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Metalphoto®

For electrical utility applications, failing asset identification isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a costly problem that can compromise safety and operations.

For more than 20 years, Electromark has provided a product that combats that problem: Metalphoto®.

Surprisingly, some confusion still exists regarding which applications are best-suited for Metalphoto®. This guide will outline the main attributes of Metalphoto® and why its unique properties make it the gold standard for outdoor-durable asset identification.

Premium Durability

A core strength of Metalphoto® lies in its unique manufacturing process. Unlike labels made by surface-level printing, a Metalphoto® image is permanently sealed within an anodic layer of aluminum.

The three layers of a Metalphoto® asset identification marker.

Here’s what that means for you:

  • The image is part of the metal. We take the Metalphoto® material, a natural metallic silver anodized aluminum, and embed black, silver metal halide text, images, barcodes, and other unique identifiers directly into it. It’s not a coating; it’s integral to the material itself.
  • Image quality and clarity is untouchable. The sealed image is virtually impervious to degradation from chemicals, abrasion, extreme temperatures, and salt spray.
  • Markers won’t fade or crack from UV radiation. The number one killer of outdoor signage is sunlight. Metalphoto®’s embedded image resists UV radiation, ensuring your asset identification markers remain crisp and legible for 30+ years: oftentimes, the marker will outlast the asset itself.

This level of durability makes Metalphoto the ideal solution for premium, long-term asset identification that will last the life of most utility assets—such as utility poles, padmounts, or control panels.

Black Silver Halide Imaging

In theory, colors can be imaged on the anodized aluminum material—by way of surface-printed inks, as an example, or dyes absorbed within the crystal structure of the anodized surface.

But Metalphoto® is defined by having three distinct layers: an aluminum base, a middle layer comprised of black silver halide image, and an anodic top layer.

Surface-printed inks and absorbent dyes do not exhibit the same image durability as the black silver halide image, setting the Metalphoto® imaging process apart in terms of lifespan but eliminating Metalphoto® as an option for any graphic imaging wherein color is required, such as ANSI/ISO safety signage.

Metalphoto® is best positioned as an asset identification solution in applications that call for high-contrast black characters on a silver background or, inversely, silver characters on a black background image.

A Metalphoto® asset tag marks a processor in a data center. The black silver halide image is comprised of unique text and a QR code.

Ability To Add Serialized & Variable Data

The imaging process for Metalphoto® does not require a mesh stencil (as would screen printing) or printing plate (as would other offset-contact printing methods).

The Metalphoto® imaging technology allows variable information to be added to it economically during the manufacturing process; whether the quantity is in single digits or thousands.

This makes it a more cost-effective and durable solution than traditional slide-in character holders for applications requiring sequential or serialized data.

Metalphoto® is the ultimate solution in cases like this, wherein the marker must be pre-imaged with unique identifiers and printed on one piece.

High-Resolution Imaging

Because Metalphoto® is created using a photographic process, it supports exceptionally high-resolution graphics. Electromark utilizes a state-of-the-art digital laser system to expose the image, eliminating the image resolution limitations and cost of using film negatives.

This photographic process is capable of higher resolution than engraving or other printing methods used for nameplates. This makes Metalphoto® especially suited towards barcoding applications where assured and accurate reads are critical.

A Hyundai vehicle uses Metalphoto® barcoding capabilities to capture the vehicle’s VIN number, model number, and fleet number.

Metalphoto® images can support any barcode symbology, including 2-D and QR.

Range Of Material Thicknesses

Metalphoto® is available in many thicknesses: from 0.003”, 0.005”, and 0.008” foils to 0.012” thru 0.125” plates. Regardless of thickness, the image process and durability are the same.

The wide range of available thicknesses makes Metalphoto® a great option when a thinner, low-profile identification marker is required as well as when a thicker, more robust material is required (like for a mechanically-fastened pole marker or a hanging valve tag).

Flexible Mounting Options

As an aluminum material that is available in a variety of thicknesses, Metalphoto® provides flexible options where different mounting requirements are necessary.

A Metalphoto® asset tag easily conforms to the curved surface of a utility pole.

Metalphoto® may be utilized with peel-and-stick pressure-sensitive transfer and foam tape adhesives, mastic adhesives, and mechanical fastening means (such as nails, screws, or banding).

Metalphoto® attaches to numerous surfaces, including painted metal, plastic, and fiberglass, as well as common structural materials like wood, steel, and concrete.

Metalphoto® Provides Asset Identification That Lasts

Watch our short YouTube series to see Metalphoto®’s strengths in action.