October 2021 - Hallmark Nameplate

When you think of aviation, images of large jet engines, a set of wings, and airplane propellers probably pop into your mind. When operating such magnificent machinery, aviation nameplates and labels are quintessential to the safety of anyone who works in this extraordinary industry!

In fact, plates, overlays, and labels are essential to risk management and help communicate vital information. In this article, discover how the aviation industry can benefit from nameplates and learn how you can apply them in the field.

First, let’s talk about the common uses of aviation nameplates and data plates today.

Common Uses of Nameplates in the Aviation Industry

Some of the most common aviation nameplates include metal, safety warning, instructional, and barcoded nameplates.

For starters, metal nameplates are commonly used for model and serial numbers while barcoded nameplates are applied to electronic components.

On the other hand, instructional nameplates give detailed descriptions about how to operate the product in a step-by-step manner while safety warning nameplates highlight how to handle the machinery correctly and safely, including caution and “do not touch” labels.

The aviation industry also utilizes many other kinds of plates, overlays, and labels. These include:

Parts labels
Troubleshooting schematics
Brand tags
UID tags
Control panel overlays
Customized dials

So, how exactly do these plates, overlays, and labels benefit the aviation industry?

Key Benefits of Aviation Data Plates, Overlays, and Labels

Here’s a fact: the aviation industry always needs to abide by the highest safety standards because there is such a huge risk of danger in the field. That is where nameplates, overlays, and labels come into play.

When you install an aviation data plate, such as an instructional or safety warning nameplate onto your aircraft and aviation equipment, you instantly help manage the risk of use and make your processes much more efficient.

Here are some key benefits of using plates, overlays, and labels on your aircraft, equipment, and other products:

Foster a safe environment: Without the proper safety identification, you are putting your employees, customers, and your business at risk. Consequently, warning labels and safety signs help to minimize potential safety risks.
Track your assets to stay organized and manage your equipment: If you lack traceability and asset management on your components, you may end up wasting time with corrections and experience downtime trying to track things down. Luckily, barcodes plates make it easy to track and manage your assets.
Show proper uses and safety warnings on your equipment: The aviation industry uses a lot of important, complex equipment. Without knowing the proper uses and processes, there can be a lot of potential hazards.

Most importantly plates, overlays, and labels help you comply with major legal regulations. Keep reading to learn how.

Comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regulations

With so many active state and federal regulations surrounding the aviation industry, the importance of labels, overlays, and plates has increased tenfold.

Because of this, it’s important to stay within compliance with these regulations if you want your business to run smoothly and to keep everyone involved safe. Here’s what you need to know if you want to federally comply with marking aviation products and equipment.

Include All Required Data in Aviation Nameplates

Your aircraft needs to have all of its data openly marked on a nameplate in order to make sure every important piece of information is clearly visible and easy to access.

Required data include:

Manufacturer’s name
Model
Serial number
Certificate number
Ratings for engine
Production certification number

Furthermore, the nameplate manufacturing facility you work with should be able to help you make sure all required information is on your plate and is durable.

Make Sure Identification Plates Are Fireproof

Next, your identification plates will most likely be marked on multiple components that produce a lot of heat. Therefore, you will want to make sure that your identification plates are fireproof.

In case of a crash, engine blow, or other equipment malfunction, you will need all of your important identification to withstand any fires, high heat, and flames.

Therefore, when selecting your aviation data plate, you need to be selective with the material and processes used.

Properly Secure Plates to Aircraft and Equipment

Finally, all plates must be able to stay secure and safely fastened during routine maintenance, flying, turbulence, and even crashes. Plates should not be placed on the interior of the aircraft because they need to be seen and easily accessible from the ground.

How to Select the Right Material For Your Aviation Nameplate

Furthermore, in order to be able to stand up against the extreme elements outdoors, your nameplates must be sturdy so no important information gets destroyed. To comply with these regulations, it is important you select the right material for your aircraft.

Stainless Steel

This material is durable and sturdy and can hold up to extreme conditions.

While this is a great option for someone looking for a long-lasting material, if you are working on a lightweight aircraft then you might want to consider a different material, like aluminum.

Aluminum

Aluminum is the best lightweight option compared to any other metal. Don’t worry, although it is lightweight, it is still very durable.

It also has the benefit of being able to use the Metalphoto nameplate process.

Metalphoto

Metalphoto, a photosensitive anodized aluminum, can handle extreme temperatures and stand up against corrosion and abrasion. This material is both durable and lightweight.

People go with this process to include imagery that stands the test of time sealed within a sapphire-hard anodic layer.

Find Nameplates Engineered for the Aviation Industry

If you want the best aviation data plates, labels, and overlays for your aircraft and other equipment, then Hallmark Nameplate is the place to go. For decades, our team has worked with the aviation industry and has expert experience in designing and manufacturing durable plates, overlays, and more.

