SOUTH EASTFrequently Asked Questions
A few of the questions we are asked most often about custom orders, lead times and processes.
What is a nameplate?
How do I choose the right material?
We recommend the most suitable material and process based on your application — machinery, engineering, identification labeling, automotive and more. Not sure? Tell us the operating environment and we will advise directly.
Aluminum, stainless steel or brass — what is the difference?
Aluminum is the most popular: light, easy to fabricate, anodizable in many colors — the best value. Stainless steel is strong and corrosion-resistant, suited to heavy industry, chemical plants and harsh outdoor sites. Brass offers premium texture for signage, awards and special applications. For general equipment labeling aluminum is usually enough; go stainless when the environment is severe.
What material should I use outdoors? Will it fade or rust?
When are PC, PET or acrylic nameplates appropriate?
PC (polycarbonate) is impact-resistant and can be sub-surface printed to protect graphics — common for panels and key labels. PET is thin, flexible and economical, ideal for curved surfaces and high-volume label-type marking. Acrylic has a clear, premium look for signs and indoor displays. All are insulating, lightweight and low-cost; heat and weather resistance are below metal, so evaluate before long-term outdoor or high-temperature use.
What thicknesses are available? How do I choose?
Etching, laser engraving or screen printing — what is the difference?
Laser engraving marks the surface directly — ideal for serial numbers, small runs and variable content, no tooling needed. Etching chemically recesses the artwork for paint filling — dimensional, wear-resistant and refined, best for medium-to-large runs. Screen printing offers wide color choice at the lowest unit cost in volume. In short: variable content → laser; durable and dimensional → etching; colorful volume runs → screen printing.
What surface treatments and printing methods do you offer?
What is anodizing? What colors are available?
Hairline, matte or gloss — which finish should I pick?
Hairline (brushed): strong metallic look, hides fingerprints — the go-to for industrial and brand nameplates. Matte: understated and glare-free, good for labels that must be read. Gloss: eye-catching mirror finish for premium goods and awards, though it shows fingerprints and scratches more. If in doubt, hairline is the safe choice for B2B.
Can you do serial numbers? How is it priced?
Yes — laser engraving is the best solution for serials: every piece can differ with no tooling. Pricing is a one-time program setup fee plus a per-piece engraving charge; unit cost drops with volume. Barcodes, QR codes and anti-counterfeit serials are all possible. For quoting, provide the numbering scheme, character size, plate dimensions and quantity.
Can you print full-color artwork or logos?
Yes. Solid-color, high-volume artwork suits screen printing; gradients and photo-grade full color use digital UV printing; metallic-texture logos can be done with etch-and-fill or anodic dyeing. Send an AI file or high-resolution artwork for evaluation. For strict color requirements we recommend a sample first to avoid disputes over color difference.
Is there a minimum order quantity? Can you make a single piece?
No minimum order quantity — we handle everything from single pieces and small samples to production runs of 10,000 pcs or more. Laser engraving needs no tooling, so even a few pieces are fine; screen printing and etching involve tooling and setup costs, so small-run unit prices are higher — we explain this when quoting. We recommend sampling first, then committing to production: safer for both sides.
What information do you need for a quote?
Five essentials: ① material ② size and thickness ③ quantity ④ drawing or artwork ⑤ finish and processing requirements (adhesive backing, mounting holes, serials). Add your deadline and we can quote quickly and accurately. The more complete the information, the faster and more precise the quote.
What file formats do you accept? What if I have no artwork?
How long does sampling take? How is it charged?
Sampling takes about 5–7 working days depending on process complexity. Sample fees depend on material and process. For urgent samples, just tell us your schedule and we will discuss.
Do you accept customer-supplied material?
Yes — you supply the plates, we handle engraving, printing and other processing. Please confirm in advance: ① supplied material meets processing requirements ② responsibility for material defects ③ we suggest 3–5% extra stock for process loss. Charged as processing fees only; describe the supplied material when requesting a quote.
What is the usual lead time? Can you handle rush orders?
Production generally takes about 1–2 weeks, depending on process, quantity and current capacity. Small laser-engraved runs are fastest; multi-step jobs like etching and anodizing take longer. For rush orders, tell us your required date — we check capacity and give you a straight answer: if we can do it we will, and we never overcommit.
How do you ship? Do you export?
Within Taiwan we ship by courier and freight, with pallet freight for large orders; freight is charged at actual cost and stated on the quotation. We also have export experience for overseas orders — inquiries welcome.
How durable are your nameplates?
What adhesive backings are available? How long do they hold?
What if I receive defective goods?
Please inspect promptly on receipt; photograph any defects and contact us. If confirmed as a manufacturing issue, we rework or replace — no passing the buck. We recommend agreeing acceptance criteria (color tolerance, cosmetic standards) at order time to avoid mismatched expectations. We are a factory-direct operation: when something goes wrong, you can reach us and we fix it fast.
Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum: How to Choose
Operating environment
Start with indoor or outdoor use, chemical contact, temperature, weight and mounting. Material name alone does not establish service life.
Finish and fabrication
Evaluate anodizing, printing and laser marking for aluminum; etch-and-fill, printing and laser marking for stainless steel. Approve appearance on samples.
Cost and acceptance
Compare quotations for the same dimensions, quantity and acceptance criteria. Evaluate metal, graphics and adhesives together.
What Is a Membrane Switch?
Graphics and construction
Provide PC / PET overlay requirements, dimensions, windows, keys, tail and bonding construction. Distinguish a graphic overlay from a membrane switch incorporating circuitry.
Reverse printing and color
Reverse-printed graphics are viewed through the material. Approve color using the actual material, ink and backing combination.
Cleaning and life
Cleaner compatibility, ingress protection, actuation life and electrical requirements require agreed test methods and acceptance criteria.
PC, PET and PVC Graphic OverlaysCustom Membrane Switches and Keypad Panels
Etching vs. Laser Engraving vs. Screen Printing
Etch-and-fill
Recessed graphics and paint fill create identification marks. Evaluate the recess and paint durability separately.
Laser marking
Suitable for evaluating serials, dates, barcodes and variable data. Sample-test character size, line width, contrast and scanning requirements.
Screen and UV printing
Screen printing can suit multi-color production graphics; UV printing can suit full-color and gradient artwork. Confirm adhesion, wiping resistance and color on the actual substrate and ink.
Combined processes
Fixed graphics and variable serials may use different processes. Select the sequence and acceptance criteria against drawing, quantity and environment.
Custom Aluminum NameplatesCustom Stainless Steel NameplatesCustom Brass Nameplates and Plaques