Metalphoto Explained: How it Works and What it’s Used For

Metalphoto Explained: How it Works and What it’s Used For

At Etched, we have expertise in a variety of etching and engraving processes to create custom industrial tags and nameplates. One of the most popular process types for applications where permanent legibility is critical is Metalphoto. In this blog post, our experts explain how Metalphoto works and how we use it to create industrial panels and plates that will stand the test of time.

What is Metalphoto?

Metalphoto is a proprietary technology used on a special aluminum substrate. Our technicians take a “negative” image (similar to old-fashioned film photography development) and expose it on an aluminum sheet, then develop that sheet in a solution before applying a fixer to stop the development. We then seal the processed aluminum in a solution that leaves a clear, hard anodized layer on the surface, making the final product highly resistant to chemicals, abrasion, corrosion, and dirt.

What are the benefits of Metalphoto?

Metalphoto is highly durable and resists fading from UV light, salt, weather, or industrial cleaners. A 400-hour Weatherometer Test, which equates to about 20 years of outdoor exposure, had no effect on the legibility of Metalphoto. It has also been tested for 700 hours in 5% salt spray at 95°F, also with no effect.

Other benefits include:

  • Precision: The resolution of a Metalphoto tag or nameplate is extremely precise, making it an excellent choice for QR codes, schematics, or other complex graphics.
  • Efficiency: The lead time for Metalphoto tags and nameplates may be shorter than other etching or engraving methods.
  • Customizability: We can create completely custom industrial Metalphoto solutions in a variety of thicknesses or finishes.
  • Legibility: Regardless of the size of your tag or nameplate, Metalphoto graphics will be highly legible for years.

What substrates support Metalphoto?

Because of the solution used to process Metalphoto, it can only be selected for anodized aluminum tags, nameplates, control panels, or data plates.

What industries use Metalphoto tags and nameplates?

Metalphoto is a popular marking method for applications where legibility and durability are crucial. Our aerospace and military customers frequently specify Metalphoto for their tags.

Metalphoto certifications

Metalphoto tags are certified for over 20 years in outdoor applications. They have also earned military and STANAG certifications and meet most commercial, government, and military specifications. Certifications include:

  • MIL-STD-130N
  • STANAG 2290
  • GGP-455B
  • MIL-DTL-15024F
  • MIL-P-19834B
  • A-A-50271

Applications for Metalphoto

Industrial tags

Use Metalphoto tags to label your equipment, organize your worksite, or add branding and contact information to your assets. Metalphoto tags are especially common in outdoor or corrosive environments.

Industrial nameplates

Anodized aluminum Metalphoto nameplates will resist abrasion and can communicate complex or variable data on your worksite.

Data plates

Metalphoto data plates can convey serial numbers, specifications, compliance details, and other crucial information on your industrial equipment.

Control panels

Control panels must remain clearly legible, so workers can operate their equipment safely. Metalphoto is an excellent process option for control panels that require diagrams, variable data, or other complex graphics.

Ready to learn more?

For questions about Metalphoto or any of our other industrial tag and nameplate process options, contact our experts!