Some of our offerings include:

Identification products – These plates and tags identify and trace components as well as enhance communication.
Overlays – Overlays are used for cabin controls, identification placards on commercial cabins, safety labels, cockpit controls, galley equipment, and ground equipment.
Membrane switches – Our membrane switches are perfect for cabin and cockpit equipment, galley equipment, and ground equipment. We can also make your components night vision compliance.
Capacitive switches – The benefit of capacitive switches is that they can be applied to curves and are very durable. These are often used for cabin controls and galley equipment.
Specialty printing – Have something different in mind? We can help you print any special aviation components you need for your projects.

As you can see, we have many different offerings for the aviation industry and we’d love to help you with any of your projects. Ready to work on your custom aviation projects? Connect with us and request a quote.

If you work in the food service industry, then you know all about the importance of safety. Even a seemingly small mistake can lead to life-threatening health risks and other dangerous results. Luckily, simple yet useful food processing equipment labels and nameplates can help you prevent these mistakes and properly manage these risks.

In this article, take a closer look at the benefits nameplates, labels, and overlays can offer the food service industry. First, let’s dive into the key uses of these labels in your field.

Key Uses of Nameplates and Labels in the Food Service Industry

Whether it’s a catering company that needs property tags for equipment used in client facilities or identification and safety labels for a school cafeteria, food service organizations require nameplates and labels to keep track of supplies and equipment and to keep workers well-informed and safe.

In fact, you can use custom nameplates, overlays, and labels to help you:

Manage and track your assets and inventory with nameplates
You can add barcodes or QR codes to help you access information easily with one quick scan. This can help you trace your assets so there isn’t downtime trying to find them.
Reduce risk with safety warning labels and signs
Whether you are working in a food processing plant, restaurant, or catering business there are a lot of risks involved. Some equipment may be too hot to touch while others may require specific tools to use it. Adding warning labels or signage can help to eliminate these risks and warn the user of potential harm.
Help your staff understand how to properly operate your equipment
Add a nameplate to your equipment with information on usage guidelines, warnings, or restrictions to help your staff. While you may have trained them on how to properly use all of your equipment, it can be easy to forget the specific requirement during the day-to-day operations.
Reinforce branding with custom overlays, plates, and labels
Use custom branded overlays or labels on your products and equipment to help the end-user better identify your business. This can be done by including your business’s name, your branding colors, or your logo.

Now that you understand the general uses of using nameplates, labels, and tags in the food service industry, let’s go into more specifics about the benefits of each one.

Benefits Food Processing Equipment Nameplates

If you work in the food service industry you are probably working with a lot of different highly specialized equipment. If your team does not know how to operate your food processing equipment properly, there can be a lot of safety risks and downtime.

In order to keep your company working efficiently, you will want to make use of a food service nameplate.

Here’s how:

UID plates can help you with inventory tracking for all of your equipment
Create customized scales and dials for the best use of your equipment
Schematics for troubleshooting your circuits
Warning and instructional plates for equipment and food production safety

As you can see, when you have the right custom equipment and labels for your work, it helps organize your business and improve your productivity.

Benefits of Food Service Labels to Identify Foods

If you work in catering or at a cafeteria, a food service label can help to mark and identify food. This can be helpful for indicating the type of food you are serving.

For instance, nutrition labels can be used to indicate calories or sodium levels in a specific product. Labels are also helpful for indicating dietary facts for those with allergies or special diets. These labels can mention if the food has peanuts, meat, or gluten.

This saves your staff time from having to repeatedly inform guests on what is in the food and can help with safety, keeping people from accidentally eating something they are allergic to or can’t have.

Benefits of Nameplates and Labels in Restaurants

If you own a restaurant, then you understand firsthand that there are a lot of variables that go into the industry. For instance, you have to manage your employees, food, and equipment.

With the proper labels, tags, and plates on your side, you can organize and manage your restaurant’s equipment much easier. And what’s more? You can also mark necessary information on all of your inventory and improve your staff’s efficiency and reduce risk.

This is because your employees can properly use and track your equipment without having to consult with you.

What Kind of Nameplates and Labels Should You Use?

When it comes to the type of food service labels or nameplates you should use in your industry, consider the following:

Model and serial plates
Aluminum foil labels
Inventory and asset tags
Branding labels, tags, and overlays
Instructional plates
Warning and safety labels and plates

Once you implement these tags and plates, you will instantly help your business comply with food standards and regulations, which will mitigate risks for your company.

How to Design a Food Service Labels for Your Business

So, you’re ready to find the perfect custom labels and nameplates for your business. Where do you begin?

The first step you should take to design your nameplate or label is to select the best material for your project. Keep reading to learn more about the types of materials that might be right for you.

Select the Right Materials

First and foremost, selecting the right material for your projects is important to its success. Different materials have different benefits; therefore, each one should be used for distinct purposes.

When it comes to a food service label or nameplate, two of the most commonly used materials include stainless steel and aluminum foil.

