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Metalphoto® Anodized Aluminum

The most durable printed aluminum substrate available, ideal for prolonged exposure to the harshest outdoor environments.

Trusted for Over 50 Years by The US Armed Forces, NASA, Caterpillar and Boeing

Metalphoto photosensitive anodized aluminum has been the “go-to” option for durable bar code labels, asset tags and nameplates for more than fifty years. The durability for which Metalphoto is known is the result of a unique manufacturing process in which a silver halide image is embedded within the sapphire-hard, anodic layer of the aluminum. The result is a bar code label which will function perfectly for years, maintaining its original appearance and scanning performance under an array of challenging conditions including extreme heat, humidity, long term exposure to weather, UV and other outdoor conditions, salt spray, abrasion, industrial solvents and chemicals and more. 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.

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TRUSTED AROUND THE WORLD SINCE 1950

See The Unmatched Durability and Image Resolution of Metalphoto

What makes Metalphoto truly unique among materials is its combination of unmatched durability, and it’s superior image resolution that allows it to display item unique barcodes, QR codes, serial numbers, and other variable information.  View the videos below to see why Metalphoto has been trusted worldwide for over 50 years.

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Field Proven to Last Over 20 Years and Meet the Most Demanding Specifications

Metalphoto satisfies wide ranging set of industrial, government and military specifications including MIL-STD-130 for Department of Defense UID data matrix bar code applications.

In fact, Metalphoto is the most specified label material in history for DoD applications (read more about its history with DoD Label Applications). Now it is the most requested product for durable UID labels and data plates requiring UID. That’s because the material is durable and the graphics are high contrast with excellent resolution. These are the best characteristics for data matrix bar codes for DoD applications attached with adhesive or mechanical fasteners.

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Get a Free Asset Label Evaluation Kit

Request a free asset label sample kit today and we will send you a kit to test our extremely durable labels in your own operating environment.

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Metalphoto Finishes & Anodized Color Chart

Metalphoto is available in these surface finishes.  Contact MPC for more specific information.

Anodized Colors

For applications requiring screened color, MPC offers the following Metalphoto Anodized Colors (MP).  Additionally, we can custom match to a Pantone (PMS) equivalent or a sample you provide.  Due to the distinct nature of aluminum, Metalphoto Anodized Colors are approximates only and we cannot guarantee an exact color match. Contact MPC for more specific information.

Metalphoto Has Been Trusted for Over 50 Years by Industry Leaders

Due to its strength and durability, Metalphoto is often selected for the most difficult and challenging applications.  Find labels designed specially for your specific industry challenges.  View All Industries ›

Metalphoto Performance Properties and Durability Characteristics

The tables below provide an overview of label performance. Refer to the durability characteristics presented lower on this page for additional details or contact us to discuss your specific bar code label, asset tag or UID label application.

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Metalphoto Photo-Anodized Aluminum Performance Properties
Camcode® Product Choice
Standard Processing
(Image Intensified)
Metalphoto XHT Metalphoto with Teflon
UV Light:400 Hour QUV Weatherometer Exposure Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Heat (°F / °C) Excellent
650°F / 343°C
Excellent
1200°F / 649°C
Good
Up to 500°F / 260°C
See Detail Below
Humidity Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Salt Spray:5% NaCl solution at 90F for 700 hours Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Abrasion:Taber abraser, 1000g Load, 7000 Cycles, CS17 Wheel Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Not Recommended
Not Recommended
Teflon Loss, Image OK
Paint Shedding Not Recommended
Not Recommended
Not Recommended
Not Recommended
Excellent
Excellent
See Detail Below
Organic Solvents:Extended immersion in alcohol, JP-4 jet fuel, hydraulic fluid, MEK and other organic solvents Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Acid Solutions:24 hour room temperature immersion in 3% solutions of nitric acid, sulfuric acid and ferric chloride Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Excellent
Base Solutions:24 hour room temperature immersion in 3% solution of Clorox bleach Good
Good
Good
Good
Excellent
Excellent
Strong Alkalies:24 hour room temperature immersion in 3% solutions of sodium and ammonium hydroxide Not Recommended
Not Recommended
Not Recommended
Not Recommended
Excellent
Excellent
See Detail Below
Note: Users must test products in the environment in which they are expected to function. ISG does not warrant the performance of its products in untested applications.

