Custom Manufacturing Solutions
Start with the finished part
Custom identification and converted components built from the finished part backward, with material, marking, geometry, and attachment decided together rather than in sequence. Every step is performed under one roof in Mount Vernon, Iowa.
About custom manufacturing
Most identification work starts as something that is nearly standard and then is not. A plate that has to survive an environment the usual material will not take. Artwork that has to register to a machined feature. A part that is half nameplate and half bracket. A construction that combines a printed face, a formed metal body, and an adhesive back.
Those are the jobs that get bounced between suppliers, because each one owns a piece of the answer. We manufacture every step here, so the whole part can be solved in one conversation against one drawing.
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Parts combining printing, machining, and forming in one component
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Multi-layer constructions with dissimilar materials bonded together
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Identification that also serves as a bracket, spacer, gasket, or panel
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Non-standard shapes, thicknesses, and mounting arrangements
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Severe-environment parts where standard constructions have failed
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Converted components that ship alongside the identification
In-house capabilities
We perform every step of the manufacturing process in one 55,000 square foot climate-controlled facility in Mount Vernon, Iowa. Tooling, artwork, printing, fabrication, and inspection are all ours.
For a custom part that matters more than it does for a standard one. When a printed legend has to line up with a punched hole, or a formed bend has to miss an embossed field, there is one drawing, one revision history, and one company accountable for the result. Nothing gets handed between vendors halfway through the job, and a revision does not have to be renegotiated across a supply chain.
It is also why we can absorb a change mid-project. The part moves down the hall rather than between companies.
Available processes
Metal etchingChemically resistant marking etched into the metal. Desirable where a durable, long-lasting product is required and anodized aluminum is the usual substrate.
Metal etching.
Metalphoto® processingSub-surface photographic imaging in anodized aluminum. Meets or exceeds the strictest military standards.
Metalphoto processing.
Screen printingCompatible with virtually all substrates, sub-surface on clear materials, and abrasion and solvent resistant on metal.
Screen printing.
Digital printingNear-photographic quality, variable data, and a wide-format flatbed that prints almost any size product.
Digital printing.
Punching, machining, and formingA full in-house machine shop to shear, bend, punch, and cut your parts.
Punching, machining, and forming.
Die and digital cuttingSteel rule dies, hard dies, and Zund digital routing tables.
Die and digital cutting.
Embossing and formingRaised characters and tactile features on material up to .032″ thick.
Embossing and forming.
LaminatingOverlaminates, adhesives, and multi-layer constructions.
Laminating.
Stocked materials
Custom work moves faster when the material is already in the building. We stock sheet metal in the gauges industrial identification actually calls for, and convert flexible substrates on the same floor.
Aluminum
.005″–.187″ in bright, foil, mill, and brushed finishes.
Anodized aluminum
.005″–.125″ in black, clear, red, and gold. Roughly 20-year exterior life.
Metalphoto®
.003″–.125″ in matte, satin, and satin gold. The most durable aluminum substrate available.
Brass
.020″–.032″ brushed, UV coated and non-sparking.
Stainless steel
.010″–.035″ in 2B mill finish.
Flexible substrates
Vinyl, polyester, and polycarbonate, with 3M pressure-sensitive adhesives including VHB, 467MP, 468MP, and 9472LE.
Customer commitments
Custom work is a relationship more than a transaction, because the second order is where the value shows up.
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No tooling fee on any of our in-house equipment — a one-time charge applies only when a new tool must be created
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Free quotes on every order, and a press-ready proof from our art department at no charge
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A rejection rate under one quarter of one percent across more than 440,000 orders processed
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ISO 9001:2015 certified, and a UL authorized label supplier
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Production 7–10 days after proof approval, with 3–5 business day rush available
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A 10% over/under shipping standard, and your choice of shipping vendor
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Family-owned and operated since 1946, supplier of choice to more than 3,000 OEMs
How a custom order runs
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Describe the problem, not just the part. What it mounts to, what it has to survive, and what has failed before tells us more than a finished specification.
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We recommend a construction. Material, process, and finish, with the reasoning stated so you can challenge it.
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Proof and first article. Our art department turns a blueprint or artwork into a press-ready proof at no charge, and you approve everything before production.
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Production. Most jobs finish 7–10 days after the proof is approved, in an ISO 9001:2015 certified facility.
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Repeat supply. Once the part is proven, it can run against a stocking program so releases arrive when your line needs them.
Custom project RFQ checklist
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A drawing, sketch, or photograph of the part or the problem
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Where it mounts, what surface it attaches to, and what it is exposed to in service
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Material and thickness if specified — or describe the application and we will recommend one
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Quantity, and whether this is a one-time run or a repeat program
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Any artwork that has to register to a machined, formed, or embossed feature
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Any standard or customer specification the part must meet
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Your timing, including the date the line actually needs parts
If you do not have all of that yet, send what you have and call 319-895-8804. Customer service is open 8:00 AM–4:30 PM CST Monday through Thursday and 7:00 AM–3:30 PM CST Friday, and you will always reach someone in person.
Since 1946
Family-owned and operated in Mount Vernon, Iowa
3,000+
OEMs supplied across the U.S. and abroad
25 years
Outdoor exposure, some products guaranteed longer
7–10 days
Typical production after proof approval
$0
Tooling fee on in-house equipment
Why U.S. Nameplate
Why manufacturers bring custom manufacturing solutions work to U.S. Nameplate
One partner, one roof
Metal identification and flexible labels are produced under one roof in Mount Vernon, Iowa, so a single supplier covers plates, tags, overlays, decals, and safety labels instead of three.
No tooling fee on in-house equipment
U.S. Nameplate does not charge a tooling fee for any in-house equipment. A one-time charge applies only when a tool has to be created for your order.
You reach a person
Customer service representatives are available 8:00 AM–4:30 PM CST Monday through Thursday and 7:00 AM–3:30 PM CST Friday. You will always reach someone in person.
Built to outlast the equipment
Metal nameplates are built to withstand up to 25 years of outdoor exposure, with some products guaranteed for 25 years or more. Safety labels are UL authorized and OSHA compliant, produced in an ISO 9001:2015 certified facility.
Family-owned since 1946
Supplier of choice to more than 3,000 original equipment manufacturers in the U.S. and abroad, with team members averaging 10+ years of service.
One piece or one million
The 55,000 sq ft climate-controlled facility is equipped to handle orders from a single plate to production volumes, on repeat release schedules.
Request a quote for custom manufacturing solutions
We offer free quotes on all custom manufacturing solutions orders. Send the drawing, artwork, quantities, application, and timing you have today — our art department turns a blueprint into a press-ready proof, and we will tell you what is still open.
Most jobs finish 7–10 days after the proof is approved. Rush orders can be produced in 3–5 business days for an additional fee. Orders ship within a 10% over/under quantity standard.
Request a Quote or call 319-895-8804 and you will reach someone in person.
