MeyerFire
  • Blog
  • Forum
  • THE TOOLKIT
    • SUBMIT AN IDEA
    • BACKFLOW DATABASE*
    • CLEAN AGENT ESTIMATOR*
    • CLOUD CEILING CALCULATOR
    • DOMESTIC DEMAND*
    • FIRE FLOW CALCULATOR*
    • FIRE PUMP ANALYZER*
    • FIRE PUMP DATABASE*
    • FRICTION LOSS CALCULATOR
    • HANGER SPACER*
    • IBC TRANSLATOR*
    • K-FACTOR SELECTOR*
    • NFPA 13 EDITION TRANSLATOR ('19 ONLY)
    • NFPA 13 EDITION TRANSLATOR ('99-'22)*
    • LIQUIDS ANALYZER*
    • OBSTRUCTION CALCULATOR
    • OBSTRUCTIONS AGAINST WALL*
    • PLUMBING FIXTURE COUNTS
    • QUICK RESPONSE AREA REDUCTION
    • REMOTE AREA ANALYZER*
    • SPRINKLER DATABASE*
    • SPRINKLER FLOW*
    • SYSTEM ESTIMATOR*
    • TEST & DRAIN CALCULATOR
    • THRUST BLOCK CALCULATOR
    • TRAPEZE CALCULATOR
    • UNIT CONVERTER
    • VOLUME & COMPRESSOR CALCULATOR
    • WATER STORAGE*
    • WATER SUPPLY (US)
    • WATER SUPPLY (METRIC)
  • UNIVERSITY
    • About
    • Catalog
    • Content Library
  • PE Exam
    • PE Forum & Errata
    • PE Store
    • PE Tools
    • PE Prep Series
    • PE 100-Day Marathon
  • LOGIN
  • PRICING
    • SOFTWARE & TRAINING
    • STORE
  • THE CAUSE
    • ABOUT US
    • BECOME AN INSTRUCTOR
    • HELP/SUPPORT
Picture

Best Engraving Method for Hydraulic Placards?

2/13/2020

10 Comments

 
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.

​​​​Posted anonymously for discussion. Discuss This | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
10 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.

Reply
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...

Reply
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!

Reply
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.

Reply
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.

Reply
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.

Reply
NK
2/17/2020 03:28:54 pm

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

Reply
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.

Reply
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.

Reply
William Conrad
4/8/2022 12:03:29 am

Does anyone have a suggestion on an actual machine to engrave metal placards that is not a dremel? I would rather purchase a machine to engrave them myself instead of relying on a 3rd party.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Picture
    Why Sponsor?

    ALL-ACCESS

    Picture
    GET ALL OUR TOOLS

    SUBSCRIBE

    Subscribe and learn something new each day:
    I'm Interested In:

    COMMUNITY

    Top ​July '22 Contributors
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    SEE LEADERBOARD

    YOUR POST

    SUBMIT A QUESTION

    PE EXAM

    Get 100 Days of Free Sample Questions right to you!
    SIGN ME UP!

    FILTERS

    All
    A117.1
    ABA
    ADA
    ASCE 7
    ASME A17.1
    Daily Discussion
    Design Documents
    EN 12845
    Explosion Protection & Prevention
    Fire Detection And Alarm Systems
    Fire Dynamics
    Flammable & Combustible LIquids
    FM Global
    Human Behavior
    IBC
    ICC-500
    IFC
    IMC
    IPC
    IRC
    ISO
    Means Of Egress
    NFPA 1
    NFPA 10
    NFPA 101
    NFPA 11
    NFPA 110
    NFPA 1142
    NFPA 1221
    NFPA 13
    NFPA 13D
    NFPA 13R
    NFPA 14
    NFPA 15
    NFPA 17A
    NFPA 20
    NFPA 2001
    NFPA 214
    NFPA 22
    NFPA 220
    NFPA 24
    NFPA 241
    NFPA 25
    NFPA 291
    NFPA 30
    NFPA 33
    NFPA 400
    NFPA 409
    NFPA 415
    NFPA 497
    NFPA 5000
    NFPA 502
    NFPA 54
    NFPA 55
    NFPA 654
    NFPA 68
    NFPA 70
    NFPA 72
    NFPA 75
    NFPA 82
    NFPA 90A
    NFPA 92
    NICET
    Passive Building Systems
    PE Prep Guide
    PE Prep Series
    PE Sample Problems
    Poll
    Smoke Management
    Special Hazard Systems
    UFC 3 600 01
    UFC 3-600-01
    UFC 4-021-01
    Updates
    Water Based Fire Suppression
    Weekly Exams