Metalphoto Durability Characteristics (Image Intensified)

Specific CharacteristicTest ConditionEffect
Exterior ExposureBlack and silver image exceeds 400 hr. Weatherometer Test GG-P-455b, estimated equivalent to 20 yr. exposureNo Effect
Abrasion ResistanceTaber Abraser with CS17 wheel, a total of 1000 gm. load, 7000 cyclesSlight dulling of surface
Temperature Resistance 650 F°
Salt Spray5% at 95 F for 700 hrs.°No Corrosion
Chemical Resistance  
MIl-S-3136 111 Hydrocarbon Fluid1 hr. immersionNo Effect
MIL-L-5161C-Turbine and jet engine fuel1 hr. immersionNo Effect
JP-4 Fuel72 hr. immersionNo Effect
Kerosene12 hr. immersionNo Effect
Skydrol (Hydraulic Fluid)24 hr. immersion, at both room temperature and boiling point.No Effect
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)24 hr. immersionNo Effect
Ethyl Acetate24 hr. immersionNo Effect
Xylol72 hr. immersionNo Effect
Heptane72 hr. immersionNo Effect
Ethyl Alcohol72 hr. immersionNo Effect
Ferric Chloride10% solution, 16 hr. immersionNo Effect
Ammonium Hydroxide10% solution, 16 hr. immersionSlight dulling
MIL-P-21563 soap solution16 hr. immersionNo Effect
MIL-C-25179 AIN in heptane25% solution, 1 min. immersion (cleaning solution)No Effect
Sulfuric Acid10% solution, 24 hr. immersionNo Effect
Phosphoric Acid1% solution, 12 hr. immersionNo Effect
Nitric Acid3% solution, 72 hr. immersionNo Effect
TSP (Trisodium Phosphate)1% solution, 40 hr. immersionNo Effect
Sodium Hydroxide1% solution, 1 hr. immersionNot Recommended (surface attack)

Metalphoto Durability Characteristics for XHT

Specific CharacteristicTest ConditionEffect
Exterior ExposureBlack and silver image exceeds 400 hr. Weatherometer Test GG-P-455b, estimated equivalent to 20 yr. exposureNo Effect
Abrasion ResistanceTaber Abraser with CS17 wheel, a total of 1000 gm. load, 7000 cyclesSlight dulling of surface
Temperature Resistance 1200 F°
Salt Spray5% at 95 F for 700 hrs.°No Corrosion
Chemical Resistance  
MIl-S-3136 111 Hydrocarbon Fluid1 hr. immersionNo Effect
MIL-L-5161C-Turbine and jet engine fuel1 hr. immersionNo Effect
JP-4 Fuel72 hr. immersionNo Effect
Kerosene12 hr. immersionNo Effect
Skydrol (Hydraulic Fluid)24 hr. immersion, at both room temperature and boiling point.No Effect
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)24 hr. immersionNo Effect
Ethyl Acetate24 hr. immersionNo Effect
Xylol72 hr. immersionNo Effect
Heptane72 hr. immersionNo Effect
Ethyl Alcohol72 hr. immersionNo Effect
Ferric Chloride10% solution, 16 hr. immersionNo Effect
Ammonium Hydroxide10% solution, 16 hr. immersionSlight dulling
MIL-P-21563 soap solution16 hr. immersionNo Effect
MIL-C-25179 AIN in heptane25% solution, 1 min. immersion (cleaning solution)No Effect
Sulfuric Acid10% solution, 24 hr. immersionNo Effect
Phosphoric Acid1% solution, 12 hr. immersionNo Effect
Nitric Acid3% solution, 72 hr. immersionNo Effect
TSP (Trisodium Phosphate)1% solution, 40 hr. immersionNo Effect
Sodium Hydroxide1% solution, 1 hr. immersionNot Recommended (surface attack)

