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Metalphoto® Aluminum Front Panels

Proclaimed the most durable front panels available.

MPC’s Metalphoto Front Panels are our most durable and popular solution for front panels. Graphics are sealed beneath a sapphire-hard anodic layer, creating an impenetrable surface that is resistant to extreme temperatures, humidity, UV, salt spray, abrasion, industrial solvents, chemicals and more. Our Metalphoto aluminum front panels function perfectly for years, maintaining their original appearance under even the harshest conditions.

Metalphoto is the specified material for many military standards and aerospace applications. 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 aluminum front panels are available with a one-part or two-part panel construction. A one-part panel construction uses only one thick sheet of Metalphoto containing graphic elements and is fabricated to your panel design using one or more processes in our machine and print shops. A two-part panel construction is engineered from a thin sheet of Metalphoto with graphic elements, which is then affixed to an identically fabricated thicker supporting aluminum or stainless steel back panel.

DETAILS

Product Specification

Finishes:
Matte (non-reflective w/flat finish), Satin (lustrous semi-reflective material), #4 (brushed to resemble a stainless steel finish), Gloss (highly reflective, mirror-like). Note: #4 starts at .032" thickness; Gloss is available in .020" only. See Metalphoto finishes.
Fabrication:
Advanced tooling for precision fabrication capabilities including milling, countersink and counterbore holes, bending/forming, stud insertion, stand-offs, permanent pressure-sensitive adhesives, and more.
Copy/Graphics:
Many fonts and design elements are available, as well as your company logo.
Colors:
Black graphics on silver background or silver graphics on black background; color options available. Note: Colors other than black possess limited UV resistance.
Standard Sizes:
Standard and custom sizes up to 24” x 40”.
Shipment:
15 working days from receipt of order and approval of artwork. Expedited shipment is available for an additional charge. Foil thicknesses require 15-20 working days.

Why Choose MPC’s Metalphoto Panels?

Retains original appearance even under years of exposure to extreme heat, humidity, UV, salt spray, abrasion, industrial solvents, chemicals and more.
Photosensitive anodized aluminum face stock seals images beneath a sapphire-hard anodic layer for maximum durability.
Crisp black and silver graphics are high contrast with excellent resolution.
Specified for many military standards and aerospace applications.
Expected exterior life is 20+ years.
Custom fabricated in our machine and print shops to your design specifications.
After fabrication, edges and holes of the finished parts are not anodized; in panels .063” or thicker, edges can be anodized, alodined or painted for increased durability and protection.
Ideal for variable information.

Specialized Material Options for Your Application

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:

  • Lasts over 20 years outdoors without fading or degradation.
  • Uniquely resistant to damage or degradation from environmental factors like abrasion, UV fading, harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, and corrosion from saltwater exposure.
  • Exceptional image resolution that allows for photo image, security and microprint options.
  • Ability to support unique information, including a unique barcode or QR code and letter/number combination on every piece.
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Request a Nameplate, Front Panel, Label & Tag Evaluation Kit

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.

 

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The Right Material for Your Project

Looking for other material options?  MPC has the fabrication capabilities to custom build your nameplates out of many standard materials, including aluminum, anodized aluminum, stainless steel, brass, polyester, polycarbonate, and vinyl.  Not sure which material is best for your application?  Contact our expert sales engineers now and we’ll help you build the perfect nameplate for your project.

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FEATURED WHITE PAPER

Metalphoto® Aces US Navy Environmental Survivability Test

Read how in a survivability study conducted by the US Navy, Metalphoto outperformed the other 72 materials evalutated across 38 simulated environment durablity tests.

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No Minimum Quantity, Get A Quote for Any Size Job

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.

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Get Identification Designed For Your Industry

Our uniquely durable identification products can help solve industry specific challenges.  Discover more identification and interface solutions designed for assets in your industry. 

Understands Military Specifications

Metalphoto understands military specifications which is important to us. They produce a quality product in a timely manner.

Dan

Made To Specs and Made To Last

We never have to reject or return items any of the nameplates we have ordered from MPC. The nameplates are made to specs and made to last.

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