BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0001] THIS invention relates to a steel section tagging system.
[0002] In steel fabrication plants it is of critical importance to the efficiency of the
fabrication operation to be able to monitor the location and progress of steel sections
through the plant, i.e. through the various stations at which different procedures
in the fabrication process are carried out, such as cutting, punching, drilling, shot-blasting,
acid pickling, galvanising and so on.
[0003] A number of systems to facilitate identification of steel sections have been tried.
Identification marks have for instance been stamped onto exposed surfaces of the steel
sections. Apart from the fact that the stamped marks may be obliterated during shot
blasting, galvanising or other procedures, the system relies on visual recognition
of the marks and a generally unsophisticated tracking system based on such identification.
Other fabricators have affixed metal labels, carrying identification marks, externally
to the steel sections. Although this provides the ability to use bar coding on the
labels, and hence opens the door for computerised tracking, the metal tags are often
torn free or otherwise damaged through normal handling or during shot blasting, galvanising
or other procedures.
[0004] Infosight Corporation has proposed laser-marked bar-coded metal tags, under the name
Pic-Anneal®, which are resistant to acid pickling and high temperature annealing and
which are attached to steel wire and rod. However these tags are not resistant to
galvanising. The same entity has also proposed metal bar code tags, under the name
KettleTag® which are attached externally to steel sections and which are said to be
resistant to galvanising. However such tags experience the same problem as other externally
affixed tags and are prone to being torn free and/or damaged during handling.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a method of applying an
identification mark to a steel section, themethod comprising the step of providing
a recess in or on the steel section and locating the identification mark in the recess.
Conveniently the identification mark is applied to an identification tag and the tag
is mounted to the steel section such that the tag is recessed relative to a surface
of the steel section. This allows the mark to applied to the tag at a remote site
before being mounted to the steel section.
[0006] It is also convenient if the identification mark is located in a receptacle, such
as a cup-shaped member, which is mounted in a recess, typically a hole in the steel
section, although it is also feasible for the receptacle to be mounted externally
to a surface of the steel section. The identification mark may be applied directly
to an internal base surface of the cup-shaped member which itself serves as the tag,
or it may be applied to a separate tag which is fixed internally in the cup-shaped
member.
[0007] In each case it is preferred that a protective cover is provided over the identification
mark, the cover being removable to expose the identification mark. The cover may be
in the form of a protective plug formed
in situ over the identification mark, the plug being resistant to galvanising and being made,
for example, of a settable refractory material. The identification mark may also be
applied to a further tag which is fixed over the plug.
[0008] The cup-shaped member can be fixed in the hole by means of an adhesive or by mechanical
fixing means. In the latter case, in a preferred embodiment the receptacle comprises
a central zone to which the identification mark is applied and a series of prongs
radiating from the central zone. The central area is located within a hole extending
through the steel section and the prongs are bent appropriately to engageopposite
surfaces of the steel section adjacent the hole.
[0009] In other embodiments the identification mark is applied to a tag and the tag is fixed
to the base of a blind hole in the steel section or it is applied to the base of a
blind hole in the steel section. In either event, as discussed above, a protective
plug which is resistant to galvanising can be cast or moulded in the blind hole over
the identification mark, the plug being removable to expose the identification mark.
[0010] In yet another embodiment the identification mark is applied to the base of a cup-shaped
receptacle and the receptacle is fixed to a surface of the steel section. Once again,
a protective plug may be provided over the mark.
[0011] According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a steel section which
is identified by an identification mark applied to the steel section by a method as
summarized above.
[0012] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided an identification
tag for a steel section, the tag comprising a central zone carrying a computer-readable
identification code and a series of prongs radiating from the central zone with alternate
prongs extending in opposite directions from the central zone, whereby the tag can
be anchored to a steel section by locating the central zone of the tag in a hole through
the steel section with the prongs bent as appropriate to engage opposite surfaces
of the steel section adjacent the hole.
