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What is the Best Surface to Mount a Nameplate On?

If you find yourself in need of a nameplate, there are many different surfaces it could possibly be mounted on. Of course, the available services will differ depending on your own situation. However, if you have a choice of multiple materials that you could mount it on, you should look at the pros and cons of each surface before deciding where to put the nameplate. We know a lot about nameplates and the best surfaces to mount them on, as our professional engineers do this day in and day out. If you need an informed recommendation, you can give the details of the situation to one of our professionals and they will provide you with a suggestion. Of course, what you do after that is up to you. To learn more about choosing the right nameplate surface, read on.

Plastic

Plastic is one of the most popular surfaces for mounting a custom nameplate. Plastic needs to be treated differently than metal for the purposes of mounting a nameplate. Metal nameplates are usually drilled through and fastened to the metal surface with bolts. However, plastic may crack if it is fastened like this. We usually use adhesive to apply our plastic nameplates to the surface. We have several different kinds of adhesive. We can recommend the best kind of adhesive for your plastic surface if you give us the required information about the nameplate and a surface.

Metal

Metal nameplates are usually fastened to metal surfaces. They are drilled through and then fastened down with bolts. This makes them very secure. If you have an application for the nameplate that means it will have to stand up to a great deal of inclement weather, especially wind, metal may be the best surface to mount the nameplate on. It is the toughest and most durable surface available.

Cardboard

We also make paper labels that fall under the category of nameplates. These paper labels are usually used for cardboard boxes. The advantage of using cardboard is that it is a very cheap material. Is also very flexible, and it is quite versatile. Of course, cardboard will not stand up to the elements. It is a good surface for the paper label nameplate as long as it is going to be kept indoors.

Walls

Walls are another very popular surface that our nameplates are often fastened too. Walls are very secure, and the nameplate can be mounted at eye height for readability. Mounting the nameplate on a wall is the right choice for a variety of different applications. However, this is not always possible. Sometimes it needs to be mounted directly on the device. However, if you have a nameplate that must be mounted so that people in the area can read safety instructions, the wall might be the best bet for you.

Wood

Some of our nameplates are mounted on wooden surfaces, although this is not very common. Wood is a good choice if you are going for a specific look. Many businesses that have nameplates mounted in areas that clients will see like to have them mounted on stained or polished wood. When you’re mounting the nameplate on wood, you can either and glue it or mount it by drilling holes in the wood and attaching it with nails. Wood may not be the most practical choice, but it is a great choice for aesthetic purposes.

Figuring Out the Best Surface for Your Application

As you can see, there are quite a lot of different services for you to choose from when figuring out what to do with your nameplate. Each surface has its own pros and cons. Nameplates are very important for the safety and education of your clients and employees, so you should take time to make sure you’re picking the best surface. It can be a difficult decision. If you’re not sure which surface to pick, you can contact us and we will help you out. All you have to do is tell us the details of the situation, and we can make an informed suggestion. What you choose to do after that is up to you.

LED vs LCD?

If you are looking to have custom electronics built that need displays, you will have to choose between LED displays and LCD displays. This can be a confusing choice, as LED displays and LCD displays are quite similar. However, there are a few important differences. To understand why this choice is an important one, you need to know what LEDs are and what LCDs are. This way, you can see the differences between the two technologies. To learn more about LED vs LCD, read on.

What is an LCD Display?

An LCD display, also known as a liquid crystal display, has been the dominant display technology for quite some time. It is used for tablets, smartphones, TVs, and computer monitors. Monitors formally used cathode ray tubes, also known as CRTs, to project the image. However, LCD displays eventually became affordable in the late seventies and they replaced CRTs. An LCD works by having a panel of liquid crystal that is forced by a source of electricity to create certain patterns. An LCD display has a light source behind the crystals. Some of our LCD displays can display color. These displays have red, green, and blue pixels within the liquid crystal. When the light turns on and passes through the liquid crystal, it also passes through a red, green, or blue filter.

What is an LED Display?

