There is significant difference even if
the metal slide-in digits from each manufacturer fit into each others
holders.
What
to Ask For: digits that pass QUV testing. Screened
digits outlast those that are hot stamped. Electromark’s
digits are subject to over 5,000 hours of QUV testing.
What
to Avoid: digits that chaulk or crack, when exposed
to UV. Note fissures in the black/yellow interface of plastic
digits.
What
to Ask For: digits that have a coating on the back.
The back of the digit should be protected against corrosion
and salt water with paint.
What
to Avoid: digits that are embossed after printing.
Bevel angle should also not be too steep. In both cases, paint
on bevel is put under stress and can chip off. The resulting
seam of bare metal provides an entry point for corrosive attack.
What
to Ask For: digits that have an protective overcoat.
Overcoating provides increased acid and solvent resistance.
Electromark digits have a
screen-printed overcoat and black print.
What
to Avoid: digits that do not have an overcoat, or an
overcoat that cracks. Too many overcoats have poor adhesion
and will crack off. Poor adhesion is shown when digit is bent.
The overcoating on this competitive product chips off and shows
bare metal when folded.
What
to Ask For: digits that are aligned properly and all
use consistent typography. Digits fit easily into all competitive
holders.
What
to Avoid: digits that mismatch printing and embossing.
Printing should line up with embossed outline. Competitive digits
show a high percentage of misaligned parts, some with uneven
and crusted ink deposits. Roller-coated parts are inconsistent.
What
to Ask For: digits that do not pit. High quality, domestic
aluminum avoids the pitting that can occur when the digit is
exposed to acid rain. Digits should be made from 16 mils thick
aluminum.
What
to Avoid: digits that are made from aluminum that pits
or chaulks. Competitive digits show extensive pitting after
exposure to acid.