[0013] Other features of the invention will appear from the following description and the
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with
reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
- Figure 1
- shows an exploded perspective view of a preferred steel section tagging system according
to the invention;
- Figure 2
- shows a cross-sectional view of the tagging system of Figure 1 in an installed condition;
- Figure 3
- shows a cross-sectional view of a tagging system according to a second embodiment
of the invention in an installed condition;
- Figure 4
- shows a perspective view of a basic steel element used in a third embodiment of the
invention;
- Figure 5
- shows a perspective view of the steel element of Figure 4 after application of an
identification mark and bending of the prongs;
- Figure 6
- illustrates the manner in which the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5 is fixed to a steel
section; and
- Figure 7
- illustrates another embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a steel section tagging system, generally indicated by
the numeral 10, according to a first embodiment of the invention. The system 10 is
used to tag a steel section 12 to enable the steel section to be identified and tracked
during progress through, for instance, a steel fabrication plant, and is particularly
suited to tracking of steel sections which undergo galvanising after fabrication,
possibly at a site away from the fabrication plant. The steel section 12 may be any
typical steel section, such as a flat plate, angle, channel, I-beam, RSJ (rolled steel
joist) or other section.
[0016] A round hole 14 is formed through a part of the steel section, typically by a punching
operation. In the case of an angle, for instance, the hole may be punched through
either leg of the section, typically towards one end thereof.
[0017] A cup-shaped steel receptacle 16 has a diameter very slightly less than the diameter
of the hole 14. There is also a round tag 18 having a diameter which enables it to
locate internally on the base 20 of the receptacle 16. In this embodiment, the tag
18 is a round disc of thin gauge mild or stainless steel. The disc carries a visible
and computer-readable identification mark 22, in this case a so-called 2D code. The
mark or code may be applied to the disc using a computer-programmable stylus marker
or scriber, such as a model 320 Scriber/Stylus Marker available from Borries® Marking
Systems.
[0018] As indicated previously, the tag or disc 18 may alternatively be made of a suitable
plastics material. In either case, the disc is fixed to the base 20 of the receptacle
16, typically by means of a suitable adhesive.
[0019] A separator 24 in the form of a round disc is located in the receptacle over the
disc 18. The separator in this embodiment is a graphite-backed membrane such as that
sold under the trade mark Klinker 80. Although the disc is not fixed in the receptacle,
its diameter is such that it makes a close fit with the internal surface of the wall
of the receptacle.
[0020] Next, a plug 26 of material which is resistant to galvanisirg is cast or moulded
in the receptacle over the separator 24. The material used for the plug is typically
a settable refractory material able to withstand the temperatures and chemistry encountered
in a hot dip galvanising process. In this embodiment, the material used is an air-setting
cement or fireclay marketed under the name Elgin 1600™ mixed prior to moulding with
an adhesive, in this case Genkem™ brake bonding adhesive which is likewise resistant
to high temperatures. The material is moulded in the receptacle so as to have an outer
surface 28 which is flush with the upper edge of the wall of the receptacle.
[0021] In this embodiment a further identification tag 30 is fastened to the surface 28
of the plug 26. The tag 30 includes a disc 32, typically of the same material as the
disc 18 and carrying the same identification mark, from which prongs 34 extend. The
prongs 34 are embedded in the plug material before that material sets, and serve to
anchor the tag 30 in place. The diameter of the disc 32 is such that its outer periphery
rests on the upper edge of the wall of the receptacle 16, generally flush with the
surface of the steel section or slightly recessed relative thereto. However in other
embodiments, the diameter of the disc may be slightly less than the internal diameter
of the wall of the receptacle 16, so that the disc can be arranged with its upper
surface, carrying the identification mark, flush with the upper edge of that wall.
[0022] The independently manufactured identification unit, consisting of the receptacle
16, tag 18, separator 24, plug 26 and tag 30, is then fixed in the hole 14 in the
steel section. In this embodiment this is achieved by means of an adhesive 36 between
the outer surface of the wall of the receptacle and the inner surface of the hole
14. A suitable adhesive is Durabond™ 950, 952 or 954 metallic adhesive.
[0023] The final assembly is illustrated in Figure 2 from which it will be seen that the
receptacle, including the identification tag 18, is located within the hole 14. In
this position, the tag 18 is protected from external impacts or other physical damage.
The plug 26 protects the tag 18 from galvanising as well as other procedures to which
the steel section 12 may be subjected.
[0024] During many of the normal procedures which the steel section will be subjected, the
outer tag 30 will remain visible to provide a ready means for identifying, locating
and tracking the steel section. Should the tag 30 be separated as a result of an internal
impact or otherwise, or should it be damaged during galvanising or other procedure,
the tag 18 remains fixed to the steel section for identification purposes. Should
it be necessary to view the tag 18 after a galvanising step, the plug 26 is removed.