Metalphoto Durability Characteristics For Laminated Teflon And Fused Teflon

Specific CharacteristicTest ConditionEFFECT Laminated Teflon® FEP***EFFECT Fused Teflon® PTFEEFFECT Fused Teflon® FEP***
Exterior ExposureBlack and silver image exceeds 400 hr. Weatherometer Test GG-P-455b, estimated equivalent to 20 yr. exposureNo EffectNo EffectNo Effect
Abrasion ResistanceTaber Abraser with CS17 wheel, a total of 1000 gm. load, 7000 cyclesNot Recommended-Teflon Loss – Image OKNot Recommended Teflon Loss – Image OKNot Recommended Teflon Loss – Image OK
Paint Shedding ExcellentExcellentWe Recommend Testing in Your Application
Temperature Resistance 300°F500°F400°F
Salt Spray5% at 95 F for 700 hrs.°No CorrosionNo CorrosionNo Corrosion
Chemical Resistance    
MIl-S-3136 111 Hydrocarbon Fluid1 hr. immersionNo Effect**No EffectNo Effect
MIL-L-5161C-Turbine and jet engine fuel1 hr. immersionNo Effect**No EffectNo Effect
JP-4 Fuel72 hr. immersionNo Effect**No EffectNo Effect
Kerosene12 hr. immersionNo Effect**No EffectNo Effect
Skydrol (Hydraulic Fluid)24 hr. immersion, at both room temperature and boiling point.No Effect**No EffectNo Effect
Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)24 hr. immersionNo Effect**No EffectNo Effect
Ethyl Acetate24 hr. immersionNo Effect**No EffectNo Effect
Xylol72 hr. immersionNo Effect**No EffectNo Effect
Heptane72 hr. immersionNo Effect**No EffectNo Effect
Ethyl Alcohol72 hr. immersionNo EffectNo EffectNo Effect
Ferric Chloride10% solution, 16 hr. immersionNo EffectNo EffectNo Effect
Ammonium Hydroxide10% solution, 16 hr. immersionNo EffectNo EffectNo Effect
MIL-P-21563 soap solution16 hr. immersionNo EffectNo EffectNo Effect
MIL-C-25179 AIN in heptane25% solution, 1 min. immersion (cleaning solution)No EffectNo EffectNo Effect
Sulfuric Acid10% solution, 24 hr. immersionNo EffectNo EffectNo Effect
Phosphoric Acid1% solution, 12 hr. immersionNo EffectNo EffectNo Effect
Nitric Acid3% solution, 72 hr. immersionNo EffectNo EffectNo Effect
TSP (Trisodium Phosphate)1% solution, 40 hr. immersionNo EffectNo EffectNo Effect
Sodium Hydroxide1% solution, 1 hr. immersionNo Effect*No Effect*No Effect*

Top Surface Only – will react with exposed edge.
** Top Surface Only – exposed adhesive edges may soften or swell.
*** FEP should not be used in place of PTFE in applications where the label is exposed to high levels of radiation (>0.2 Mrad).


Note: Users must test Metalphoto products in the specific anticipated operating environment. Camcode does not warrant performance of its materials in any environment.

Great First Experience for A New Product Part

This was my first experience with Metalphoto of Cincinnati, MPC. End to end, a great experience. I had a custom stainless-steel plate made for a new product offering. Great communication, fast correction of design on first draft and met their delivery commitment. I will definitely be doing future business with MPC.

Steve Wildon

Great To Work With

My sales rep is quick to respond to quote requests and has been great to work with. The graphics department does an excellent job, getting layouts done quickly and correctly. Panels and tags are fabricated uniformly and look professional. Orders are packed well and arrive in good condition.

Christine Robertson
Westbank Engraving

Keep Operations Efficient with Metalphoto Barcode Asset Tracking Tags

If you’re having trouble finding the ideal tracking solution for your project or organization, build it with Camcode. Talk to our team today.

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