MPC’s Metalphoto Overlays are our most durable and popular solution for panel overlays. Graphics are sealed beneath a sapphire-hard anodic layer, creating an impenetrable surface that is resistant to extreme heat, humidity, long-term exposure to weather, UV and other outdoor conditions, salt spray and abrasion. The National Association of Graphic and Product Identification Manufacturers (GPI) Industry Standards and Practices Manual identifies Metalphoto photosensitive anodized aluminum as the most durable printed aluminum substrate available, citing its applicability for extreme environmental conditions and outdoor exposure. Metalphoto overlays function perfectly for years, maintaining their original appearance even under the harshest conditions.
Metalphoto is the specified material for many military standards and aerospace applications.
Metalphoto overlays are used as the front panel of a one-part panel overlay or two-part panel construction. A one-part panel overlay is engineered from one sheet of Metalphoto (thicknesses from .003″ to .125″) with graphic elements and is fabricated to your design using one or more processes in our machine and print shops. A two-part panel overlay construction is engineered from a thinner sheet of Metalphoto with graphic elements, which is then affixed to an identically fabricated thicker supporting aluminum or stainless steel back panel.
Metalphoto of Cincinnati offers nameplates in a variety of standard material options, including our proprietary Metalphoto® substrate. Metalphoto is photosensitive anodized aluminum, which features a silver and black photographic image that is embedded within the sapphire-hard anodic layer of the aluminum. This combination gives a Metalphoto part an outdoor life of over 20 years, and makes it extremely resistant to damage or degradation from environmental factors like abrasion, UV fading, harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, and corrosion from saltwater exposure. The National Association of Graphic and Product Identification Manufacturers (GPI) Industry Standards and Practices Manual identifies Metalphoto as the most durable printed aluminum substrate available, and it has been trusted by industry, government and military organizations like Caterpillar, The US Navy, NASA, and Boeing for over 50 years. Metalphoto offers many unique features including:
Request a free Metalphoto evaluation kit today and we will send you a sample kit to test our durable identification products in your own operating environment.
Etched and filled stainless steel has historically been used for nameplate, label and panel applications in harsh environments. Engineers have long defaulted to steel under the assumption that it will survive better than other materials. However, Metalphoto photosensitive anodized aluminum is actually superior to etched and filled stainless steel in many applications.
Our uniquely durable identification products can help solve industry specific challenges. Discover more identification and interface solutions designed for assets in your industry.
We have no minimum piece requirement. Our minimum production run is $400 per part number, excluding set-up fees/tooling. Contact us regarding your project.
We cannot afford to do business with a supplier who is not capable of sustaining a high-quality product and level of service. MPC delivers that high level of consistency.
High quality panels and overlays. Correct printed and fabricated the first time.