Equipment Marking

Rating Plates, Equipment Labels and Machine-Readable Codes

Serial numbers, type information, barcodes, QR, DataMatrix and PDF417 – complete equipment identification with a single system.

Equipment marking is the final layer of the marking chain: once conductors, cables, and enclosure components are identified, the equipment itself requires its own rating plate and traceable identifier. Kroko X6 and Kroko Autoprint generate these from the same product data as all other markings.

Durable, Machine-Readable Identification

A rating plate typically includes the manufacturer, type designation, serial number, electrical ratings, and date of manufacture. When a QR or DataMatrix code is added to the same plate, equipment information can be accessed in the field using a smartphone.

Traceability does not require a separate system: serial numbers can be generated automatically or imported from production data, and timestamps can be printed directly on the label.

Methods of Equipment Marking

Kroko X6 prints larger markings with ample space for both text and machine-readable codes.

Rating Plates

The equipment rating plate is compiled from product data: manufacturer, type, serial number, voltage and current, year of manufacture, and required certification marks. With Autoprint's Template Editor, logos, symbols, and QR codes can also be placed on the plate. In production batches, plates are printed in a single run with only the variable data changing.

Example identifiers

  • Type: KX-600
  • Serial: 260821-00125
  • Voltage: 24 VDC

Typical applications

  • Mechanical engineering
  • Switchgear manufacturing
  • Device manufacturing
  • Retrofits and modernizations

Equipment and Asset Labels

An equipment ID, asset number, or location indicates what the device is and who owns it. Durable materials and a clean layout ensure the label remains legible throughout its lifecycle.

Example identifiers

  • ASSET-10482
  • PUMP-01 / HALL 2
  • IT-SW-14

Typical applications

  • Maintenance
  • IT equipment and data centers
  • Inventory management
  • Rental equipment

Serial Numbers and Traceability

Autoprint generates sequential serial numbers automatically or imports them from production files. Dates and timestamps can also be included in the marking, enabling retrospective batch identification.

Example identifiers

  • SN 260821-00125
  • LOT 2026-08 / 042

Typical applications

  • Production traceability
  • Batch numbering
  • Warranty processing

Barcodes, QR, DataMatrix and PDF417

Machine-readable codes make markings functional for maintenance and logistics. Autoprint supports standard barcodes as well as QR, DataMatrix, and PDF417 codes, allowing both human-readable text and 2D codes on the same label.

Example identifiers

  • CAB-12345 + QR
  • K1 + DataMatrix
  • Sarjanumero + PDF417

Typical applications

  • Maintenance identification
  • Spare parts
  • Logistics
  • Documentation links

Maintenance, Calibration and Inspection Labels

Scheduled maintenance, calibration, and inspections are marked on the equipment with the service date and next due date. Timestamps and date fields are populated directly into the template, eliminating the need to fill out labels by hand.

Example identifiers

  • Kalibroitu 08/2026
  • Seuraava huolto 02/2027

Typical applications

  • Maintenance
  • Measuring equipment
  • Safety inspections

From Product Data to Finished Plates

The same principle as in wire marking: data drives the marking process.

  1. 1

    Import Product Data

    Excel, CSV, or direct ERP integration. Serial numbers can also be generated automatically.

  2. 2

    Design the Plate

    Use Template Editor to arrange text, logos, symbols, and codes – assigning variable data to its dedicated fields.

  3. 3

    Print as a Batch

    Print plates for the entire production run in a single job, each with its unique serial number and timestamp if required.

Recommended Setup

For equipment marking, the X6 and Autoprint form the core pair.

Kroko X6

Rating plates and equipment labels

  • Larger markings
  • 360 dpi and machine-readable codes
  • LAN/WLAN/USB
  • Half-cut feature

Kroko Autoprint

Product data and batch printing

  • Serialization and timestamps
  • Barcodes, QR, DataMatrix, PDF417
  • Logos and graphics in templates
  • ERP and REST/JSON integrations

Frequently Asked Questions About Equipment Marking

Related pages

Same data, different marking level. Explore these as well.

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