With the hot summer months upon us, it's time to dust off and fire up the grills and smokers for those long-awaited outdoor barbeques. Summer is synonymous with delicious food, outdoor cooking, and gatherings of friends and family. However, with all the fun comes a crucial consideration for those selling products exposed to high heat: the durability of their nameplates and ID plates. The scorching temperatures from products like grills, smokers, and exhaust pipes can take a toll on these essential labels, making it vital to withstand the heat without compromising on quality. In this blog, we'll delve into best practices for protecting your product's nameplates from harsh temperatures, ensuring they can endure the heat and maintain their integrity.
1. Choosing the Right Material for your Nameplate
If you know that your product, whatever it might be, will be exposed or could be exposed to high heat -metal is the answer. However, opting for a metal nameplate doesn't completely take care of the problem.
The Material (aluminum, stainless steel, etc.) + The Processes (embossing, protective topcoats, inks) + The Attachment Method (rivets and screws, adhesive, or a combination of both) = The Best Solution
2. Understanding Your Label Needs
It's crucial for us to understand the parameters to determine how your nameplate should be created to ensure longevity, legibility, and durability. Here are some key questions we ask:
1. How long with the nameplate be exposed to heat?
High heat applications require special inks and coatings. This may limit color options and gloss levels, but don't worry! We'll work with you to create the perfect product identification for you. For example, this nameplate is attached to an exhaust pipe and not only face high temperatures but also dust and vibration - we were able to adhere to their branding and include a signature pop of color.
2. What are the temperature ranges the label will be exposed to?
Whether or not your nameplate will be exposed to high heat, knowing the environment it will be in is crucial. Elements like sun, snow, and dirt can damage the longevity and legibility of your nameplate. This information helps us choose the right decorative processes (like embossing), ink systems, and protective topcoats to keep your nameplate looking like new for years to come.
For more information on outdoor exposure for nameplates, read this blog.
If you'd like more information on adhesive and outdoor exposure, click here.
3. Will the nameplate be in direct or indirect heat?
Understanding the type of heat exposure helps us in selecting the appropriate protective measures.
4. Will it be exposed to dust and/or vibration?
The nameplate (shown below) is attached directly onto an exhaust pipe on power sports equipment. It's securely attached with rivets and enhanced with embossing. The combinations of the two creates a durable and legible nameplate that will last for the life of the equipment.
3. Embossing Your Labels and Badges
Typically, aluminum is our most common material choice for applications with high heat exposure. It's a very durable and lightweight metal, and it can be fabricated into just about any shape or form. Embossing is a popular addition to a nameplate or label that will be facing extreme temperatures. This process naturally creates depth and helps reduce direct heat exposure by creating space between the surface of the grill and the nameplate. Embossing is also permanent, making it an excellent addition when the part will be subjected to abrasions or heavy handling.
The image below shows the back of the Kerker nameplate, it features an embossed border as well as an embossed logo.
For more information on embossing, read this blog.
How can we help?
Creating a nameplate, badge, or label can be a confusing process - especially when you're dealing with heat exposure and rough conditions. However, we're here to make the process as easy as possible. Once we understand the environment and application, we'll be able to provide you with a perfect solution! Our knowledgeable team is here to guide you in the right direction to create a nameplate or decal that will stand the test of time.
