Utility
Uniquely durable identification options for utility assets and applications.
Improved Inspection and Maintenance with Metalphoto Identification
Utility companies and contractors face a unique challenge when it comes to making sure their nameplates and tags are always legible over a long period of time. Utility meters and poles face extreme weather – from extreme heat and UV exposure and the winter elements to other abrasion, dirt and solvents. And since meters and poles are expected to last for many years – the labels they are marked with (noting serial numbers, installation dates, bar codes, maintenance information, etc.) must last too. You will never need to re-label again with MPC’s proven technology – saving you considerably over the lifetime of your utility meters and poles.
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.
Utility Meter Badges
Meter badges manufactured by Metalphoto of Cincinnati have been used for decades to track rework/refurbish history, improve meter tractability, reduce meter to ERT calibration time, eliminate transposition errors caused by manual processes and improve meter and ERT inventory control and traceability.
Our meter tags stand up to constant outdoor exposure and remain readable for the life of your part, resist scuffing and abrasion, and even shed paint from customer’s or your own paint shop.
Utility Pole Tags
Metalphoto of Cincinnati’s anodized aluminum labels have been a mainstay for outdoor labeling for over 40 years. Our bar code pole tags have been used in conjunction with GIS mapping initiatives, and automated pole maintenance programs. Bar coding is faster, less expensive and more accurate than manual data collection, which translates to reduced down time and maintenance costs. Also, collecting revenue from your poles requires an accurate catalog process – again, bar codes are easier and more accurate than manual systems.
Our Metalphoto labels are also used for dating and inspection tags, pole treatment type and date tags, “Do Not Climb” markers and pole jurisdiction tags incorporating the utility name and logo.
Unlike the poor graphic quality of embossed tags, our pole markers are made with a photographic process, which allows us to incorporate highly readable logos and bar codes. Metalphoto pole tags are photographically imaged below the surface creating an impenetrable barrier to salt, dirt, chemicals, sunlight and solvents and have a 30-year life outdoors.
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.
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.
Request a Nameplate, Front Panel, Label & 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.
Five Common Misconceptions: Metalphoto® vs Etched Stainless Steel
See how Metalphoto photosensitive anodized aluminum is actually superior to etched and filled stainless steel in many applications.
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.
Metalphoto Of Cincinnati Is Outstanding
Quality is excellent, lead times are reasonable and pricing is competitive. Metalphoto of Cincinnati is outstanding at supplying our metal nameplates and labels, as well as addressing our needs and expectations as good as, if not better than, any of the other suppliers. MPC works well with helping us meet the demands of our customers.
Discover New Insights for Industrial Asset Identification
See why industry leaders trust Metalphoto of Cincinnati to provide identification that is durable enough to last the life of their assets, even in the harshest environments. Explore our success stories. blog, guides, specification sheets and more.
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.