Anodizing Anodizing is an electrolytic process that creates an aluminum oxide layer on aluminum. Although an aluminum oxide layer forms naturally on untreated aluminum, anodizing results in an oxide coating that is not only much more uniform but far harder and more corrosion resistant. This anodic layer is actually part of the aluminum and does not flake off, peel off or chip. It is far more durable than paint. For more information, see http://www.anodizing.org/   Dead Soft Aluminum This is a colloquial description for annealed aluminum. Many of our inspection tags, calibration labels and asset ID tags use this material. Once heated, aluminum becomes much soft. After we place a writable coating on the surface, you may not only write on the surface but "deboss" it. In other words, your writing creates an impression in the aluminum that is readable, even if your ink should be worn off. Debossing This is the process of indenting a surface, typically a dead soft aluminum. It is the opposite of "embossing". Chemical Etching Although there are countless ways to etch PC boards and silicon, there are only two common chemical etching methods for asset ID. The first uses a low voltage electrical current, an electrolyte and a stencil. This process etches the metal and, depending upon the metal type and electrolyte used, produces a black, white or brown mark. Conduits and machine parts are often marked this way. A second common chemical etching technique is to apply a chemical resistant photographic coating to anodized aluminum. Once exposed, the resist keeps the color on the metal surface and the color on the non-protected areas washes away. The resist is then eliminated with a solvent and the remaining color is fixed and then sealed into the anodized aluminum. Many rulers and nameplates are made this way.   Embossing This occurs when the surface of your sign or tag is raised. Many of our outdoor signs are embossed. These 3-D signs offer exceptional outdoor durability. Even if the print has faded, the legend's embossing remains legible. MetalPhoto These tags are produced on photographic anodized sheets. Unlike anodized tags, MetalPhoto tags give a higher resolution and print quality. The serial numbers or bar-codes are embedded into the top layer of the aluminum, and then sealed so that the print does not chip, fade, peel off or crack. PhotoFrit Unique to Electromark, PhotoFrit is a way to photographically mark ceramic tags. Legends, serial numbers and bar-codes are all printed photographically. A ceramic or porcelain frit is fired directly onto the stainless steel material making the most durable tags in the industry. Theft Guard This is a product made by Electromark from a highly destructible vinyl. This "frangible" vinyl breaks apart into tiny pieces once it is fully adhered and someone tries to remove or to reuse the label. TheftGuard is made from a cast vinyl that is durable outdoors. The labels are either screen printed or thermal printed. VoidGuard These Electromark labels have a pattern inscribed between the metallic and the polyester layers of the label. Once the label is removed, a void pattern shows as a portion of the metallic layer is left on the application surface and the rest stays with the label itself. Labels are surface printed using a thermal or screen-printing process.

Also see:
    Property ID Tags FAQ
    Material Comparison Table