Unequivocal markers on plant and equipment are absolutely essential in power stations. Among the constantly growing demands to be met by the markers on plant and equipment in this field is, among other things, maximum resistance to thermal, chemical and mechanical loads. 

As far as markings are concerned, there are also growing demandson their ability to position content in small areas in a durable, easily visible form. A wide variety of olour options, accurately displayed typography as well as the installation of data carriers are part of what is expected from modern marking technology. Against this background, the two traditional ways of procuring markers (external purchasing or in-house production) show significant weaknesses.

If signs and markers are purchased from outside suppliers, there are a number of practical problems and disadvantages that can be experienced on a daily basis:

• Excess demand, often occurring at short notice (e.g. caused by new components in plant engineering and construction, or by markings that have become obsolete, etc.) calls for time-consuming reordering.
  
  
  
• If companies buy more than they need to cover their immediate requirements, storage and stockkeeping becomes a burden on the budget as well as on the space and personnel situation. Just-in-time availability cannot be guaranteed.
  
  
  
• Ordering, accounting and payment must be added to the other regular project tasks and expense.
  
  

Moreover, the production of signage in-house by means of common technologies such as conventional engraving, laser engraving or plottinghas further disadvantages:

• The need to keep materials in large stocks ties up resources in terms of space and personnel. In cases where coloured signage is needed, pre-printed signs may be necessary.
  
  

• The processes used and the optimum inventory levels can be assessed only retrospectively. The ability to respond to increased requirements in terms of volumes and quality criteria is limited.
  
  
  
• Even with in-house production, some items will still need to be ordered from outside suppliers. This adds to administrative work and puts downward pressure on productivity.
  
  

• Different signage materials (metal, plastic, adhesive films) call for a variety of production technologies, leading to increased equipment servicing and maintenance costs.
  
  

A side-by-side comparison of the PrintoLUX® system with other signmaking and labelling systems shows the benefits you will gain by opting for the PrintoLUX® process: The PrintoLUX® process in a comparison.

Some important aspects to consider:

• In many businesses, the total signage requirement is spread across a number of different departments and projects. It is mostlyconsidered separately (often by the particular project manager) and thus frequently underestimated. Only an integrated assessment will identify the potential savings to be had in equipment, materials, time and human resources by finding an efficient and centralized solution.
  
  

• For power station companies, a wide variety of examples of the kinds of signs and labels used in practice are documented and it is demonstrated how the PrintoLUX® system carries out these tasks - economically and to high standards of quality.