Stainless steel is perfect for the food industry because it is durable in high temperatures and harsh chemicals. Stainless steel is also more sanitary than other materials because bacteria does not adhere to the metal and it is easier to clean.
Aluminum foil is an ideal material for food service labels and tags because it is durable, lightweight, and cost-effective. This material is also non-magnetic making it perfect for electronic devices.

Once you choose the material you want to use, you can begin manufacturing your plate.

Choose the Perfect Printing Process

Now it’s time to decide which manufacturing process you want to go with. Some of the most common manufacturing processes include:

Embossing – this creates raised numbers and letters in metal and is very durable with enhanced legibility.
Screen Printing – using colored ink your design is printed on the top layer of your metal surface. This process is recommended for projects that do not have to withstand harsh conditions, like warning signs.
Photo Anodization – during this process your design is placed under a layer of aluminum so it can withstand extreme temperatures.

Choosing the right material and manufacturing process can be tricky. Luckily, you can work hand-in-hand with an expert food service label design and manufacturing facility that has years of experience in your industry! Here’s what you need to know.

Reap the Benefits of Labels with Hallmark Nameplate

At Hallmark Nameplate, you can select from a full range of high-quality materials, thicknesses, finishes, adhesives, and special processes to meet the demands of the most challenging applications in your industry.

With extensive engineering and manufacturing expertise, we work with you to create the best industrial equipment nameplates, overlays, and labels for your application. No matter what project you want to work on, we’re here to exceed your expectations!

When working in the manufacturing and industrial industry, there are a lot of risks involved. This is due to the operation of heavy machinery and other dangerous equipment and products. At the end of the day, you are liable for any end-user risks.

That is why there is a strong need for manufacturing labels, industrial nameplates, and other product overlays that can be used to alleviate this risk.

From risk mitigation to asset management, discover all of the valuable ways labels and overlays can benefit the manufacturing and industrial industry. Let’s get started.

Common Uses of Overlays and Labels in the Manufacturing Industry

It’s no secret that there is a strong need for overlays, nameplates, and labels in the manufacturing and industrial industry. In fact, overlays and labels are used in almost all aspects of manufacturing. No matter what industry you work with.

They are placed on consumer goods, construction and industrial equipment, food processing and restaurant equipment, IT systems, OEM electronic hardware, telecommunications equipment, and more.

Manufacturing labels and overlays commonly used in this industry include:

Barcode and UID nameplates
Product branding tags and promotional nameplates
Inventory and asset tags
Model and serial number nameplates
Tracking labels and tags
Metal nameplates for equipment identification
Equipment operating instructions and safety warnings
Control panel overlays
Precision dials and scales
Schematics for troubleshooting

So, what type of manufacturers can benefit from using overlays and labels?

Types of Manufacturers That Need Overlays and Labels

Manufacturers in practically every industry use overlays and labels, some of which include:

Communication equipment manufacturers
Construction equipment manufacturers
Consumer goods manufacturers
Furniture manufacturer
Industrial appliance manufacturers
Restaurant equipment manufacturers

While they all use overlays and labels, the type they need may vary. Keep reading to learn more about the types of overlays and labels available and how the manufacturing industry can benefit from each one.

Benefits of Industry-Grade Graphic Overlays

First, let’s talk about graphic overlays. A graphic overlay, also known as a panel overlay, is a critical printed interface on mechanical and electronic assemblies. It allows the user to effectively interact with the device, machine, or equipment.

This top layer visually represents the device’s user interface panel and is the first thing the operator sees. There are various forms, such as a single layer that is backed by adhesive or part of a membrane switch.

These overlays typically include the company name and branding, in addition to product information. Important information to include is IDs and serial numbers, plus instructions for using the device.

Finally, a graphic overlay may also include important safety warnings. This functional user-friendly interface is very important, as it helps define the user experience.

Purpose of Overlays in the Manufacturing Industry

Now let’s discuss how the manufacturing industry uses overlays.

You might already know that graphic overlays used on equipment for manufacturing must be “industry-grade.” Overlays need to be ready to handle heavy daily use and resist harsh chemical environments. This ensures the overlay will last the test of time and never fade when it is needed the most.

Types of machinery that would heavily benefit from the use overlays include:

Electronic testing devices
Foodservice equipment
Safety equipment
Material handling equipment
Testing equipment
Printing devices
Lathes
Saws
Presses
Milling machines
Color measurement equipment
Motor controllers
Processing equipment
Commercial and residential appliances

As heavy machinery can pose a potential workplace risk and increased liability for organizations, interfaces must be robust and easy to read, as well as intuitive. This involves a smart design, high-quality graphics, and hearty materials that remain sharp over years of abuse.

Choose the Right Material for Your Overlays

With that being said, let’s take a look at the most beneficial materials for industry-grade overlays.

Anodized Aluminum – Lightweight yet durable, anodized aluminum is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. It’s known for its corrosion and abrasion resistance and is lighter than other metals. Anodized aluminum can be customized with various colors and designs.

PhotoSensitive Aluminum (MetalPhoto) – MetalPhoto is extremely durable and unaffected by harsh indoor and outdoor conditions. It includes the process of sealing your image under a sapphire-hard anodic layer to protect it.

