It is normal to have several questions when looking for a printing product, the following questions will guide you in getting the right printing product.
Is it possible to apply my logo to a nameplate? Can I use two or more colors?
The nameplate manufacturer company, we are always ready to help you in choosing the right metal printing solution for your needs. We realize that a simple stamped number or an embossed text may not be enough to meet their needs. For that reason, we provide everything starting from bright warning signs to logos, QR codes, and many others. Sometimes, the nameplates require to appear more unique, with different outlines, logos, colors, and even images.
For highly customized tags, MetalPhoto and Screen Printing are some of the best types. It is important to understand that these processes have certain similarities, yet are by no means identical. Understanding these two methods is the aim of this guide, and you will learn which method is best suited for your application.
What sets photo anodization apart from other labeling methods is that it can be done solely for metal identification. It mainly utilizes a photosensitive anodized aluminum material which has the ability to directly place the design onto the aluminium surface. This is then protected and sealed under an anodic layer of aluminium which completes the outlook design.
There are no specific designs in this process: if you have a picture on your computer, you can enter it into the metal. It gives the feeling that it has been printed on without any cuts and/or indentations and is very hard. However, one disadvantage, MetalPhoto does not allow the design to be full colored; the design has to be black or gray-scale only unlike unlike screen printing on metal that allows full color.
If you need a coarse hardened surface and special designs, photo anodization is the greatest choice for you. It is important to state that these tags are some of the most durable that I have ever encountered.
While simple screen printing can update just the surface of the article, the benefits of Metal nameplates involves integrating the design into the metal base so that it cannot get scratched, worn, or faded. It can only be erased by the complete obliteration of the aluminum material that the information is stored in. Metalphoto tags are designed to last more than twenty years in extreme outdoor conditions and therefore are suitable for use in industrial setting.
These tags are designed to survive all types of environment be it weatherwise, through corrosion, abrasion, chemicals including oil/water, high temperatures, and others. One cannot but admit that MetalPhoto tags are as near to being eternal as it is possible to get.
Top industrial metal photo tags most prevalently are:
MetalPhoto tags are applied in various fields, primarily because of their high resistance to wear and their versatility in terms of labeling.
The photo anodized tags come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be used in the labels of manufacturing plant equipment and in the marking of refinery oil sample points. Military institutions also incorporate MetalPhoto IUID tags to manage and source assets, and adhere to the MIL-STD-130 regulation.
Choosing the right material for Metal label nameplates is straightforward since there’s only one option: this is specialized photosensitive aluminium. Although there are no many options in the material, aluminium is strong, lightweight and, and corrosion-resistant that works well in demanding conditions.
For ornamental appearances, you have many options in regard to the finish of the material used for cleanroom construction: satin, matte or glossy. Further, background color facilities and services include blue, orange, red, green, copper, and gold color backgrounds.
One of the major strengths of photo anodization is the fact that barcodes and QR codes can be attached, which are vital in tracking of assets and inventories. For example, UID tags have been adopted in the management by the United States military to harness the utilization of its assets by tracking them well.
The MetalPhoto tags ensure proper coding, which means long-lasting bar codes that will not fade, or scratch increasing safety while being scanned.
As with most processes, these tags can be ordered to your required dimensions or metrics in terms of shape, size, thickness, and even if holes are required. Different surface treatments are also possible on the aluminium material and adhesive backing as a replacement for holes is also possible.
However, it has important restrictions, that text must be really black or gray, of course, with the exception of the logo for the title and the subtitle if it is necessary. Usually, it will be black with a natural ‘silver color’ aluminium base. Anodization enables one to have a solid back color that could be used to facilitate color coding, branding, or creating an outlook one desires.
One of the most commonly used techniques of applying designs to surfaces is screen printing on metals. It is used in all commercial fields for millions of articles ranging from textiles, garments, and traveling bags to iron identification plates and warning notices, etc.
This is done through agitation of ink through a screen with a desirable stencil to outline the area to be treated. That is followed by the optional application of one or several coatings for enhancing its working longevity. The actual process is very accurate and as a result has a defined and clear print on the surface of the material.
This is for the reason that identifying is not easy especially if the environment is hard on the product. However, screen printing is not actually the best technique when it comes to sturdiness of tags on metal surface. As the process requires the use of ink printed on a metal surface, it is always at risk of being ruined. Eventually, the design that was printed on the tag may wear off leaving the tag bare.
This technique may well be perfect for indoors or only unbudgeted indications such as office constructing warning signs. But it cannot be used for outdoor or for rough usage, because the print may last for one to three years depending on how it is used.
There are special coatings that offer a little protection against UV light, chemicals, and scratches but such coatings do not turn screen printing as an effective substitution for more hard-wearing types.
Let’s take a look at the materials available for screen printing:
This is one advantage of using screen printing on metal every material is printable and this makes the usage of screen printing on metal infinite. Common material options include:
Customization: In comparison to other methods, screen printing provides a high degree of customization. The plates can be of any size, shape, or thickness, and there is complete freedom to print whatever design, logo, shape, text, numbers, serialized or variable data desired. Compared to most metal-based identification processes, screen printing allows the utilization of full-color designs.
Transportation, energy, government, and various applications are the industries that use screen-printed tags for solutions. The best use cases are generally ideal for indoor use, such as self-designed warning signs, in which, full colors assist with the distinction of the plates.
Contact Metal Marker again for further assistance.
Both screen printing and MetalPhoto (photo anodization) are great options for ID applications providing a wide area for customization and ability to put any design, logo, text or number on them. But still, there is a hearth where the similarities end.
For full-color design, screen printing is ideal because it produces bright colors so that nameplates can be easily noticed. In this case, MetalPhoto performs well on the issue of durability in that it is able to endure harsh weather.
Whether you are labeling a ‘do not enter’ sign in a warehouse or an oil refinery, the best solution to identification depends on your need. Any questions or places for your order, please connect with us +91-98848 96552.