Sometimes the simplest solution is the best one. Your company has equipment or tools that need organizing. What’s one of the best ways to do that? Number them!
Serialized number tags provide a straightforward but effective solution.
Numbered metal tags are a type of identification tag that is used to label belongings and assets. These can be found in many industries, from warehouses to hospitals. When it comes to these tags, there is a lot of information available about the different types of materials they are made from, as well as how they work and who uses them. In this article, we will discuss numbered metal tags by reviewing what they are made out of, why you might want or need one for your business, and some things you should know before purchasing one.
Applications
Numbered metal tags have many purposes, the most popular of which is for every business, large or small organization. By using a system of numbering tags, you can keep track of items and their whereabouts. This is especially useful in busy environments like warehouses and factories where it’s easy to lose track of objects.
Tags can also be used for marketing purposes- attaching a unique number to each product allows businesses to track how well their products are performing on the market. Numbered tags can also help with safety audits and other regulatory compliance tasks. By labeling dangerous or hazardous items with a tag that includes a number, authorities can quickly identify any potential hazards.
Every business large or small has some form of assets. If your organization utilizes physical assets, you want to maximize their utility. One of the best ways to accomplish this is through asset tagging.
Asset tags provide a method to keep track of equipment, tools, lockers, and machinery. For example, numbering every tool means that if one goes missing or breaks, it can be documented and monitored. Keeping track of this information allows for issues and bottlenecks to be quickly determined and remedied.
Serialized tags are often used in lieu of barcode tags. Barcode scanning systems aren’t the right fit for every business. They can be time-consuming to set up and implement. Plus, there’s the additional investment of scanning devices and tracking software. This is what makes serialized asset tags a useful alternative. The only cost is the metal tags. Anything after that is just time and labor.
Inspection Tags
Identification tags are vital to industries such as the telecommunications industry. Trying to track and manage the inspection of hundreds, sometimes thousands, of telephone and utility poles across the nation is a daunting task. Each pole has to be accounted for, inspected, and replaced when damaged.
Inspection tags make these tasks more manageable. With bold characters from the embossing process or black text on a standout yellow background, it can be hard to miss the nameplate. As such, inspections are increasingly easier and provide more accurate information.
Job Tags
Another common use for metal nameplates with numbering is for job tagging.
Job tagging means marking a specific part for each job with a specific number.
For example, each piece involved in a process is marked with the same number each time. I.e. this piston is a #6 every time.
Features
Numbered tags are able to provide simple yet pertinent information at just a glance.
Serialized Numbers
Serialized numbers are a simple but effective solution. They are simply custom-made metal tags, but with serialized information. This can include a very long list of numbers. This is perfect if you need a large range of numbers (i.e. 00001-10000.)
Variable Numbers
Your application may not be a one size fits all process. Maybe you need very specific numbers for specific equipment. Or let’s say you only want to use odd numbers or skip certain numbers. No matter what information you need, it can be added.
Getting completely different numbers on each tag is certainly doable. They can be added using one of several processes. For example, a variable data embossing machine specializes in embedding a separate number on each tag it runs.
No matter what data you need, it can be marked on metal tags.
Durability
No matter what information you put on your custom tags, you can have peace of mind knowing they are a highly durable solution. Metal nameplates are much more durable than using a sticker or decal.
Metal tags are made for industrial environments. They are designed to withstand heavy wear and tear.
While they might not be quite as customizable as printed decals, there is still plenty of room for making a standout design. For example, colorful anodized aluminum makes your tags pop.
Processes
Embossing
One of the best solutions for numbering tags is the embossing process. This process creates raised metal characters in the metal substrate. These numbers are incredibly durable as they are formed with the metal itself. You will get somewhere in the neighborhood of 20+ years outdoors before the tags need to be replaced.
Embossing is an excellent solution for serialized tags in general. These tags are able to be run in large volumes very quickly, making them a very cost-effective option (without sacrificing quality).
MetalPhoto
If you want to maintain the look of a printed tag without leaving them vulnerable to wear and tear, look no further than photo anodized aluminum. MetalPhoto allows for any design or image to be added into the metal substrate. The design is sealed beneath an anodic layer of aluminum material.
Materials
Aluminum
One of the best choices for metal identification, aluminum is a great one-size-fits-all type solution. It is lightweight, which avoids adding bulk to your equipment.
While the material is lightweight, it doesn’t give up the high durability which is expected from metal. This allows for aluminum tags to be used in nearly any industry or environment.
Brass
Brass tags are often used for valve or pipe identification. These tags develop a varnish over time, giving them a vintage appearance.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel numbered tags are selected due to their immense durability. These tags can be used to hold up in even the worst environments. Their toughness makes them incredibly versatile and able to be used in a wide range of applications.
Cold Rolled Steel
This material is great for welding, for applications where adhesive backing or mounting via holes is not ideal. Cold rolled steel is a low-cost metal better suited for short-term usage. It is prone to rust, and as such should be coated or painted to prevent damage.
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Metal identification tags are an incredibly useful part of any organization. Adding serialized (or variable) numbering provides an easy yet effective solution. Proper labeling and identification mean your equipment, tools, and other assets are going to be accounted for. If you want to take it one step further, consider custom metal tags with laser engraving options for even more branding potential.
If you want the strongest metal tags for your business, you can’t go wrong with numbered metal tags from Metal Marker Mfg. We are here to help you make the best choices for your numbered tags. Get started by requesting your free quote today!
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