How Custom ID Plates Boost Productivity

By Scott Rempala

Identification plates on coating lines are most frequently used by attaching an ID plate directly—and often permanently—to a rack or part. When on a rack, the ID plate contains information specific to that rack, the parts that go on it, and even the specifics of the spraying process to achieve optimal coating. Durable ID plate construction allows them to stay with a rack or part throughout the entire coating process.

Some ID plates are read manually by coaters on the line, while some are read automatically by a scanner. The information contained on the plate can tell an automated system what parts should be on the rack and how to coat those parts. Here, we’ll look a little more closely at how ID plates can increase your coating operations’ safety, quality, and efficiency, as well as the common types of ID plates.

Safety

ID plates increase safety by alerting operators to a few critical specifications or limits of the rack. The plates can identify what part numbers should be on the rack, the weight load limit of the rack, and the in-service life span of the hooks. Because hooks can lose their strength over time and repeated use, it is important to know the typical life span of the hooks you are using.

Efficiency

An ID plate on a rack can be linked to a “process map” of what parts should be included on that specific rack. To be most efficient on a coating line, you want your racks to be at maximum capacity. The process map can be either on a diagram, spreadsheet, or in a networked digital ERP system. With a digital system, you don’t have to rely on a time-consuming visual confirmation to determine the right parts layout.

Quality

On fully automated coating systems, the ID plate can link to electronically preprogrammed instructions on how to coat each rack or part. This eliminates improper coating applications and reduces redo work, producing better first pass transfer efficiency and a higher throughput rate.

For smaller job shops, keeping job quotes low on jobs often relies on full rack estimates. An ID plate can guarantee that the rack matches the quote. In short, the plates can eliminate the “guessing game” both on what products to hang and what hangers to use.

Common ID plate communication methods include inkjet-printed, embossed, laser-etched, and laser-cut codes. The advantage of laser-cut ID plates is that coating buildup doesn’t affect tag readability for a very long time because the coating passes through the cut areas of the ID plate.

Mighty Hook sells stock laser-cut plates that are 1" x 2" with a hanging hole that includes numbers 00-99. Custom plates of varying sizes, shapes, or symbols are also available to meet your specific needs. Mighty Hook also has the ability to manufacture custom laser-cut plates or embossed plates that contain the most important information you need, to achieve the highest levels of coating safety, efficiency, and quality.