides a traditional appearance and as it is well-produced; it is frequently used for premium projects.
Plastics and Composites: Appearing in lighter-duty applications, and are available in a number of textures and hues.
Selection of the material to be used should therefore depend on factors such as chemical resistance, moisture, temperature changes, and abrasive surface conditions.
There are essentially five major factors that are considered in the process of designing nameplates for optimum readability and functionality. These include:
Font Type and Size: Use clear fonts that are comfortably readable from the intended distance they are to be viewed. It’s also good to refrain from choosing fancy and elaborate font styles that can obscure the text.
Color Schemes: Consequently, it is recommended using high contrast in comparing the text and its background. For example, black font on a white or light background is more easily comprehensible.
Layout: Arrange the items symmetrically and place the most vital information visible and easily accessible. It is recommended to employ borders and space as two types of breaks between the information.
Mounting Options: Think about the conditions for installing the nameplate to the desired surface. There are usually some generic methods used in its mounting options like adhesive, screw, and rivet. The decision on which to use is based primarily on the location and the type of material on which the nameplate will be mounted.
The importance of these design elements and specifications will help you to design nameplates that effectively function as the nameplate should, as well as provide a sense of aesthetic beauty.
After finalizing your design, you just need to have a prototype for the testing onsite if required. Final production requirements with professionals involving reorder points, reorder quantities and deliveries.
Our nameplate design process is quite logical, so anyone will be able to bring an application, or nameplate to life quite quickly. It is thus possible to come up with a nameplate that best suits your desires through the given procedures. We trust this guide has brought fresh inspiration for your next nameplate creation.