Polyester (Mylar®) – Polyester, also known as Mylar, is ideal for harsh indoor and outdoor environments. The material is UV resistant, won’t fade in the sun, is non-yellowing, electrical resistant. It can also withstand extreme temperatures, water, abrasion, and chemicals.

Polycarbonate (Lexan®) – Lexan is a polycarbonate resin thermoplastic material that’s transparent, strong, tough, impact-resistant, and temperature resistant. It’s the best material to use where extreme temperatures and widely varying temperatures are a concern. This material is also resistant to scratches, corrosion, chemical abrasion, and water. It also expands and contracts without damaging the material.

Vinyl (PVC) – PVC vinyl, also known as polyvinyl chloride, is very rigid and extremely durable. However, unless it has UV overlaminate protection, it isn’t suitable for outdoor use. Properties of PVC include resistance to moisture and humidity as well as low cost.

Now that you know all about graphic overlays, it’s time to talk about the importance of industry labels.

Benefits of Industry Labels for the Manufacturing Industry

Businesses in the manufacturing industry use labels to facilitate their manufacturing and inventory tracking. Labels are also used for shipping any products or equipment their business makes. Labels share vital instructions and safety warnings as well as provide quality control.

Typically, labels are placed on manufacturing machines and equipment in order to provide the necessary information. They usually contain barcodes, ownership details, manufacturer’s name, serial number, and maintenance requirements.

Purpose of Labels in the Manufacturing Industry

Now let’s discuss how the manufacturing industry uses labels.

Machinery and heavy-duty equipment require labels that can withstand harsh conditions and meet industry specifications. The manufacturing industry often uses labels for safety and instructional purposes, putting them in facilities and on equipment.

You can get custom industrial labels, tags, nameplates, such as:

Manufacturing labels
Factory and machinery labels
Circuit board and electronics labels
Engineering labels
Domed labels
QC stickers, labels & tags
QR codes, barcodes, serial number labels
UL labels
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety labels
Hazard labels
Security labels
Instructional labels

Once you have decided the purpose of your label, you can begin to select the material you want to use.

Pick the Proper Material for Your Industry Labels

The best materials for your labels will depend on many factors, including usage, environmental conditions, and the information required. However, here are some of the most common materials used for industry labels.

Polyester (Mylar®) – Polyester, also known as Mylar, is ideal for harsh indoor and outdoor environments. The material is UV resistant, won’t fade in the sun, is non-yellowing, is electrical resistant. It can also withstand extreme temperatures, water, abrasion, and chemicals.

Polycarbonate (Lexan®) – Lexan is a polycarbonate resin thermoplastic material that’s transparent, strong, tough, impact-resistant, and temperature resistant. It’s the best material to use where extreme temperatures and widely varying temperatures are a concern. This material is also resistant to scratches, corrosion, chemical abrasion, and water, and it expands and contracts without damaging the material.

With proper, well-made manufacturing labels and overlays on your side, you can run your business smoothly and safely.

Design Your Manufacturing Labels and Overlays with Hallmark Nameplate

Are you ready to craft the strongest, most reliable industry-grade labels and overlays for your equipment, machinery, and products?

At Hallmark Nameplate, we’ll work closely with your team to learn every detail of your desired application so we can design the best manufacturing labels for your business. We use top-quality materials and printing processes to ensure each order is made to perfection.

Ready to get started? Sign up for a comprehensive FREE quote to find a solution that will meet your specific needs.

Are you looking for a way to enhance your branding, but don’t know where to start? Luckily for you, product name plates, overlays, and labels are a great way to quickly build your branding without having to invest too much money.

So how do nameplates, graphic overlays, and labels improve branding? In this article, dive into 5 smart ways product name plates will take your brand to the top.

Before jumping right in, let’s define branding first.

What is Branding?

Your company’s branding is what your consumers think of when they see your business. It essentially creates an experience or message that the consumers can associate with your business’s offerings.

The goal of branding is to create a positive psychological effect on consumers. You want your visual to evoke an emotion when seen. Therefore, proper branding is essential to the success of your business because it gives you an identity and differentiates you from your competitors in the market.

So, what can you do to really make your brand pop? Through customized nameplates, of course!

5 Key Ways Product Name Plates, Overlays, and Labels Can Help Your Branding

Now that you understand what branding is, it’s time to learn how a nameplate, overlay, and label can help boost your branding.

Simply put, a nameplate is a type of visual sign that is attached to your products and serves to properly identify them. Here are 5 key ways nameplates can leave a positive imprint on your customers’ minds.

1. Make a Good First Impression

First impressions matter. In fact, the way your business displays itself says a lot about who you are as a company.

Your nameplate will probably be one of the first things your customers will see, so it’s important to send a good message. You want it to be memorable so that your message and business stick with them and help with brand recall.

