Choosing the Right Marker - Premax

No pole marker can perfectly meet all the requirements. When choosing a pole marking system, trade-offs between legibility, durability, and economy must be considered.

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Legibility is crucial, as the human eye requires adequate light and contrast to discern objects. Larger objects are generally easier to see than smaller ones, including pole markers. For example, someone with 20-40 vision can typically see a 1″ tall marker from 28 feet, a 2″ marker from 56 feet, and so on.

During the day, sunlight can be excessively bright, causing flat pole markers made of shiny materials (such as mylar, aluminum, or reflective sheeting) to reflect sunlight excessively and become unreadable. To ensure legibility, markers with multiple planes, such as embossed, stamped, or debossed markers, should be considered. A simple color contrast on a flat surface is often insufficient for guaranteeing legibility.

At night, visibility is reduced as our light sources, such as street lamps, headlights, or flashlights, are not as strong as the sun. The legibility of a marker depends on factors like distance from the light source, weather conditions, and the angle between the light source, marker, and our eyes. Reflective glass beads or sheeting can enhance legibility, but the effectiveness depends on the strength, focus, and angle of the light source relative to the marker. Reflectivity should be balanced, as excessive reflectivity can create difficulty in reading the characters due to surrounding glare.

Durability is a crucial aspect when it comes to pole markers. They can be made of different materials, including plastics, laminates/composites, or printed/painted products. While plastics have been marketed as strong alternatives to traditional materials, they are still susceptible to UV radiation. The sun’s UV rays can degrade plastics over time, resulting in fading, cracking, and brittleness.

In contrast, metals have proven their durability outdoors, with steel markers being prone to rust and brass markers being expensive. Bronze and zinc markers are easily damaged, while aluminum stands out as a suitable material for outdoor use. Aluminum does not rust and possesses good tensile strength. Upon exposure to air, it forms a protective layer of aluminum oxide that prevents further reaction. For more information about aluminum, click here.

Paints and inks are used to provide contrast on certain pole markers. Both consist of pigments and other substances that bond to the substrate material when applied and dried. In general, paint layers are thicker than ink layers, and paint exhibits greater bonding strength (coefficient of adhesion) compared to ink. The quality of paints can vary based on the economic choices made by manufacturers regarding pigments, plasticizers, solvents, and UV inhibitors. Higher-priced paints typically offer better durability outdoors. The skill and care of the individuals applying the paint or ink, as well as the cleanliness of the application facility, are also important factors influencing the outdoor durability of painted or inked markers.

When considering the economy of a pole marking system, it is important to note that the labor cost associated with attaching and maintaining the system far exceeds the acquisition cost of the markers themselves. Ideally, one should aim to specify and purchase a marking system that offers longevity and requires minimal maintenance. However, it is ironic that many electric utilities prioritize initial acquisition cost and purchasing budgets when selecting a pole marking system, which may explain why there are only three manufacturers of porcelain steel signs remaining in the United States.

In conclusion, there are trade-offs to consider based on the discussed facts. If reflectivity is desired, it must be accepted that the marker may have a shorter field life (even 3M, the inventor and largest supplier of reflective sheeting, guarantees its product for only 7 years of outdoor use). Opting for a painted product with high contrast requires using top-quality paint applied by skilled individuals, but it should be acknowledged that even the best paint will fade due to the stronger UV radiation. Choosing inexpensive plastic, heat-stamped markers provides economy but comes with the drawback of peeling, cracking, and fading within a few years. For complex, multi-character alphanumeric coded markers, a slide-in system is recommended, but it should be acknowledged that human error and mistakes can occur, leading to incorrect or missing markers.

Considering all the trade-offs, the best marker solution is the Premax embossed, solid aluminum letter or number, securely fastened to the pole with a Premax bright galvanized steel nail. This marker will endure for the entire life of the pole. Made of aluminum, it is resistant to rust, cracking, fading, and illegibility. The embossed design ensures reflection of the sun’s rays or a flashlight’s beam from multiple angles, without causing blinding glare like a mirror.

With over 80 years of experience, we have manufactured over 800 million of these pole markers, all proudly made in the United States of America.

Marker-Making Request Guide

Introduction

Marker making is a vital step in the garment production process, where efficiency and precision significantly impact the final product. Whether you're producing a small batch or handling large-scale production, a well-organized marker-making request is crucial. This guide provides a clear and practical example of how to place a marker-making request, ensuring all necessary details are considered and communicated effectively.

