Ask most people, “What are ID plates or ID labels?” and they will reply with a blank look. ID plates can be seen in all sorts of places but, unless you are looking for them, chances are you won’t even notice them.
ID plates can be found on many pieces of equipment and are vital for the safe operation and maintenance of that equipment, while also containing information relating to the equipment’s compliance to relevant regulations.
What information is contained on ID plates?
ID labels or plates on equipment contain all manner of information. For instance, on a piece of electrical equipment, such as the motor on the side of a factory machine, they may contain information such as:
- The model of the machinery.
- The equipment’s serial number.
- The date the machinery was manufactured.
Alongside this general information there may be more specific data such as:
- The equipment’s required voltage.
- The running pressure.
- The temperature ratings of the machine.
Finally, there may be special instructions or warnings, e.g., “Suitable for Indoor Use Only,” or “Do not immerse in water.”
Who uses ID plates?
The type of information contained on ID plates and the type of equipment that they are used on means that most industries will use them to one extent or another. In particular, you will find them in the following industries:
- Manufacturing – most factories will have equipment for processing. This will invariably be labelled with a plate or label listing important information relating to that machine.
- Electronics – electronic equipment will often be labelled with an ID plate or label to ensure the user is informed of facts relating to the voltage and limits of use related to that equipment.
Transportation (Tow bar data plates) – tow bar labels display vital information about the maximum load a towbar and tow-ball are able to safely cope with.
What are ID plates made from?
Naturally, the material an ID plate is made from will depend on the conditions that the plate has to endure. Most ID plate manufacturers in New Zealand will stock a variety of metal and flexible material options so that plates with the correct functionality and durability can be supplied for any given application.
Metal ID plates, such as aluminium or stainless steel ID tags are ideal for equipment that must endure harsh environments such as heat, grease, or chemicals. You will see these on many pieces of factory equipment which run continuously at high temperatures or are exposed to oil and chemical contamination.
How are graphics applied to ID plates?
Once again, the answer to this question depends on where the plate or label is being used. ID plates in New Zealand are used in a variety of industrial environments. The equipment they are attached to may be exposed to chemicals, temperature extremes, heavy handling, grease and dirt. This means it’s critical to choose the correct materials and processing methods for an ID plate. If the wrong material or process is used, the information it contains, or even the plate itself, may be worn away rendering it useless.
ID plate manufacturers in New Zealand will need to know precisely the type of machine the plate or label is to be attached to and the conditions it will face during its work life in order to create the plate that best suits your requirements. This can include plates that are anodised.
Your ID plate manufacturer will be able to recommend the best plate, label and graphic process to ensure your plates are suitable for your requirements and that all compliance guidelines and industry standards are met.
Who makes ID plates and ID labels in New Zealand?
Determining the most suitable and effective material, graphic process and attachment process for ID plates and ID labels requires a specialist ID plate manufacturer. Metal Image, in Auckland provides cost-effective solutions to all metal labelling needs across New Zealand.
