Data Plates

Benefits

The benefits of using data plates extend across various industries, which can include:

• Quick Access to Information: Operators and users can easily find important details, helping streamline processes and reduce errors.

• Regulatory Compliance: Industries such as manufacturing, construction, and aerospace all rely on metal data plates to meet regulatory standards.

• Improved Safety and Usability: Clear labeling ensures equipment is used properly, reducing risks and promoting safe operations.

• Professional Appearance: Custom designs also allow businesses to include branding, logos, or unique identifiers, helping with recognition and consistency.

Applications

Organizations across the globe utilize custom data plates for a variety of purposes. The following information depicts a few examples of how Metal Marker’s data plates have been used:

• Manufacturing: Manufacturing plants and factories label their machinery and equipment to easily depict the model number and ensure proper use. The nameplates can also be used for model designation for easy equipment identification.

• Construction: Construction equipment and tools need to be labeled with pertinent safety information and tolerances. Furthermore, when manufactured home and mobile home data needs to identify they were built in compliance with HUD manufactured home construction and safety standards. Data plates are a perfect way to present the performance verification certificate.

• Aerospace: Aircraft data plates can be attached to the fuselage of the plane to depict proper ISO and other FAA compliance.

Industries

Custom metal data plates are used by a wide range of industries. From shipyards to manufacturing plants, most industrial organizations rely on identification plates.

Manufacturers affix plates to their equipment to provide accurate specs and information to operators. Construction machinery such as forklifts is marked with weight tolerances and guidelines. Shipping containers are marked with mandated info for international commerce. The list goes on and on.

Some industry examples include:

• Construction
• Energy
• Equipment Manufacturers
• Government (Federal, State and Local)
• Oil & Gas
• Telecommunications

Durability

What makes for a good new data plate? One that lasts as long as you need it to.

Many work environments include chemical exposure, inclement weather, wear and tear, and everything in between. If your metal tag is no longer legible after a few weeks, it isn’t the right fit.

Our high-quality plate solutions can last upwards of 20+ years in the harshest environments, if necessary.

Knowing your application is half the battle. From there we can help you choose the material and process which best fits your needs.

Materials

Metal data plates for the industry are produced in several different substrates to fit various specifications and durability requirements.

Aluminum

One of the most popular options, aluminum provides a highly durable solution with a ton of versatility. The material is also very lightweight, allowing it to be used in industries such as aerospace without issue.

The anodization process improves the corrosive resistance of the material, as well as allows for the addition of color to the plate.

Stainless Steel

One of the absolute sturdiest materials used for data marking is stainless steel. This metal substrate is preferred for its ability to withstand many years of wear.

Keep in mind, stainless plates are only as durable as the process you select. For example, ink printed on top of stainless steel is not going to last decades like the material itself will.

Brass

As mentioned, every application is different. Certain industries need certain materials. Brass is a great example of a material that is less commonly used but is the perfect solution for specific applications.

Sometimes it’s the preference for a vintage appearance of a furniture plate or a type of valve that always uses brass marking tags. If it fits your needs, brass provides a durable and suitable solution.

Customization

Our metal data plates are fully customizable with any information.

This allows for virtually unlimited customization. We can add nearly anything you can imagine, including images, designs, logos, and more.

Make your plates stand out, or just make sure they fit every requirement – entirely up to you.

Processes

Photo Anodized

The photo anodization process embeds a custom design directly into layers of special anodized aluminum material. By keeping the design below the surface, there is no ink or raised surface to wear away.

This process is recommended for many industrial applications as it is incredibly durable. Photo anodized data plates are rated for 20+ years outdoors.

In addition, the options for this process are nearly unlimited. Any design, text, image, or even barcode can be added. Solid background color can also be added to create a standout appearance.

Etched

One of the most commonly requested processes is etching. Etched plates are produced using either a laser or chemical process, which removes only the area of the material required to create a design.

This process is durable, and typically marks information in an easily legible way.

Color can also be added using the etch and fill process, although be aware that the color will have lessened durability.

Screen Printed

Need your design to include custom colors? Screen printing might be your best option. This process involves pressing ink through a screen directly onto the metal substrate.

This provides the benefit of custom full-color designs. The drawback to topical ink printing is that the designs will wear off when exposed to harsh conditions.

Wrap-Up

Get High-Quality Data Plates at Metal Marker

Metal Marker offers a full range of high-quality custom data plates designed to meet your specific requirements.

Whether you need plates for industrial equipment, aerospace applications, or safety compliance, we are here to provide the perfect solution.

With various materials, processes, and customization options available, we guarantee a product that is durable, compliant, and tailored to your needs.

Let us help you create data plates that perform reliably in any environment. Call us at (800) 428-0095 or fill out our contact form to request a free quote.