    ARCHIVES

    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016


    PE PREP SERIES

    Fire Protection PE Exam Prep
    SEE LEADERBOARD

    RSS Feed

Picture
​Home
Our Cause
The Blog
The Forum
PE Exam Prep
The Toolkit

MeyerFire University
​Pricing
Login
​Support
Contact Us
Picture

MeyerFire.com is a startup community built to help fire protection professionals shine.
Our goal is to improve fire protection practices worldwide. We promote the industry by creating helpful tools and resources, and by bringing together industry professionals to share their expertise.

​MeyerFire, LLC is an International Code Council Preferred Education Provider.

All text, images, and media ​Copyright © 2022 MeyerFire, LLC

We respect your privacy and personal data. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. 
The views, opinions, and information found on this site represent solely the author and do not represent the opinions of any other party, nor does the presented material assume responsibility for its use. Fire protection and life safety systems constitute a critical component for public health and safety and you should consult with a licensed professional for proper design and code adherence.

Discussions are solely for the purpose of peer review and the exchange of ideas. All comments are reviewed. Comments which do not contribute, are not relevant, are spam, or are disrespectful in nature may be removed. Information presented and opinions expressed should not be relied upon as a replacement for consulting services. Some (not all) outbound links on this website, such as Amazon links, are affiliate-based where we receive a small commission for orders placed elsewhere.

  • Blog
  • Forum
  • THE TOOLKIT
    • SUBMIT AN IDEA
    • BACKFLOW DATABASE*
    • CLEAN AGENT ESTIMATOR*
    • CLOUD CEILING CALCULATOR
    • DOMESTIC DEMAND*
    • FIRE FLOW CALCULATOR*
    • FIRE PUMP ANALYZER*
    • FIRE PUMP DATABASE*
    • FRICTION LOSS CALCULATOR
    • HANGER SPACER*
    • IBC TRANSLATOR*
    • K-FACTOR SELECTOR*
    • NFPA 13 EDITION TRANSLATOR ('19 ONLY)
    • NFPA 13 EDITION TRANSLATOR ('99-'22)*
    • LIQUIDS ANALYZER*
    • OBSTRUCTION CALCULATOR
    • OBSTRUCTIONS AGAINST WALL*
    • PLUMBING FIXTURE COUNTS
    • QUICK RESPONSE AREA REDUCTION
    • REMOTE AREA ANALYZER*
    • SPRINKLER DATABASE*
    • SPRINKLER FLOW*
    • SYSTEM ESTIMATOR*
    • TEST & DRAIN CALCULATOR
    • THRUST BLOCK CALCULATOR
    • TRAPEZE CALCULATOR
    • UNIT CONVERTER
    • VOLUME & COMPRESSOR CALCULATOR
    • WATER STORAGE*
    • WATER SUPPLY (US)
    • WATER SUPPLY (METRIC)
  • UNIVERSITY
    • About
    • Catalog
    • Content Library
  • PE Exam
    • PE Forum & Errata
    • PE Store
    • PE Tools
    • PE Prep Series
    • PE 100-Day Marathon
  • LOGIN
  • PRICING
    • SOFTWARE & TRAINING
    • STORE
  • THE CAUSE
    • ABOUT US
    • BECOME AN INSTRUCTOR
    • HELP/SUPPORT