Metalphoto®
Metalphoto’s durability comes from its image – which is sealed inside of the anodized aluminum, providing corrosion, sunlight, abrasion, temperature and chemical resistance. The unique, photographic imaging process creates ultra-high resolution graphics and variable information – including machine-readable barcodes, anti-counterfeit security features and serialized data.
Since its development in 1950, Metalphoto has been trusted by leading OEMs, military and government organizations for nameplate, label and control panel applications where permanence, resolution, variable data or a combination of those characteristics is required.
Cross Section: To your right, a cross section is displayed by illustrating the aluminum layer, the sealed image, and the anodized layer.

Tough applications? Tougher solution!
Durable | High Resolution | Permanent | Legible through the harshest environments
- .003 MIL to .032 MIL material
- Can shape cut perimeter to virtually any custom shape
- Can counter sink holes for flat surface fastener installation
- Permanent for life of the part
- Wide range of adhesive backing for nearly any application
- High temperature (up to 1,000° F)
- Extreme UV resistance, excellent outdoors
- 2D and QR code capability
- Abrasive resistant
- Chemical, fuel, hydraulic fluid, salt water resistance
- Poly-color dyes and screen print ink colors available
- Meets MIL-STD-130 requirements
Performance Characteristics:
Condition | Result |
Abrasion Resistance | No pronounced image loss, degradation or reduced readability after 7,000 cycles on an abrading wheel. |
Acid Corrosion | No deterioration or image degradation after 24 hours in 3% nitric acid. |
Heat Resistance | Standard Metalphoto readable up to 500°F, Image Intensified Metalphoto readable up to 800°F. Both tested for a 24-hour oven exposure. Inquire for heat resistance up to 1,000°F with Extra High Temperature (XHT) treatment. |
Salt Spray Corrosion | No deleterious effect after a 720-hr salt spray (fog) test. 2,6 “Very Good” corrosion resistance after 113 days seawater exposure. |
Accelerated Light and Weather Resistance | No pronounced deterioration of legibility after 400-hr carbon arc weatherometer exposure. (Estimated 20+ year outdoor life) |
Accelerated Oxygen Aging | No discoloration or fading after 96-hr/300 psi/70°C oxygen bomb aging |
Stain Resistance | No black fading when plates are exposed to tincture of iodine. |
Cleaning Resistance | No deleterious effects when tested with alkaline cleaners (MILC-87937 or equivalent) for aircraft surfaces. |
Low Temperature Resistance | No deleterious effect or image fade after 1 hour at -50°F. No impairment of legibility upon exposure at -67°F. |
Organic Solvent Resistance | No softening, staining or noticeable fade after 24-hr exposure to: JP44 fuel, Gasoline, Minerals Spirits, Methyl Ethyl Ketone, Turpentine, Turbine & Jet Fuel, Kerosene, Xylol, Acetone, Toluol, Heptane, Trichlorethylene, MILH5606 Hydraulic Fluid and MIL-L-7808 Jet Engine Oil. |
Thermal Shock | No deterioration after 3 cycles between -65°C and 125°C |
Moisture Resistance | No deterioration after 10 humidity cycles per MILSTD-202, METHOD 106. |
Product Characteristics:
- Material: anodized aluminum (1100 alloy)
- Thicknesses: .003″, .005″, .008″, .012″, .020″, .032″
Finishes:



Matte
- Non-reflective with dull finish
Satin
- Semi-gloss, medium, reflective
Gloss
- Highly reflective; mirror-like
Metalphoto® Industry Flyers
For over 50 years, United States Department of Defense, industrial and military engineers have specified Metalphoto photosensitive anodized aluminum for durable nameplates, barcode labels, service schematics and control panels installed in harsh operating environments.
- Metalphoto® vs. Stainless Steel: Five Common Misconceptions
- Metalphoto® | Areospace
- Metalphoto® | Defense
- Metalphoto® | Drilling
- Metalphoto® | Heavy Equipment
- Metalphoto® | Marine
- Metalphoto® | Military Equipment
- Metalphoto® | Medical
- Metalphoto® | Mining
- Metalphoto® | Renewable Energy
- Metalphoto® | Transportation
Metalphoto® White Papers
These information-based white papers display how and why Metalphoto® is a viable solution for any industry’s problems.
- White Paper | IUID Environmental Survivability Testing Report Synopsis
- Medical Device Identification
Metalphoto® Case Studies
These case studies illustrate Metalphoto® as a practical use for all industries, with all different projects.
Industry Uses for Metalphoto
- Aircraft Labels
- Military & Commercial Placards
- VIN Tags and Hull Plates
- Asset Identification
- UII/UID Data Matrix Barcodes
- Serial Plates
- Load and Rating Plates
- Service Diagrams and Schematics
- Equipment ID