by Glenn Farrell, on May 9, 2023 5:42:12 PM
Brass is often overlooked as a nameplate option in industrial environments, likely because it is so well recognized for its decorative properties.
The fact is that etched brass can be an excellent nameplate choice for environments prone to heavy water and chemical exposure.
Why? Because brass is an alloy that combines the valuable characteristics of its components: copper and zinc. Brass carries over copper’s superior resistance to corrosion. Its characteristics of strength and durability mimic that of zinc.
Benefits of Brass
When selecting a substrate for industrial applications, consider the benefits that brass delivers:
- Aesthetics: In some cases, even in industrial settings, aesthetics can be important. If so, brass is a worthwhile consideration.
- Corrosion resistance: Brass is often the best choice in marine and chemical processing environments because of its high resistance to corrosion. This is especially true of coated brass, which has a lacquer finish that reduces oxidation.
- Strength and durability: Brass is strong and durable, making it useful for rigorous industrial applications.
Brass as a Nameplate Substrate
Equipment, vehicles, pumps, and other industrial assets often need to communicate crucial details about compliance, maintenance, and operator safety. This means that product longevity and legibility is crucial.
Many clients choose brass or coated brass as a nameplate substrate when durability and corrosion resistance are desired features.
An added benefit: In settings where aesthetics matters, brass delivers without sacrificing durability and longevity.
The corrosion resistance aspect of coated brass makes it especially useful for defense and military applications since equipment and vessels are often subjected to long-term exposure to water. Read about our experience with defense contractors and the U.S. military.
Takeaways
When selecting a substrate for rigorous industrial applications, don’t dismiss etched brass nameplates until you consider their benefits.
A combination of strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion makes brass (and coated brass) an ideal nameplate choice in certain industrial applications—and even more so when aesthetics is a factor.
The Cubbison Company has 70 years of expertise in manufacturing industrial nameplates from brass and other metals. Read more about our experience with nameplates and name tags.