Best Engraving Method for Hydraulic Placards?

2/13/2020

How do you engrave your hydraulic calculation signs, general information signs, etc.?

We use a hand held Dremel engraver which, while functional, is not a fun experience. I have seen some contractors who have perfectly imprinted engravings on their plates and I wondered if they used a machine, sent it to a company, or some other solution? Our engravings tend to look sloppy.

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9 Comments

R2R0

2/13/2020 08:47:24 am

I figure a cheap mini CNC engraver would be an interesting solution, but we don't have a shop anymore, and those things can be loud.

We send ours out to be made at a local print shop.

If we're in a rush we'll print and laminate a temporary one, since most AHJs don't mind - but really they're too flexible to abide NFPA 13s rigid requirement.

Wayne Ammons

2/13/2020 09:22:19 am

We have success with most jurisdictions editing a PDF version of a hydraulic placard/General Information Sign and laminating them using 10 mil laminating pouches. When we must use a metal sign, we use a handheld Dremel engraver as well. Back in the day I used a set of metal letter and number stamps and a hammer...

Sean

2/13/2020 10:13:23 am

We had a deal with a local engraver (place that makes name tags/yard signs etc) who we set up a template with and they would print the info onto an aluminum plate. Looks very professional and I want to say they only cost like $12-$15 a plate. Look into this option with your local shops!

Casey Milhorn

2/13/2020 10:22:41 am

Back in the day of typewriters, we had these metallic looking stickers that we would type on, and the action of the typewriter would imprint into the sticker. Then we would place the sticker over the metal placard. Our typical practice is to laminate over a plastic placard written on with permanent marker. When made to use a metal engraved placard, we use a dremmel just like you guys. Does look sloppy, but that's what happens when code officials are that rigid and can't allow a good common sense solution to a current day problem. I would like to hear of other solutions.

CJ BONCZYK

2/13/2020 10:57:04 am

We utilize a local engraving company that laser engraves them and it looks very professional for around $15-20. We have metal placards that were custom designed by the same company with our company information and logo as well. Additionally, more and more local AHJ's are requiring them to be fixed to the risers in a more rigid manor than just hanging or zip ties. They are also tired of seeing permanent marker and hand writing on such that is smeared or difficult to read over time. We have the sign company do all of our riser/pump room, foam information, hose station, or any other signs in metal except for pipe stickers. Truth is spend the time to find a professional engraver locally and have it laser engraved on metal and have it look professional. Not to jab at anyone, but in my humble opinion if you are afraid to lose a job because you don't have the money in the estimate for the cost of some quality made hydraulic name plates...the estimate for the project itself is in big trouble.

We even have that same company engrave our logo and information on thermal mugs/cups or knives and multiple other items that we give to employees or to clients as promotional items/gifts. In my experience spending some money for professionalism has always worked out in our company's and the client's best interest.

Dan Wilder

2/13/2020 11:51:47 am

We also do this approach. We found a smaller company, worked with them on sizing of text (horizontal & vertical including when two or more lines of text are used). We then setup a PDF with fill-able fields that match the final look of the placard and just email it over to them when needed as the proof copy (as it's a PDF, great for including with close outs).

We did have to make a small change to the material type of the placard to get the laser engraving to come out crisp & deep but a screen printing company made our placards (5x7 with a single color overlay is cheap, including our logo, when buying in bulk quantities).

Smaller companies love this kind of work because it's easy and quick. We also did a cost comparison as to just buying a small machine outright (assuming other placards would be made beyond the hydraulic ones) and it would take years to make it back not including any maintenance/repair costs based on the machine cost at that time.

2/17/2020 03:28:54 pm

Where does NFPA 13 state that hydraulic placards need to be engraved?

Carlisles link

12/8/2020 09:56:36 pm

I’ve outsourced this to buddy for sometime now. I want to say he was also using a Dremel engraver.

David C

4/13/2021 03:13:06 pm

@NK - NFPA 13 25.5.1 does not specifically state engraved however our local jurisdictions have amended that sections to specifically include engraved. Since we have found numerous times that the signs on our systems get painted over. So it would be good to check with them.

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