Simple Guide to Placing a Marker-Making Request

Placing a marker-making request involves providing detailed information to ensure accuracy and efficiency in production. Here's how you can organize your request:

Step 1: Gather Fabric and Size Information

Fabric Type Cuttable Width Sizes XXS M L Total Sizes Self 60" Ratio 1 3 2 6 sizes Lining 58" Ratio 1 3 2 6 sizes Fusing 48" Ratio 1 3 2 6 sizes Marker Direction One-Way 18 sizes

Step 2: Analyze the Customer's Order

• Determine the size breakdown needed for each garment or style.
• Identify the quantity of each size required to complete the order, considering varying demands for different sizes.

Step 3: Organize the Cutting Ticket Order

Organize your cutting ticket order clearly to ensure efficient production:

Color Style # Sizes Quantity Green Small 12 Medium 18 Large 16 XLarge 8 Total 54 Red Small 10 Medium 15 Large 20 XLarge 7 Total 52 Blue Small 14 Medium 20 Large 22 XLarge 8 Total 64

This table format clearly outlines the quantities for each color and size combination, making it easy to review and organize your cutting ticket order for marker-making.

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Step 4: Calculate Size Ratios

• Determine Total Units: Identify the total number of units you need to produce or order.
• Assign Quantities for Each Size: Decide how many units are required for each size, based on demand or sales data.
• Formula to Calculate Size Ratios: 
• Use the formula: Size Ratio = (Quantity of Size) / (Total Quantity of All Sizes)

Step 5: Simplify Ratios

Convert the ratios to whole numbers by dividing each by the smallest ratio or using a common factor.

Example

For 100 units with sizes Small, Medium, and Large:

• Small: 30 units (Ratio: 0.30)
• Medium: 50 units (Ratio: 0.50)
• Large: 20 units (Ratio: 0.20)

The size ratio simplifies to 3:5:2, meaning for every 10 units, produce 3 Small, 5 Medium, and 2 Large.

Practical Tips

• Use Ratios for Orders: Apply these ratios when ordering to ensure a balanced stock.
• Adjust Regularly: Review and update ratios based on new sales trends or market data to stay aligned with demand.

This method helps optimize production and inventory management, ensuring you meet customer needs without overproducing any size.

Step 6: Calculate Total Sizes Using Ratio Sizes

If you’re using a ratio-based approach:

Size Ratio (Number of Times Marked) XXSmall 1 XSmall 2 Small 3 Medium 5 Large 4 XLarge 3 XXLarge 2 Total Sizes (Sum of Ratios) 20

Step 7: Final Calculation with Multiple Fabrics

Combining ratios and multiple fabrics:

Total Sizes (Sum of Ratios) Number of Fabrics Total Sizes to be Marked on Marker 20 3 60

This calculation ensures that all size and fabric combinations are accurately accounted for in your marker-making request.

Step 8: Choose Marker Layout Method

Marker layout methods refer to the strategic arrangement of pattern pieces on fabric during the cutting process in garment production. The goal of these layouts is to optimize fabric utilization, minimize waste, and ensure that the final cut pieces meet the required specifications for assembly. Here’s a breakdown of the different marker layout methods:

Marker Type Description One-Way Marker Ideal for fabrics with a clear directional print or nap. All pattern pieces are aligned in the same direction to maintain consistency in appearance and texture. Two-Way Marker Allows pattern pieces to be placed in two different directions. Suitable for non-directional fabrics, leading to better fabric utilization compared to one-way markers. Single Size Markers Dedicated to a single size, optimizing the layout for that specific size. Useful when producing garments in one size at a time, minimizing fabric waste. Separated Sizes Separate markers are created for each size, maximizing fabric efficiency by tailoring the layout to the specific dimensions of each size's pattern pieces. Mixed Sizes Combines multiple sizes within a single layout, offering production flexibility. Requires careful planning to ensure efficient fabric use and correct alignment.

Step 9: Fabric Information

• Details About Fabric: Specify the fabric width, type (e.g., knit, woven), and any specific considerations such as one-way prints, naps, or no specific direction. These details will affect how pattern pieces are oriented during marker-making.

Step 10: Pattern Pieces Layout

• Layout Consideration: Clearly define how the pattern pieces should be laid out, taking into account marker direction and fabric utilization to optimize production.

Conclusion

Following these guidelines ensures a smooth and efficient marker-making process. A well-prepared marker-making request not only saves time but also maximizes fabric utilization, leading to a more efficient and cost-effective garment production.

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