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Transportation & Logistics

Uniquely durable identification options for transportation and shipping assets and applications.

Improved Tracking and Traceability with Metalphoto Identification

Metalphoto of Cincinnati provides identification products with unmatched durability and graphic flexibility to some of the world leaders in transportation. We offer identification solutions that enable or improve tracking, traceability, regulatory compliance and operational instruction, including:

  • VIN tags
  • Manufacturing nameplates
  • Safety data plates
  • Operating and maintenance instruction plates
TRUSTED AROUND THE WORLD SINCE 1950

Find The Ideal Identification Products For Your Application

Explore our wide range of durable identification products, custom designed for your project, application or organization. Our product development team is on standby to design and build your perfect identification solution.

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Create Your Own Nameplate, Data Plate, Label, or Front Panel Design Online

The MPC Nameplate Designer is an online tool that you can use to easily create a design for any piece of identification, including nameplates, data plates, warning labels, asset tracking labels, control panel faceplates, overlays and signs.  Load a starting template and edit the elements to your specifications, or start from scratch and build your design.  Using this designer, you can set the dimensions, material, and add adhesive backing to your identification piece, and then add holes, cutouts, text, serial numbers, bar codes or QR codes, shapes, and even images and photos to your design.  Once the design is complete, you can save a PDF print of the design to download and share.

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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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Stainless Steel Nameplates

Request a Transportation Identification & Tracking Tag Evaluation Kit

Request a free 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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Unmatched Graphic Capability

In addition to harsh environment durability, Metalphoto’s 3556 dpi, photographic resolution image can support graphic elements that other materials and printing methods simply can’t achieve.

The Benefits of Barcodes & QR Codes

Tracking and traceability is important when it comes to equipment and fleet management. The challenge is in ensuring the barcodes that enable tracking remain readable and scannable through severe conditions commonly faced in transportation. Metalphoto’s unique combination of durability and image resolution eliminates this problem. Different types of barcodes can add expanded features to your identification and benefits to your organization.

Linear Barcodes

A first generation, “one dimensional” barcode that is made up of lines and spaces of various widths that create specific patterns. Linear barcodes link to a database and store text-based information. They are readable with a barcode scanner and can be read by most smartphones. These barcodes have many uses including inventory management, equipment maintenance, and asset tracking.

2D Barcodes

A two-dimensional way to represent information. It is similar to a linear (1-dimensional) barcode, but can represent more data per unit area. Data matrix and QR codes are both examples of 2D barcodes. These codes link to a website and are scannable by any smartphone and in any direction. Scanning the code can grant access to many different forms of information, including: Documents Manuals Videos Photos Instructions

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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FEATURED CASE STUDY

Exceptionally Durable Nameplates for Transportation Asset Identification

See how A leading manufacturer of tractor trailers and shipping containers found that nameplates made of Metalphoto photosensitive anodized aluminum have greater durability and legibility than etched stainless steel at a fraction of the price.

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Quality Vehicle Plate

Have had ongoing vehicle plate project with MPC for many years. They are able to process the order expeditiously and produce quality product and ship to client.

J. Hatcher

Outstanding Quality and Customer Service

MPC was the only company to provide a quote for our aluminum labels in the time frame we needed – and with outstanding quality and customer service.

Amanda Maul
Sierra Detention Systems

Create The Ideal Solution For Your Product Identification Needs

If you’re having trouble finding the ideal identification solution for your project or application, build it with Metalphoto of Cincinnati. Talk with our experienced sales engineers today.

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