From the second they walk into your office or see your product, they should be able to immediately recognize your brand. Not only should they be able to recognize your business but it should elicit a positive reaction. A well-made nameplate will help you achieve this goal.

2. Increase Brand Awareness

Brand awareness defines how much your consumers are familiar with your branding of goods and services.

Your logo and branding found throughout your offices and products can help your customers identify your business. With that being said, your nameplate helps to visually identify your message and what your company values.

When consumers have high brand awareness, they are more likely to buy from you because your business is at the top of their minds.

3. Enhance Product Identification

Visual branding is important because it helps people recognize a product belongs to your business.

Nameplates and overlays contain identification numbers and tracking codes, which help assure your customers that your products follow regulations. Furthermore, your nameplates help customers get the proper information to safely use your products.

Without this information, your customers and brand can be at risk. It is important that you are meeting your customer’s needs in order to help your brand’s reputation.

Whether your products are on the shelf or in the field, making it easier for consumers to identify your products vs your competition can boost your brand awareness and make you stand out in the market.

4. Build Relationships With Customers

When your products have consistent, clear visuals that show your attention to detail, it proves you are a credible and trustworthy business. For example, a logo plate can establish professionalism, uniformity, and stability. These are all things consumers look for when they make purchasing decisions.

By increasing consumers’ familiarity with your brand through nameplates and overlays, you can make your business stand out in the market and increase loyalty. The more a consumer is familiar with your brand the more likely they will believe that your business is a competitive player in the market.

The better your relationship is with your customers the more likely they are to make repeat purchases and recommend you to friends and family.

5. Elevate Your Brand

Here’s a fact: you can increase your consumers’ perceived value of your brand through well-made, customized nameplates. Here’s how.

The more familiar a consumer is with your brand, the more likely they are to pay more for your service or product. By selecting the right materials and design for your nameplate, you can make a big impact on brand equity.

For instance, if you select premium print and materials for your nameplates, you can elevate your branding and show that your business centers around quality.

In the end, positive brand equity can allow you to successfully raise your prices, have higher stock prices, and help you to expand your business.

Promotional Plates, Overlays, and Tags

Promotional products that clearly display your brand will help your customers recognize your business and make you stand out in the market.

Simple products with promotional plates or tags like flyers, box labels, and paper inserts, are all extremely important visuals. They generate customer interest and provide material to help spread the word about your company.

Additionally, when you create plates that you can give as corporate gifts to those in your company or that you partner with, it shows appreciation and also brings attention to your brand. You can even add custom tags to promotional products to give out at trade shows or conferences.

What to Consider When Creating Your Product Name Plates, Overlays, or Labels

When designing your nameplate, graphic overlay, or label, there are a few things you need to consider:

Color – Different colors play various physiological effects on consumers. When determining your branding colors, you want them to be consistent with the message you are trying to convey.
Font – You want your font to be clear and easy to read. For example, while a cursive font is attractive, it may be hard for your consumers to read. Therefore it won’t be very helpful.
Imagery – A picture is worth 1,000 words, so you want any imagery you use to express what is important to your brand.
Logo – Your logo is used throughout all of your branding, so you want it to be simple and easily replicable – but also something that stands out!
Material – The material you use can say a lot about the value of your brand. You want something durable that can withstand the elements in its environment.
Additional features – When contemplating additional features to add, consider LED or LCD backlighting for an extra pop.

At the end of the day, consistent use of color, font, and imaging give off the impression of an organized, well put together, and professional presence.

Boost Your Branding With Hallmark Nameplate

Effective branding should always be at the forefront of your company. At Hallmark Nameplate, we can give your business the visuals you need to help your company and products stand out from the competition. Let us assist you with all your branding needs.

Request a fast, free quote for your project, or contact us to learn more about our products and how they can boost your company’s branding.

Hallmark Nameplate has been designing industrial nameplates and customized graphic overlays for a wide range of industries for over 60 years. We offer multiple styles of graphic overlays that are used for membrane switches and control panels that must withstand the toughest workplace conditions. From the caustic environments of raw chemicals processing to the high-temperature operations that exist in hot works manufacturing, graphic overlays are the nameplate of choice to withstand high temperatures, moisture, chemicals, and dirt infiltration, performing exceptionally well with limited material degradation and long-lasting label readability.

Graphics Overlays Applications

Graphic overlays serve a dual role in the toughest workplaces. While industrial equipment will benefit from the protection that rugged and sealed overlays offer, other industries that must endure regular hose-down cleanings such as food grade operations, or equipment that requires routine sanitizing as found in medical facilities. Even delicate instrumentation panels as found in research or testing laboratories now incorporate membrane switches with graphic overlay to add value to the equipment’s operation and its aesthetic appeal.

Our 30,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility features state of the art laser and die cut fabrication equipment for producing graphic overlays from various materials including conductive compounds, rubber, all plastics, foams, EMI/RFI, and sponge substrates up to 0.060″ thick. Overlays for equipment faceplates and control panels are used for the following tough workplace applications:

Agricultural Equipment
Industrial Control Panels
Computers and Electronics
Medical Equipment
Laboratory and Test Equipment
Domestic Appliances
Outdoor-LIving Products

Overlays are used extensively due to the wide range of material and color options available, the many visually pleasing styles for each end-user application, and the protective properties that add a significant increase to the life-cycle of industrial assemblies or manufactured products.