This may, for instance be achieved using a sharp tool to extract it from the receptacle
16. The separator 24 facilitates removal of the plug and prevents the plug from contacting
the tag 18 directly. After removal of the plug 26, the separator 24 can itself be
extracted from the receptacle, thereby exposing the identification mark 22 to view
optically or by tracking scanners or the like.
[0025] It will be understood that an important feature of the invention is the fact that
the identification tag 18 is recessed relative to the surface of the steel section
and is protected by the plug 26 against damage from galvanising or otherwise while
still being accessible for tracking purposes.
[0026] Figure 3 illustrates a second embodiment of the invention in which the receptacle
16 is fixed mechanically to the steel section. The receptacle has a flange 38 which
rests on one surface of the steel section 12 alongside the hole 14 while the opposite
end of the receptacle has an extension 40 carrying prongs 42 which are peened over
the opposite surface of the steel section to anchor the receptacle relative to the
steel section. Although the tag 18 is again located within the hole 14, inside the
receptacle, is recessed with respect to the surface of the steel section and is protected
by the plug 26 as before, this embodiment is less preferred than that of Figures 1
and 2 for the reason that the receptacle itself projects partially from the hole with
the attendant possibility of impact or other damage.
[0027] The invention also envisages an embodiment in which the identification mark 22 is
applied directly to the base of the receptacle 16, i.e. there is no separate tag 18.
A plug corresponding to the plug 26 is then cast or moulded in the receptacle, possibly
over a separator as described above, so that the tag 18 is adequately protected.
[0028] Figures 4, 5 and 6 of the accompanying drawings illustrate another embodiment of
the invention. In this embodiment, an identification tag is formed from a basic steel
element 50, seen in Figure 4, which has been punched or otherwise cut from steel sheet
of appropriate thickness. The element 50 has a circular central zone 52 and a series
of prongs 54 radiating from the central zone.
[0029] Figure 5 illustrates a further step in the preparation of the tag which is to be
mounted to a steel section. The identification mark 56 is stamped or otherwise applied
to the central zone 52. Alternate prongs 54.1 are bent upwardly relative to the central
zone while the remaining prongs 54.2 are bent downwardly and shaped as shown to provide
outwardly splayed feet 58.
[0030] Referring to Figure 6, the tag 60 seen in Figure 5 is inserted through a hole in
a steel section 62 such that the outwardly splayed feet 58 bear against one surface
64 of the steel. The central zone 52 is recessed below the opposite surface 66 of
the steel and the upper extremites of the prongs 54.1, which initially project above
the surface 66, are bent or peened over as illustrated to anchor the tag to the steel
section.
[0031] Where galvanising is to take place a plug 68, corresponding to the plug 26 described
previously, can then be located over the central zone to provide protection for the
mark 56. As before the plug can be removed when it is necessary to have access to
the mark for identification purposes. To facilitate this, a separator 70, corresponding
to the separator 24 described previously, may be located over the central zone 52
beneath the plug 68.
[0032] Still further the invention envisages an embodiment (not illustrated) in which an
identification tag, such as the tag 18 described above, is fixed directly to the base
of a blind hole formed in the steel section. A separator may again be placed over
the tag and a plug is then cast or moulded over the separator so that its surface
is flush with that of the steel section. It is however recognised that a disadvantage
of this embodiment is that the plug has to be cast or moulded
in situ in the hole rather than remotely in a receptacle or tag which is subsequently mounted
in the hole.
[0033] According to yet another possibility, once again with no receptacle 16, the identification
mark is applied directly to the base of a blind hole in the steel section with the
plug then being cast or moulded over the mark, possibly with an interposed separator
to facilitate subsequent removal of the plug.
[0034] Yet another possibility is illustrated in Figure 7. This embodiment has similarities
to the embodiment of Figure 3 and once again employs acupshaped receptacle 16. However
in this instance, the receptacle 16 has a flat underside which is placed on a surface
of the steel section 12. The flange 38 is spot-welded at 80 to the steel section to
anchor it in position.
[0035] It will be understood that in the embodiment of Figure 7 there is no hole in the
steel section, and that the receptacle 16, as in Figure 3, stands proud of the surface
of the steel section. The identification code can be stamped directly onto the base
of the receptacle 16, or it can be provided on a tag which is located in the receptacle.
