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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.
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.
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).
NK
2/17/2020 03:28:54 pm
Where does NFPA 13 state that hydraulic placards need to be engraved?
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.
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. Leave a Reply. |
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