How to Read a Machine Nameplate and What to Send With a Request

When a part fails, the most useful information is often printed on a small metal or plastic label: the nameplate. It identifies the machine or component, its manufacturer and its key ratings. Reading it correctly, and sending the right details with your request, is usually the difference between a quick, accurate quote and a long exchange of questions.

Machine nameplate vs component nameplate

There are 2 kinds of nameplates to look for:

• The machine nameplate identifies the complete machine: the press, lathe, compressor or packaging line.
• The component nameplate identifies the individual part: the motor, pump, drive, valve or gearbox.

Both are useful. The component nameplate tells you exactly what failed. The machine nameplate helps when the component label is missing or unreadable, because the machine builder or a supplier can often trace the original part list from the machine model and serial number.

What a machine nameplate usually shows

In the European Union, the Machinery Directive requires machines to carry specific markings. Typical fields include:

• Manufacturer name and address
• Designation of the machine (what it is)
• Series or type designation (the model)
• Serial number, if one is assigned
• Year of construction
• CE marking

Machines built for other markets follow their own rules, but most show similar information. Electrical data such as supply voltage, frequency, full load current and control voltage are often listed too, sometimes on a separate label inside the electrical cabinet.

The serial number deserves special attention. Machine builders often change components during a production run, so 2 machines of the same model can contain different parts. The serial number lets the builder find the exact configuration.

Reading a motor nameplate

Electric motor nameplates are among the most common in a request. Motors built to IEC standards typically show:

Do not forget the mounting arrangement (foot, flange or both) and the shaft details. Frame size defines key dimensions, but flange type and shaft diameter must also match.

Reading other component nameplates

Each component family has its own key fields:

• Hydraulic pumps: type (gear, vane or piston), displacement per revolution, maximum pressure, direction of rotation and control type. See our guide on hydraulic pump replacement.
• Pneumatic cylinders: bore, stroke, mounting, and the standard they follow, such as ISO 15552 or ISO 6432.
• Servo motors and drives: full order code, encoder type, brake option, voltage and firmware version where shown.
• Gearboxes: ratio, size, mounting position and input or output shaft configuration.
• Valves: function, voltage and type of the coil, port size and interface pattern.

Order codes for electronic parts are often long and contain options encoded in each character. Copy every character, including dashes, dots and suffixes, exactly as printed. A missing letter at the end can mean a different voltage or interface.

Tip: If you are not sure whether a character is the letter O or the number 0, send a close photo instead of typing it. A clear image removes the guesswork.

How to photograph a nameplate

Good photos save time for everyone. A few habits help:

1. Clean the label gently before taking the photo. Oil and dust hide characters.
2. Shoot straight on, not at an angle, and avoid flash glare on metal plates.
3. Take 1 close photo of the label and 1 wider photo showing where the part sits.
4. Photograph any additional labels, stickers or engraved numbers on the housing.
5. For worn or painted plates, try side lighting, which can make stamped characters readable.

If the nameplate is missing completely, photograph the part from several sides and measure key dimensions: shaft diameter, flange size, bolt pattern and overall length.

What to send with a part request

A complete request usually includes:

• Photos of the component nameplate and the machine nameplate
• The full part number or order code, typed and photographed
• Manufacturer of the part and of the machine
• Quantity needed
• A short description of the function and the failure, if known
• Any documentation you have, such as the machine manual or part list
• Delivery country and how urgent the need is

With this information, a supplier or a sourcing agency such as LiteHard can search for the exact part or a suitable alternative without several rounds of questions. You can request a part using the same checklist. If the part turns out to be discontinued, the steps in how to source obsolete industrial parts apply.

Key takeaways

• Look for both the machine nameplate and the component nameplate.
• The serial number helps trace the exact configuration of the machine.
• Copy order codes completely, including every suffix, and back them up with photos.
• Take clear, straight, glare free photos, plus a wider shot of the installation.
• A complete first request leads to a faster and more accurate answer.