Thus, although this tagging system has the disadvantage that it stands proud and hence
is prone to impact damage, the mark itself is recessed in the receptacle 16 and is
accordingly provided with protection against external impacts and the like. Protection
against damage during post-fabrication galvanising can, as before, be provided by
an
in situ plug of refractory material, possibly with a separator interposed between the identification
mark and the plug as described above.
[0036] In the embodiments described abovean
in situ plug of refractory material is used to protect the identification mark during galvanising.
However other operations which are commonly performed on steel sections, for example
shot blasting and painting, also have the potential to obliterate or damage the identification
mark. Accordingly the invention also envisages a tagging system in which the mark
is temporarily protected during such operations. Particularly in the case of relatively
non-aggressive operations such as painting, the mark may be protected temporarily
by any suitable covering material which can subsequently be extracted without undue
difficulty. An example of a suitable material is that sold under the name Prestik™
by Bostik.
1. A method of applying an identification mark to a steel section, the method being characterised by the steps of providing a recess in or on the steel section and locating the identification
mark in the recess.
2. A method according to claim 1 characterised in that the identification mark is applied to an identification tag and the tag is mounted
to the steel section such that the tag is recessed relative to a surface of the steel
section.
3. A method according to claim 1 or 2 characterised in that the identification mark is located in a receptacle which is mounted in a recess in
the steel section.
4. A method according to claim 3 characterised in that the receptacle is mounted in a recess provided by a hole in the steel section.
5. A method according to claim 4 characterised in that the receptacle is a cupshaped member located in the hole.
6. A method according to claim 5 characterised in that the identification mark is applied directly to an internal base surface of the cupshaped
member which itself serves as the tag.
7. A method according to claim 5 characterised in that the identification mark is applied to a separate tag which is fixed internally in
the cup-shaped member.
8. A method according to claim 6 or claim 7 characterised in that a protective cover is provided over the identification mark, the cover being removable
to expose the identification mark.
9. A method according to claim 8 characterised in that a protective plug is formed in situ over the identification mark.
10. A method according to claim 9 characterised in that a protective plug which is resistant to galvanising is cast or moulded over the identification
mark.
11. A method according to claim 10 characterised in that a protective plug of a settable refractory material is cast or moulded over the identification
mark.
12. A method according to claim 10 or claim 11 characterised in that a separator is located over the identification mark and the plug is cast or moulded
over the separator, the separator facilitating subsequent removal of the plug.
13. A method according to any one of claims 9 to 12 characterised in that the identification mark is applied to a further tag which is fixed over the plug.
14. A method according to any one of claims 3 to 13 characterised in that the receptacle is fixed in the hole by means of an adhesive.
15. A method according to any one of claims 3 to 13 characterised in that the receptacle is fixed in the hole by mechanical fixing means.
16. A method according to claim 15 characterised in that the receptacle comprises a central zone to which the identification mark is applied
and a series of prongs radiating from the central zone, the central area is located
within a hole extending through the steel section and the prongs are bent appropriately
to engage opposite surfaces of the steel section adjacent the hole.
17. A method according to any one of the preceding claims characterised in that the identification mark is a computer-readable mark.
18. A method according to claim 17 characterised in that the identification mark comprises a 2D code.
19. A method according to claim 1 characterised in that the identification mark is applied to a tag and the tag is fixed to the base of a
blind hole in the steel section.
20. A method according to claim 1 characterised in that the identification mark is applied to the base of a blind hole in the steel section.
21. A method according to claim 19 or claim 20 characterised in that a protective plug which is resistant to galvanising is cast or moulded in the blind
hole over the identification mark, the plug being removable to expose the identification
mark.
22. A method according to claim 1 characterised in that the identification mark is applied to the base of a cup-shaped receptacle and the
receptacle is fixed to a surface of the steel section.
23. A steel section which is characterised in that it is identified by an identification mark applied to the steel section by a method
according to any one of the preceding claims.
24. An identification tag for a steel section, the tag being characterised in that it comprises a central zone carrying a computer-readable identification code and
a series of prongs radiating from the central zone with alternate prongs extending
in opposite directions from the central zone, whereby the tag can be anchored to a
steel section by locating the central zone of the tag in a hole through the steel
section with the prongs bent as appropriate to engage opposite surfaces of the steel
section adjacent the hole.
25. An identification tag according to claim 23 characterised in that the central zone of the tag carries a 2D code.