Every type of equipment or machinery will need maintenance at some point. Parts wear out, pieces break, and repairs are necessary.
Equipment repair tags clearly mark when a machine is out of service, and can be used to monitor the status of repairs and inspections.
Applications
Safety
Manufacturing plants, construction sites, and other facilities rely on potentially dangerous equipment. Workers can be exposed to severe risks if machinery is not maintained and operated correctly.
One of the simplest mistakes a worker can make is operating a machine which is broken or being repaired. This can not only further damage the equipment, but puts the worker and other staff at risk of injury.
Equipment repair tags help to mitigate some of this risk by providing a prominent indicator a machine should not be used. For example, a bright red tag labeled “Out of Service” quickly gets the point across.
This simple addition can make the difference between safe use and a hazardous mistake.
Inspections
Periodic inspections are a necessary part of a successful and safe operation. Whether they are performed internally or by a third party, providing accurate information is crucial.
Properly labeled equipment can make the difference between a good inspection and a bad one. Equipment repair tags make it easy for inspectors to quickly identify equipment which is out of service or being repaired. In addition, numbered tags can be also used to track the progress of an inspection.
Materials
Metal Substrates
When material durability is needed, metal is usually the best choice. Resilient metal substrates such as aluminum, stainless steel, and brass are used for long-term identification.
Instead of throwing away your repair tags after every usage, metal tags can be used over and over for many years.
This can include new marking on a nameplate each time a machine is serviced. Another option is using a generic “out of service” design on the tags.
Paper/Vinyl
Some organizations need a very temporary solution for their identification. They just want to mark a piece of equipment for a day or two while it is repaired, and then toss the label away.
Printed labels on a paper tag, or vinyl decal can provide a short term solution for equipment repair marking.
In comparison to their metal counterpart, these labels do not offer the same longevity. These are suitable for short term marking at most.
Marking Processes
Stamping/Embossing
Repair tags can be stamped or embossed with pertinent information for operators or inspectors.
These direct marking processes utilize a stamp or die set to create an indented or raised design. These impressions are incredibly durable, and will last decades.
A simple “Out of Service” tag can be applied and reapplied to various machines and equipment for decades before it needs replaced.
Another application for these marking processes, numbers can be stamped or embossed to provide full traceability of machinery and other assets.
These numbered tags can be used for many purposes including tracking repairs and monitoring inspections.
Photo Anodization
Some organizations need to label their equipment with more detailed information. This might include a barcode for scanning, or a detailed list of times the equipment was serviced.
This process produces a design shielded by a layer of anodized aluminum. This makes photo anodized tags extremely durable, even in industrial environments.
The ability to add a barcode or QR code to the tag allows for the tracking and input of data regarding repairs, inspections, and more.
In addition, the anodized aluminum material can be adorned with a solid background color. This allows for the color coding of a repair tagging system. For example, using a red tag to distinguish a machine is damaged, and a yellow one to indicate it is currently being repaired.
Printing
As previously mentioned, there are identification solutions for very short term usage. Printed information is not very durable, and isn’t suited for extended use. The topical ink will quickly fade and wear, requiring the tag to be replaced or removed.
Wrap-Up
The key with equipment repair tags is selecting the right one for your specific application and needs.
If you just need a tag which will last a few days until a machine is back up and running, paper or vinyl tags might be a great choice
For applications with harsh environments, metal substrates are the best option. Their durability means they can withstand nearly any of the hazards thrown their way.