LEDs, also known as light emitting diodes, are tiny semiconductors that give off light when an electrical current is applied to them. The light is not usually very bright, but it is more energy efficient and lasts longer than traditional lights. LEDs can be used in place of LCDs by some manufacturers. LEDs are actually a type of LCD. Normal LCDs use cooled carbon fluoride tubes, also known as CCFL tubes, to provide the backlight for the LCDs. The LEDs are an alternative to these CCFL tubes. They can give greater control of the light sent to the display. The extra energy efficiency comes from the fact that individual LEDs can be shut off when they aren’t needed for the display. An LCD display is either completely on or completely off. There is no in-between setting like there is with LEDs. LEDs actually come in several different types. These include RGB- LED, full array, and edge-lit LED displays.

Advantages of LEDs

Better Energy Efficiency

As previously mentioned, LEDs are more energy efficient. You may think that using LEDs instead of an LCD for your display will not result in appreciable energy savings. However, this is not necessarily true. It depends on how large the display is on your device, how often it’s on, and on the cost of power. They could add up to hundreds of dollars every year. When you’re trying to cut cost for your company, every little bit counts. Also, keep in mind that better energy efficiency will help make a company more green.

Better Readability

LED displays are also more readable than LCD displays. This is especially true during low-light situations. The pure white backlights of the LED displays means the colors do not get distorted when the display’s brightness is turned up. Also, LED displays tend to be higher resolution. This can prevent to misreading the display, no matter what the conditions are. If the device controls a sensitive function, misreading the display and acting upon this incorrect information could be very serious. An LED display could prevent this from happening. There is a good reason that many of the most advanced electronics in this day in age use LED displays.

Disadvantages of LED Displays

More Expensive

Pretty much the only disadvantage of LED displays is that they are more expensive. Just how much more expensive depends on the device and on the application that the device will be used in. In general, they’re only a little more expensive. If your company is on a tight budget and you do not need the advantages that an LED display can provide, you may be better suited going with an LCD display. Otherwise, an LED display may be the best choice for your business. If you’re not sure, you can contact one of our engineers. They will ask you some questions about the application it may be used in and then make an informed recommendation. Of course, the final decision is up to you.

What is Embossing?

Embossing in the electronics Industry often refers to producing graphic displays with raised elements. We offer a wide variety of different graphic displays with several different types of embossing. Which type of embossing is right for your application depends on how exactly the device will be used and on your own personal preferences. You can call us and speak to one of our engineering professionals, and we will listen to the specifications that you provide and give you a suggestion about which type of embossing is right for your graphic overlay. The types of embossing include pad, perimeter, and dome embossing. To learn more about embossing in this context, read on.

Embossing and Graphic Overlays

Embossing is often used in graphic overlays to make them more ergonomic and increase usability. They are especially popular for graphic overlays that will be used in low-light situations, as users will be able to pick out keys simply by touch. This would not be possible if the keys were flat against the display. Even for graphic overlays that are not in low-light applications, embossing is quite popular because it provides a more tactile feel and reduces missed attempts to press keys. Embossing is good for low-light situations and situations where keys must be pressed quickly.

Pad Embossing

One of the types of embossing we offer is called pad embossing. Pad embossing raises the entire key area above the surface of the overlay. This is generally used for keypads that have only a few keys. If there are many keys, pad embossing may actually make the device uncomfortable for use because the raised area is too large. It is, however, good for when the overlay is over a display that you do not want to get fingerprints or skin oils on. Raising the entire key area will reduce the risk of this happening. This will help ensure a longer life for the device and less required maintenance.

Perimeter Embossing

Perimeter embossing is possibly the most popular type of embossing. This process is also called rim embossing. It involves raising a ridge around the edge of the key. This gives the keys a more tactile feel and allows greater accuracy when using the device. It also helps users find the keys in low-light situations.

Dome Embossing

Dome embossing is a specialty type of embossing that is often used for ATMs, vending machines, and other machines that have an extremely high rate of usage. The sort of embossing raises a tactile dome around the whole key area. This helps the user find the key they looking for and press it more quickly. It may only shave a second or two off of each interaction, but if the keypad sees thousands of interactions per day this is a meaningful time saving. Dome embossing can also make the keys easier to read

Which Type of Embossing is Right for Your Application?

