MetalPhoto®

At Metal Marker we provide nearly every metal tag solution on the market. One of our most versatile processes is MetalPhoto.

MetalPhoto labels are a great solution for your identification needs. If you need to subject your nameplate to decades of potential abrasion and corrosion, MetalPhoto is the only option. Additionally, the ability to imprint high-resolution graphics directly onto the tag makes it an extremely versatile option.

Whether you know exactly what you need or are still unsure: don’t be afraid to reach out!

Our customer service representatives are experts in MetalPhoto nameplates and will answer all of your questions and concerns.

We will work with you to create a custom solution for your application; not just a tag off a shelf.

Don’t hesitate – Contact us right now for your Free Pricing Quote!

What is Photo Anodization?

Most of the methods for putting information on metal tags are pretty straightforward. A stamp presses into the metal, laser designs are etched in, or ink is applied via a screen printing process. However, photo anodization is a unique process.

This process uses a special photosensitive anodized aluminum material. When the material is processed, the desired information is embedded under the layers of aluminum.

This creates an incredibly durable solution that will hold up to harsh industrial conditions.

Photo anodized tags can feature any information, design, or imaging. This includes barcodes, logos, and even large-scale designs like architectural schematics or pictures.

MetalPhoto Nameplates

MetalPhoto nameplates manufactured to your specifications and delivered on time. Metal Marker offers:

• The capacity to efficiently produce both small and large quantities.
• The ability to include barcode or UID marking on your MetalPhoto nameplates. We can also include your logo or other unique artwork.
• We currently provide custom MetalPhoto nameplates to a wide variety of industries. Industries we service include aerospace, government, manufacturing and utilities.

MetalPhoto Sheet Size Options

MetalPhoto sheets are available in a wide range of sizes. With so many size options, there are endless possibilities for tag designs.

Varying sheet size creates opportunities for both new applications as well as production efficiency.

Larger sheets lead the way for big designs. This includes signage and other applications. If sizes were limited to only smaller sheets, this would not be feasible.

Manufacturers also benefit from a range of sheet sizes. Small sheets can be used to save on material costs for small production runs. These cost savings can then be passed onto the customer, allowing for lower-order prices.

MetalPhoto Sheet Sizes include:

• 10” x 12”
• 12” x 20”
• 20” x 24”
• 24” x 40”

Customization

Shape & Size

Photo anodized aluminum tags are made exactly to your specifications.

Need a unique size or shape? We can make it!

We produce a large range of tag sizes, shapes, or thicknesses to meet your requirements. We will work with you to create the perfect nameplate for your usage. Add holes to hang your MetalPhoto tag from a wire or mount them directly with screws. We can also add industrial-grade adhesive backing for an easy peel-and-stick application.

Information

With our photo anodizing process, we can add ANY information to your tags. This includes text, numbers, logos, and even images. Our photographic imaging process is perfect for adding information like machine schematics directly on equipment control panels. With MetalPhoto, you can rest easily that this information is safe from abrasion and outdoor exposure for decades to come.

Need something different on every tag? We can add serial numbers or variable information to each nameplate. Rest easy knowing your variable data is safe and legible, saving your time and money down the road.

Barcodes

Want to use your tags for asset tracking? What about IUID tags?

MetalPhoto features the ability to add a barcode label or QR code to your tag design.

Your custom information is stored in the barcode and accessible via a quick scan.

Add Color

The anodization process allows for a solid color to be added to the aluminum material. A non-reflective colored matte background makes your MetalPhoto tags stand out and has a wide range of uses. Many organizations use this ability to color-code their equipment, valves, or machinery.

Keep in mind that this process is only capable of creating a black design. However, you could also use a black background with your design showing up as the natural aluminum color (or the same hue as a colored background).

Which MetalPhoto Size is Best for my Application?

Small

For many applications, all it takes is a small metal nameplate to convey the proper information. For example, if you are going to just adhere a simple barcode tag to an asset, a small size nameplate is perfect. It provides the capability of scanning without adding a bulky plate to your equipment.

Tags with smaller dimensions are also preferable for fitting into tight industrial spaces. For example, valve tags sometimes have to squeeze into close quarters.

The best part of utilizing smaller sheets is that you can save on cost. For example, if you need a ton of nameplates with small dimensions, they might all fit onto a small sheet. This saves the manufacturer from having to use extra material, and in turn, will reduce the price of your tags.

Medium

Medium-sized tags are best suited for nameplates. These durable plates are typically used to mark and identify equipment, shipping containers, and other machinery. Sometimes referred to as data plates, nameplates, or even placards, medium-sized photo anodized plates are incredibly versatile.

High durability and custom information mean these nameplates are ready to accommodate any industry’s unique needs.

This also includes plates with QR codes or data matrix codes. These codes allow for the tracking of assets and the exchange of information.

Large

Does your application call for something bigger? Large MetalPhoto sheets can be processed into full-size signs or nameplates. With large sheets, there is the ability to create tags in many shapes and sizes.

For example, if you need a large warning sign that will remain legible even in harsh industrial environments, MetalPhoto is a great solution.

Since any design or image can be embedded in the material, the only real limits are what you can imagine. These large sheets have been used for large diagrams of architectural schematics. This makes for a highly durable and visually striking piece that can be used on a construction site or as a display piece.

Industries

MetalPhoto is used by nearly every industry under the sun.

There is a wide range, but here are just a few examples:

• Energy
• Manufacturing
• Oil & Gas
• Aerospace
• Construction
• Government Organizations such as the Department of Defense
• And Many More!

Durability

MetalPhoto is one of the most durable processes we offer. It is made to be used in the toughest industrial environments. Anodized aluminum is a highly durable, lightweight material. In addition, it is tough against weathering and is resistant to corrosion. Need your machine-readable barcodes to handle years of salt spray? No other asset tag solution offers corrosion resistance properties like MetalPhoto.

One of the things that makes photo anodization so unique is that the design is not just topical ink like screen printing. Instead, it is a high-resolution graphic protected between layers of aluminum. As such, it is not able to be easily scratched or scraped off.

It is rated for 20+ years in outdoor environments. This includes wear & tear, weather, water, heat, and more.

Here are just a few of the resistance properties of MetalPhoto nameplates:

• UV Resistance
• Chemical Resistance
• Corrosion Resistance

Applications

• Equipment Nameplates
• IUID/UID Tags (MIL STD 130)
• Data Plates
• Asset Tracking
• Barcode Tags and Labels
• Oil Refinery Sample Points
• Utility/Telephone Poles
• Indoor/Outdoor Signage
• And Many More!

Wrap-Up

Photo anodization can be sized to fit your needs. From custom fitting to equipment, to packing a ton of information in a small area, MetalPhoto can do it all.

Whether you need 5000 small asset tags with QR codes or 50 huge safety signs – photo anodization can provide a long-lasting solution for you.