Desk Name Plate
Companies and businesses large and small use desk nameplates for organization and an added professional detail to their office. Non-profit organizations, government agencies, schools, libraries, law firms and many other office settings or work environments in which employees use desks can make use of desk nameplates.
The most popular size for nameplates is two inches high and eight inches long, although their size differs according to the size of the font, number of lines and how many letters long the text is. The text on nameplates is commonly two lines; the first lists the full name of the individual in larger font, while the second line designates their job function in smaller letters.
There are a couple of different configurations for desk nameplates. They may be flat and bent into an acute angle close to 90º, which serves as a stand so the nameplate remains upright. It can also have a thicker, solid, triangular profile. More complex nameplate design uses a flat plate with the text and logo, which is held inside a separate stand.
The stand contains a slot that holds the plate, which is removable and positions the nameplate to remain upright. This type of nameplate is handy when employees leave and join the company, because only the least expensive component of the nameplate requires replacement. Some fancier nameplate holders also double as pen or letter opener holders.
Depending on the material used and budget, there are many different options when it comes to inscribing the text onto a nameplate. The most cost effective way is by using only ink printed on the surface. Wood nameplates are often whittled or carved, and metals like brass, bronze and gold may be inscribed a number of different ways, using needles, lasers and chemicals.
Engraving and etching metal involves removing a portion of the nameplate’s surface area to form the text, usually by CNC machinery. Chemical etching places a stencil over the material and exposes the text design to an abrasive chemical that dissolves the metal. These methods leave the nameplate’s text with a three-dimensional look that lasts much longer than printing.