The Right Overlay for Tough Environments

At Hallmark Nameplate, we combine current graphics design principles for color, layout, and text style with industry best practices for membrane switch faceplate design to achieve optimum human to machine graphical interaction. Our large collection of dies offer clients a wide variety of size and shape configurations, custom designed to your specifications, and multiple overlay types to meet your application:

Transparent Windows – Add a peek-through element with a semi-transparent window that takes the place of a cut-out window to add another dimension of visibility. The transparent window allows the viewing of underlying text screens such as meters, counters, etc.
Selective Texturing – For enhanced operator input, selective texturing adds a visual difference to controls, allowing employees to make selections with increased confidence. Selective texturing will use both gloss and matte finishes to distinguish operator input areas.
Embossed Areas – Adding a tactile contrast to membrane face plates increases productivity and reduces operator error. The operator can quickly distinguish the control pad when the area is embossed or raised to the next level. For even greater touch recognition, perimeter or dome embossing of individual keys reduces operator selection errors.
Harsh Environments – For the toughest of workplace environments, we offer overlays treated for abrasion and chemical resistance to reduce wear of critical control labeling in corrosive environments. At Hallmark Nameplate, our design specialists can make sure your membrane panels with graphic overlay are manufactured to withstand hot, cold, wet, dry, chemicals, and UV exposure.

Our membrane switches are quality manufactured to endure over 1 million actuations. When coupled with a heavy-duty graphic overlay that provides high chemical and temperature resistance, you can expect a long-lasting control panel that is custom designed for your specific equipment, and engineered to withstand the harshest working environments.

When you require a completely sealed operator panel, a graphics overlay faceplate is the answer. Contact Hallmark Nameplate for a fast quote based on your uploaded specifications for accuracy. And if you’re not quite sure where to start, our design team is standing by to assist you in selecting the right material and overlay style for your application.

The machinery you operate has to be protected from the environment in which you are operating it. Whether you’re working in a factory filled with dust or an operating room in the ER, you have to depend on your equipment every day. This is why it has to be guarded. Essentially there are two types of protection for electronic equipment: panel covers and overlays. Although both have their features and benefits, graphic overlays are often preferred over panels. There are several practical reasons for this. Let’s explore them.

Learn more about our Graphic Overlays

What Are The Determining Factors?

Before covering the advantages of graphic overlays, it’s important to understand the conditions in which they are a better option than standard panel covers. Consider the following checklist:

Does your electronic device require a switch or a button to operate?
Is your work area filled with dust and debris?
Do the buttons on the device require greater pressure?
What is the panel’s design?
How vulnerable is the panel to surrounding activity?
How vulnerable is the panel to chemicals or other substances?
is the panel area raised or recessed?
Does the device require heavy-duty buttons?

By answering these questions, you can make an assessment of which option – a panel cover or an overlay – is better for you.

Durability and Protection

If buttons control your device, then an overlay is a more suitable option. Graphic overlays are far more durable than panel covers. The added benefit is that they provide greater protection for your electronic device and give it more durability as well. Graphic overlays keep dust, debris, and liquids from penetrating the panel surface. The electronics underneath the panel are preserved, thus, will perform for a longer period.

Reduced Maintenance and Easier Cleaning

Cleaning and sanitizing a panel cover is always a hassle. The greatest challenge is keeping dust and cleaning agents from getting under the cover while cleaning it. Graphic overlays eliminate this problem by creating a seamless protective surface over the panel. The smooth surface is easy to clean because there are no knobs or buttons protruding from the panel.

Graphic Overlays Offer Unmatched Versatility

The options available for graphic overlays are nearly endless. Beyond design and customization, there are also other choices available to the user. Some of these include:

A wide array of finishes including polycarbonate and polyester.
RFI/ESD/EMC Shielding
Environmental and UV sustainability
Embossing and Braille
LED lighting and fiber optic background lighting
Key legends can be switched out per function
IP65, IP67, IP68 rated

Graphic Overlays are Cost-Effective

When compared to conventional panel covers, graphic overlays are a more affordable choice. It takes less effort in both design and construction to produce an overlay. Most graphic covers are made from less expensive materials than traditional panel covers. They are also less costly to attach to a panel. Overlays simply require an adhesive. Overall, your company will save money by utilizing graphic overlays.

Personalized Customizations

You can have graphic overlays designed according to your precise specifications. Custom features are valuable for companies that have machines that are unique in both design and construction. No matter what type of an electronic device panel you have, manufacturers can create a graphic overlay for it. If you need a certain color, pattern, font, or other features, companies such as Hallmark Nameplate can produce it exactly the way you want it.

