Material Considerations

Metal Nameplates

• Text and image is available as screened or etched (to a depth of about .002”).
  
• Finish can be mill (matte), bright, satin, polished, brush, etc.
  
• Various finishes are available such as clear, gloss, semi gloss, flat, or enamel.
  
• Coatings are usually enamel or acrylic.
  
• Protective over-laminate films are available.
  
• Sequential serial numbering is available.
  
• Additional thicknesses are available.
  
• Thousands of shapes are available with in-house or custom dies.

Aluminum

• .012, .016, .020, .032 .025, .040, .064, .080, .125

• Lower cost
• Low weight
  
• Easy to manufacture
  
• Non ferrous
  

• Less durable in hazardous environments
  
• Soft surface is easy to scratch
  

• Most common material in metal nameplate applications

Anodized Aluminum

• 016, .020, .025, .125
  

• Weather resistance
  
• Finish
  
• Temperature resistance

• Cannot be formed
  
• Dyes are not opaque
  
• More expensive than screen printed aluminum

• Attractive – adds depth to colors

Stainless Steel

• .020, .044
  

• Durability
  
• Chemical resistance
  
• Medical & food compliant
  
• Hardness
  

• More expensive die required
  
• Processing is more expensive
  
• Difficult to form
  

• Harder and more durable than aluminum

Brass

• .012, .016, .020, .025, .032
  

• Finish and color
  
• Aesthetic look
  
• Non magnetic
  
• Will not support sparks
  

• Tarnishes without a clear coat
  
• Expensive
  
• Soft – not abrasive resistant
  

• Very ornamental and “rich” looking

Decals and Roll Labels

• Sequential serial numbering is available on some items.
  
• UV stabilized inks and/or laminations are available.
  
• Computer imprint-able surfaces are available.
  
• Security, tamper evident, destructible, and non-destructible labels are available.
  
• Additional materials including fish paper, styrene, Tyvek™, Kimdura™, Acrylic, and others are available.
  
• Thousands of shapes are available with in house or custom dies.
  
• Some Mylar™ and Lexan™ may be embossed.
  
• Temperature ranges are dependent on surface thickness
  
• Double-sided printing is available.
  
• Roll labels are available fan folded.
  
• Surface finish may be matte or gloss.
  
• Laminations of different materials are available.

Lexan ™ - Polycarbonate

• .005, .010, .015, .020
  

• High durability
  
• Multiple surface finishes
  
• Temperature range from -150° to 300°F
  
• Resistant to many chemicals
  
• May be formed
  

• Generally for indoor use only (although UV resistant material and coatings are available)
  
Comments

• Ink is printed on the reverse side
  
• Material is available as an over-laminate
  
• Not available as a roll label
  
• Available in Clear, Velvet or Suede finishes

Vinyl

• .002, .003, .004, .006, .008, .012
  

• Flexible
  
• Acid Resistance
  
• Conforms Well
  
• Temperature range of -40°F to 176°F, occasionally to 212°F.
  

• Poor Flex at Low Temp
  
• Some Recovery After Stretch
  

• Static cling vinyl available at .008.

Mylar™ - Polyester

• .001, .002, .008
  

• Abrasion Resistance
  
• Tensile Strength
  
• Broad Temperature range of -40°F to 300°F
  
• Solvent Resistance
  

• Application can be difficult because of thinness and static.
  
• Tears easily when edge is cut.
  
Comments

• Available with metalized surface.
  
• Multiple surface finishes are available.

Paper

• 50#, 60#, 70#, 90#
  

• Low Cost
  
• Tamper Evident
  
• High Speed Processing
  

• Lack of Moisture Resistance
  
• Low Strength
  
• Poor resistance to oils and chemicals.
  

• Available coated or uncoated.
  
• Common for warehouse applications.
  
• Thicker paper used for EDP.
  
• Various Liner Thicknesses are Available

Acetate

• .002
  

• Adhesive Remains Clear for Years
  
• High Clarity Film
  

• Not as durable or scratch resistant as other materials.
  

• Used for indelible imprinting of data.

Aluminum Foil

• .002, .003 (anod.), .005
  
• Strengths
• Moisture Barrier
  
• Broad Temp. Range of -40°F to 300°F
  
• Flame Resistance
  
• Outdoor Weathering
  

• Poor Flexibility
  
• Poor Acid Resistance
  
• Difficult to realign after application.
  
• Material has “Memory”
  

• Can be written or typed on for serial numbers.
  
• Memory in foil holds information well.

Polyethylene

• .002, .0037, .0038
  

• Flexible
  
• Clear
  
• High Gloss Finish
  
• Excellent Water Resistance with Compatible Adhesive
  
• -40°F to 176°F
  

• Indoor Use Only
  
• Lower Temperature Range
  

• “No Label Look”
  
• May be used in electronic printing.
  
• Matte Finish Available
  
• Used for Drum Labels

Polypropylene

• .002, .003, .006, .0024, .0028
  

• Clear
  
• Flexible
  
• -40°F to 176°F
  

• Lower Temperature Range
  
• Limited Adhesives Available
  

• Pharmacy Applications
  
• Can be used with resin and wax/resin thermal transfer printers

Common Adhesives

• The effectiveness of an adhesive is dependant on multiple factors including application surface, temperature, cure time and environment
  
• Tamper evident and tamper proof adhesives are available
  
• Split backing is available on most items
  
• Typical adhesive thickness is .001” to .005”

Acrylic

• High shear strength
  
• emperature range -40° to 450°F
  
• Excellent solvent resistance
  
• Excellent UV resistance
  
• Excellent aging characteristics
  

• Fair initial adhesion – require set-up time
  
• Sensitive to moisture
  

• Gradual adhesion buildup
  
• Transparency can be a benefit

Rubber Based

• High initial adhesion
  
• Good shear strength
  
• Moderate temperature resistance
  
• Good solvent resistance
  
• Moderate aging characteristics
  

• Fair UV resistance
  
• Narrow temperature range from -40° TO 180°F
  (some special formulations to 250°F)
  

• Some adhesive buildup or “squeeze-out” may occur around edges
  
• Older technology that many times can be replaced with acrylic

Foam

• Excellent for uneven surfaces
  

• Manufacturing process takes more time
  

• For unusual applications

Cold Temperature

• Application temperature to -20°F
  
• Can be applied to frosty corrugated or finished boxes
  
• High initial tack
  

• Cannot be removed or repositioned
  

• Designed for freezer warehouse and similar applications

Solvent Activated

• Excellent initial tack
  
• Solid durability over time
  

• Difficult to apply and use
  

• Older adhesive technology
  
• Narrow area of application

Dry Gum

• Low cost
  

• Water activated
  
• Storage can be a problem
  

• Can be imprinted with a laser printer