Type plates

A type plate, or rating plate, is a technical label that is mandatory in many industrial environments for product identification. It contains key information about a machine, device or piece of equipment, often with the addition of symbols and icons. A type plate typically includes a serial and model number, company logo, technical specifications, certifications and details such as the production date and manufacturer. This information ensures that products, machines and equipment can be identified quickly, even after years of use.

Type plates are used in almost every industrial sector as they are often required in technical environments. Examples of typical industries in which rating plates are commonly found include:

• Machine building and mechanical engineering
• Building services and HVAC systems
• Medical and pharmaceutical industries
• Shipbuilding and offshore
• Automotive industry
• Agricultural sector

Due to safety standards and international legislation, rating plates are often mandatory for electrical equipment and machinery. Both the data on the type or rating plate and the way the information is compiled must meet specific requirements. Within the EU, for example, a CE marking on a rating plate is mandatory to indicate that the product, machine or device complies with EU directives.

Polyester and vinyl, both widely used for rating plates, offer good to excellent weather resistance. For nameplates intended for outdoor use, we recommend choosing a white or metallised (silver) base material to prevent discolouration and fading.

For maximum durability and long-term use, we recommend using Print and Laminate Labels (PALLabels). These labels come with an attached protective laminate that can be applied directly after printing using a clever folding design. The laminate protects the printed information against abrasion, changing weather conditions, mechanical damage, UV radiation and moisture.

Yes, you can design your own type plates using a thermal transfer printer, ribbon and label design software. The label materials we supply are only suitable for thermal transfer printers, not direct thermal printers.

To prevent the labels from fading, discolouring or peeling off, selecting the right combination of material and ribbon is essential. After you have chosen the appropriate material, we manufacture your blank labels in the size you need. If you prefer to cut the labels to size after printing, we can supply material on continuous rolls.

It is also possible to order pre‑printed rating plates. All you need to do is send us your database, and our production team will produce your labels in the size and quantity you have specified. For more information about in-house printing or ordering pre‑printed type plates, you can contact us for a free consultation.

The lead time for blank type plates is approximately one week. Pre‑printed rating plates are usually delivered within about two weeks, depending on production capacity and the speed with which you approve both the database and the label design. The sooner we can complete each stage of the order process, the quicker we can deliver your labels.