If you’ve decided that your graphic overlay needs to be embossed, you must choose between one of the three types of embossing. They all have their unique characteristics and make them right for certain applications, but which one is right for your application? Dome embossing is probably the best option if the graphic overlay will be going on a machine that sees a very high number of users. Pad embossing is probably the best option if the graphic overlay is over a display which fingerprints could mark or damage. Rim embossing maybe the right option if the keypad is going to be in a low-light area. If you speak to one of our engineering representatives and tell us about the application you will be placing the keypad in, we can recommend a type of embossing.

Embossing Or No Embossing?

Now you know quite a lot more about embossing and which type of embossing you should choose for your application. However, it possibly may not be right for your application at all. It can be useful for any graphic overlay, but it is not necessary for some situations. Embossing does costs more and it does take a little more time. If your graphic overlay will be in a fairly low traffic and well-lit area, it may not need embossing.

Are all Nameplates Weather Resistant?

Custom nameplates are an important component of many different types of custom-made electronics. The electronics that use nameplates vary widely in size and application. Some of these electronics are made for indoor use, and will not have to deal with the weather. Some of the other devices are made for outdoor use and will have to be weather resistant to continue working in inclement conditions. It is very important that you get the correct type of nameplate for your application. To learn more about weather-resistant nameplates, read on.

Outdoor Vs. Indoor Nameplates

There are different nameplates suited for outdoor applications than those suited for indoor applications. When you are ordering a nameplate from us, let us know what conditions it will be subjected to. Our professional engineers will be able to recommend the type of nameplate that is best for your application. They are highly experienced in servicing clients that have a wide variety of different needs for their nameplates, so you’ll be able to make an informed recommendation for your situation. There is no one right answer for which nameplate you may need for outdoor applications. It depends on the climate in which you live and the location of the device which needs a nameplate.

Lexan Nameplates

Lexan nameplates are suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. They have a wide temperature tolerance, so they are good for a large variety of conditions. They are available in gloss, velvet, and matte finishes. You may want to get the matte finish if the nameplate is in an area that gets a great deal of sun. This will make it easier to read. There are a wide variety of different flammability ratings, so you can get one that is resistant to lightning if the device is in a susceptible area.

Mylar Nameplates

Mylar nameplates, also known as polyester nameplates, are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Like Lexan nameplates, they are available in gloss or matte finishes. The gloss finish is probably the more attractive choice, as long as the device is not in an area that gets a lot of sunlight. The matte finish will make the nameplate easier to read if the area does get a lot of sunlight. Mylar nameplates are very weather-resistant and specifically have excellent UV resistance. This means they will not fade due to the sun’s rays. They are also resistant to chemicals, so you can put them in an area where chemicals may splash onto the device.

Vinyl Nameplates

Vinyl is another popular choice of material for nameplates. It is usually used for indoor applications, as it is not weather-resistant by itself. However, it can be made suitable for outdoor applications. A UV overlaminate can be applied to the vinyl, which would ensure that the nameplate does not fate. Vinyl nameplates are available in rigid and flexible makes. The rigid nameplate may be better suited to stand up to inclement weather.

Paper Nameplates

Paper labels are also available for our nameplates. As you might imagine, these labels are not weather-resistant. They are better suited for indoor applications then outdoor applications. The paper labels are available in a wide variety of different paper stocks. Specifically, they are available from 60 lb stock to 100 lb plus stock. The heavier stocks may have some weather-resistant qualities, but they are not made to stand up to inclement weather. One of the other nameplate material options might be better if you need a weather-resistant device.

Weather Resistant Aluminum Nameplates

Aluminum nameplates are possibly the toughest nameplates that we offer. The material is available in thicknesses from three-thousandths (0.003″) of an inch to 32 (0.320″) thousandths of an inch. This is more than enough to stand up to any inclement weather you may encounter. The aluminum is anodized to further increase its resistance to harsh weather. It is available in matte or milled finishes. Matte finish may be the best if it is outdoors because this will increase the readability. Of course, aluminum nameplates can also be used for indoor applications. This attractive material looks good in both indoor and outdoor situations. Not only is aluminum good for resisting harsh weather, but it can also withstand chemical spills as well.