Quick Access and Digital Accuracy

If your company hires employees that work in a fast-paced environment, then knobs and switches may not be an efficient method for operating a panel. If a worker has to operate machinery with split-second precision, turning knobs may not be the best option. Graphic overlays give workers quick access to buttons on the panel and allow them to create and change settings on the device with accuracy. Overlays take the guesswork out of utilizing machinery.
If you are looking for a reputable, experienced graphic overlay manufacturer for any device you are using, then contact Hallmark Nameplate today. We offer customized overlays and can create any design to your exact specifications. You can contact us at 800.874.9063. You can also message us on our contact page.

Hallmark Nameplate provides a wide array of product options so that we can design a graphic overlay to your exact specifications. The only question you need to answer is which type of template you need and for what purpose. The right product will help protect your control panel in any environment and speed up production. Below are some items to consider when ordering GRAPHIC OVERLAYS. If you have any questions you can contact us. We can help you work out the details to identify the graphic overlay that is right for you.

Establishing the Criteria

Before choosing a graphic overlay it’s important to sit down and ask yourself some basic questions. Establishing the criteria will solidify your choice. Here are some questions to consider:

What is the purpose of the graphic overlay?
What type of device will it be used for?
How complex is the control panel? How complex is the printing design?
How is the panel operated? Levers? Knobs? Buttons?
What environment will the nameplate be used in? Indoor? Outdoor?
What special features or materials will you need for the nameplate?
What is the frequency and intensity of usage?

Substrate Options

Now that you’ve established some general guidelines, you’ll need to know what type of graphic overlays are available and how each is unique. Below are some of the main nameplate substrates and their characteristics:

Polycarbonate. This type of material is used in environments with extreme temperature fluctuations as well as changes in climate. It can be used indoors and outdoors and it has a high tolerance to fires and flames.

Polyester. If you need a graphic overlay that is UV-resistance, then polyester is a good option. The surface will not fade in the sunlight and it has a high tolerance to heat.

What Type of Finish is Best?

The type of finish on a graphic overlay is as important as the type of material you use and the purpose for the plate. Before choosing a finish, you need to think about if the finish can hold up under the environment in which the control panel is used as well as if it can withstand extreme temperatures, UV rays, and daily use. Below are the three main types of finishes that we offer.

Gloss: a gloss overlay enhances the colors of the overlay. It does show fingerprints, however, it is easy to clean.

Velvet/matte: A Matte finish can be used for a broad range of applications. It doesn’t reveal scratches or other blemishes as much as other types of finish.Velvet/ Matte finish has less glare. It is ideal for polycarbonate and polyester overlays.

If you would like to know more about the options that are available to you, then contact Hallmark Nameplate. We can custom-design nameplates, graphic overlays, and other similar products for your control panels. Call us today at 800-874-9063 and let us help you with your upcoming project from start to finish.

There was a time when to order a nameplate or a graphic overlay would have gotten you very different products than if you did the same thing today. Fortunately, for the difference in things you can do with these different items, that’s a good thing. The primary difference in the products that today we call nameplates and graphic overlays is their use. For example, if you have something you want to announce to the world using some kind of graphic tool, but you want to use it out of doors, you should seriously consider an overlay. On the other hand, if you need a more traditional product label where there is little concern over whether it will be exposed to the elements, a nameplate is usually your best choice.

First the Good News

Whether you decide to use a nameplate or a graphic overlay, one matter that needs to be determined before you start is the type of material you want to use as a base. Fortunately, there are a practically infinite number of materials and substrates that you can use to form the base of your final product. These include different types of polyesters and polycarbonates, which differ in many ways, including the printing processes required to use them as well as price and other factors.

Another important factor to consider when you are deciding which product to use is the QS-9000 and/or ISO 9001 certification that is required. These certifications play an important role in the processes that are used to create them. And in creating these different products, different printing methods are required for final production. It naturally follows that with the different printing methods that are used, there are different standards that can be maintained in terms of color quality and capabilities of the surfaces to be printed on.

Specifics

As similar as these two methods are, they can be very different as well. Nameplates are excellent vehicles when a message that needs to be delivered needs to be permanent and look good as well. The printing methods that can be used with nameplates have stood the test of time and have proven that they will remain not only quality, but visually appealing for a wide variety of decorative, promotional, and instructional purposes.

Nameplates are normally recommended for applications that are either indoor or outdoor. Screen printed or digitally printed nameplates are most often used in a wide variety of commercial and industrial applications.

By contrast, the applications for graphic overlays are different but just as extensive. First, the versatility of graphic overlays has made them very popular in a number of commercial and industrial applications. Graphic overlays are often used where there is a need for a more cosmetically appealing look to a product or sign. For example, graphic overlays can often be found when there is a need for a more appealing connection between a product and the user. These are often found as the lettering and other design elements of appliances and other products that need to be durable and long lasting.

It should be noted that regardless of the type of labeling that is used, both methods can be counted on for a high-quality and appealing method of labels. There can be other factors in terms of determining which is best for a given application, but everything else being equal, both methods are of high quality and performance.

