Everything You Need to Know about Anodized Aluminum Blanks for Labels and Tags

Corporations accumulate a large volume of assets as their business grows, and employees often need to find specific items in order to do their jobs. When it comes to equipment labels and tags, anodized aluminum blanks are frequently a popular choice, due to their light weight, affordable price, and durability.
Enterprises have a number of choices for their label material. Metal is often selected over alternatives, such as plastic, when they need sturdy markers that will hold up under hazardous conditions. Aluminum is a popular option because of its pliable nature, high availability and low cost, and anodized aluminum adds extra protection for hazardous environments.
Anodized aluminum is produced by continuously exposing a sheet of aluminum to multiple electrolytic chemicals and then introducing a current to trigger a reaction, enabling oxidation to take place. The process continues until the metal sheet creates a protective and tough film on its surface. The oxidized layer in the aluminum sheet adds to the original sheet’s robustness and strength and provides additional benefits, such as unmatched anti-rust ability.
Companies have two anodized aluminum choices, and their equipment surface needs will determine which is best. In many cases, tags are affixed to a flat surface, while flexibility is often needed when affixed to products or equipment, like piping. Anodized aluminum blank labels and tags are available in pliable Foil Anodized Aluminum labels for the former use case, and Rigid Anodized Aluminum blank labels for the latter.
These labels have a thin surface, and are available in .003″, .005″ and .008″ thicknesses. They are designed to provide a flexible material option, and can be used where equipment may have unusual shapes.
These strong and lightweight markers work well in nearly any indoor application, as well as industrial applications where abrasives may be present. Foil anodized aluminum labels are available as blanks to mark on-site, or with pre-printed information.
These sturdy and durable labels are built for situations where tags are needed in harsh environments (for example, where abrasives are present) and are available in .012″ to .125″ thicknesses. Rigid anodized aluminum labels provide greater impact resistance than foil, and are therefore better able to withstand bumps and knocks.
Anodized aluminum rigid labels and tags are a popular option for asset tracking and product identification labels, property ID tags, instructional labels, safety and warning labels, schematic diagrams, and machine data labels.
Many businesses operate in conditions far removed from a cozy, high rise office building, and industrial equipment is found in manufacturing plants, warehouses, power plants, on ships, at marinas, and in the wild. As a result, corporations need materials that provide resistance to weather, abrasion, corrosion, chemicals, and solvents.
Also, user designed high-contrast graphics are sealed beneath an anodic layer of aluminum, which protects the surface and preserves the integrity of its graphics. Consequently, anodized aluminum is durable, and can last 10 years or more in even the harshest conditions.
Every company has different label requirements, and the more flexible the material options, the more likely it will meet the customers’ expectations. This flexibility is just one reason why anodized aluminum is so popular.
The purchasing decision often starts with color choice, and customers have many with this material. Anodized aluminum blank labels and tags are an ideal choice for on-site marking using YAG or fiber lasers, or engraving processes. Backgrounds are available in black or a variety of colors and tags are sealed beneath a durable anodic layer, an option that offers high contrast and excellent readability.
Anodized aluminum’s flexibility also extends to its attachment options, as customers can use adhesives and/or holes for mechanical attachment. Anodized aluminum creates labels that are extremely thin yet still feature high surface strength, while foil labels can also be attached to uneven surfaces and curved equipment, such as pipes and cables. Since these aluminum stickers also use a high-performance, permanent pressure-sensitive adhesive, they are difficult to remove, an important consideration for security labels and tags.
Aluminum is one of the sturdiest and longest lasting materials available, and can also be one of the least expensive. This combination makes the metal a very popular selection.
Companies have many material choices, and anodized aluminum has become popular thanks to its flexibility, durability, and economics. As a result, it is found in a wide range of industries and sectors: manufacturing, energy, warehouse, and even the military. From your office and conference room to your factory floor and warehouse, regardless of your business, anodized aluminum can provide the labels and tags you need.
Implementing anodized aluminum tags and labels in an organization involves several key steps to ensure effective usage and integration into existing processes.
By following these steps, an organization can effectively implement anodized aluminum tags and labels to enhance asset management, safety, and efficiency across various operations.
Need advice on choosing the right labels and tags for your business? Call us today at 800-528-4058 or order your free sample kit to see the difference for yourself.
Anodized aluminum blanks offer superior durability and corrosion resistance, making them ideal for harsh environments. The anodization process enhances the metal’s surface, providing a scratch-resistant, non-conductive finish that securely holds ink or engraving. These properties ensure long-lasting, legible labels and tags for industrial applications.
Unlike other materials, anodized aluminum blanks undergo an electrochemical process that creates a hard, protective oxide layer on the surface. This layer not only enhances durability but also improves resistance to chemicals, weathering, and wear, making them more suitable for demanding and outdoor conditions compared to plastic or painted labels.
Yes, anodized aluminum blanks can be easily customized through laser engraving, stamping, or screen printing. This flexibility allows for precise marking of logos, barcodes, and detailed information. Additionally, they come in various thicknesses, shapes, and colors, making them adaptable for a wide range of labeling needs across different industries.
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