Hallmark Nameplate is known for its high-quality graphic overlays manufactured using state-of-the-art laser cut, die cut, or plot cut fabrication methods. Not only do graphic overlays provide the primary function of identifying each selection on industrial/medical equipment and consumer products, they also prevent moisture infiltration, UV ray damage, and chemical corrosion of the underlying electronic surface.

If you want to take your graphics overlay to the next level – consider perimeter embossing to add a tactile method of making sure the right function is being selected among multiple controls. Perimeter embossing applied to graphic overlays are being used for touch-sensing labels in many industry sectors:

Medical devices
Industrial equipment
Consumer electronics
Domestic appliances
Aerospace and military
Fitness equipment

What is Perimeter Embossing?

Perimeter embossing is sometimes referred to as rim embossed graphics. It is a labeling feature where a ridge around the edge of the key is raised to the next level above the label itself. Overlay embossing is often used on membrane switches to add a raised, tactile finish to the keypad. The two-dimensional area gives the operator confirmation that they are indeed pressing the correct button.

At Hallmark Nameplate, we realize the design of any user interface using membrane or discrete switches with perimeter embossing must first consider the requirements of the product – the functions to be identified and any options that are to be featured. And when you consider medical equipment or industrial machinery, the need to quickly and easily identify the correct function is crucial to the operation of the equipment. Perimeter embossing that raises the key edge to the next level can be viewed as a safety feature, helping to protect lives and property.

The Aesthetic Value of Next Level Overlays

Next level perimeter embossing also has a wide range of applications for adding a distinct look to consumer products or electronic devices and can be a very creative way of setting your product apart from the competition. When graphics are embossed, they create an additional impression of an area, lettering, or a pattern.

The raised edge surface of a perimeter embossed keypad or control panel will add a visual dimension to surfaces, and the selection with perimeter embossing adds even another level of interest. The tactile feel of the raised edge gives your products a look of exclusivity. Perimeter embossing changes not only the feel of the material, it can add a level of quality that is above standard design graphics.

Why Choose Hallmark Nameplate?

Membrane switches and discrete switches with next level perimeter embossing do offer a high-tech look to the user interface. But in fast-paced manufacturing or with critical care medical devices, the raised rim switch is a reliable choice for a human interface that promotes safety. The multiple advantages of a sealed overlay and a raised rim keypad that is easy to clean and engineered to operate in harsh environments or sterile locations are what makes these graphic overlays a great option.

We have the solution for all your graphic overlay and labeling needs. If your equipment will be located in an environment that is dry, hot, wet, cold, chemical or UV exposed, we produce long-lasting, high-quality interface labels. Each graphic overlay with next level embossing is custom-designed to meet your every end-user application.

Hallmark Nameplate has been serving the manufacturing and engineering industries for over 60 years, providing nameplates, membrane switches, and electronic assemblies for thousands of products including OEM, telecommunications, computers, and the medical industry. We take pride in our engineering and design staff that develop products under ISO 9001:2008 quality assurance guidelines. It doesn’t matter if your project is large or small, we can provide a fast and free quote. Or fill out our convenient contact form to receive more information on the products that you are interested in.

Graphic overlays are a worthy investment for many reasons. In addition to offering a unique aesthetic look and feel to your device, graphic overlays also afford a level of safeguarding from the elements as well as helpful user-friendly components, such as color-coding and embossing for ease-of-access and efficiency purposes.

When you’re considering different options for switches and devices, it’s important to understand the value of graphic overlay and what a graphic overlay can do to transform your product.

Protection From the Elements

From dry, hot, wet or cold conditions to an exposure to chemicals or ultraviolet rays, graphic overlays can provide a protective buffer for the more critical components beneath.

We design and manufacture graphic overlays specifically to be resistant to rough handling and specific environments, allowing for a more durable switches. This aspect of graphic overlays can lengthen the life of products exponentially.

More Than Just Colorful

Color-coding is not a new concept in the manufacturing world. We use it because it works. The trans-color option of graphic overlays can aid users in unexpected and potentially life-saving ways.

For quick response time during a fast-paced shift, graphic overlays can provide a level of efficiency. Bright colors naturally draw our eyes to the exact button, lever or switch we need at any given time.

When an assembly line manager needs to stop the line quickly for safety or quality reasons, he/she can stop output immediately. Time is of the essence for the safety of both the factory employees and the consumers, not to mention raw material costs.

This manager can use the color-coding aspect to his/her advantage by allowing the eyes to quickly gravitate to the red STOP button, rather than depending on the slightly slower mode of reading the word on the button.

Color registers in the brain more quickly than words. In some cases, micro-seconds can mean the difference between life and death. In these instances, less durable, less functional, less clearly-defined colorful options just will not do.

The added visual appeal of the item is really just a bonus.

Built to the Touch

The texturing and embossing options of graphic overlays allow for a pleasing tactile encounter, as well as an element of comfort to the user. But it’s so much more.