Materials for custom nameplates, labels and decals, metals and plastics
Aluminum
Printed or chemically etched and color filled, aluminum is the most popular choice for nameplate material. It is available in a wide variety of sizes and finishes, and is inexpensive compared to other metals. We stock aluminum in the following thicknesses: .003" .005" .010" .012" .020" .032" .040" .063". Our aluminum is 1100, 5052, or 5005 alloy.
Photo-Anodized Aluminum
The Photo-Anodized Aluminum process results in the image sealed in anodized aluminum. It combines unusual durability with a long lasting quality appearance. The durability is from the fact that the Photo-Anodized Aluminum process imbeds the image within a sapphire hard layer of anodized aluminum. Photo-Anodized Aluminum nameplates are considered the most durable aluminum substrate available, with superior abrasion, heat, and sunlight resistance. Available in the following thicknesses: .003" to .125".
Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel is typically used when a very high resistance to corrosion is required. Stainless nameplates may be printed or chemically etched and color filled and is somewhat more expensive than aluminum. We can supply stainless nameplates in thicknesses of .010" through .050" (Note:It is advisable to avoid "gauge numbers" in specifying thickness. There are several "gauge" reference charts which may be confused with your actual needs). Our standard stainless is type 304 with a #4 polish but others are available such as 316 and 410 upon request. #2B finish and near mirror finish are also available.
Brass
The beauty of brass is difficult to duplicate with any other metal. It may be polished to a gold-like appearance, or may be given a brushed or satin finish. As with other metal, brass may be printed or chemically etched and color filled. The matte finish that results from etching (without using any color fill) is also very attractive. We stock brass in thicknesses of .020" to .063". Brass is the most expensive of nameplate metals. Our brass is 260 alloy which is 70% copper and 30% tin.
LEXAN® (Extruded Polycarbonate Film)
More economical than metal with excellent ink adhesion. Available in clear and textured surfaces this material has great clarity, stability, and die cutting characteristics with good solvent resistance. Usually sub-surface printed (the ink is printed on the back of the material between the lexan® and the adhesive) resulting in a label with excellent durability and long life. We stock thicknesses from .005" to .030".
VINYL (PVC)
This is perhaps the most versatile of label stocks. It is available in a wide range of colors and thicknesses and in flexible or rigid formulations. It is durable and weather resistant and can be used indoor or outdoors as well as in some harsh environments. It can have various clear mylar films laminated over the printing to protect the image even more. Vinyl films are generally used for their weather resistance, conformity, color selection and durability.
MYLAR® (Polyester)
A highly durable synthetic film. Mylars® are available in a wide range of thicknesses, and in clear, matted, pigmented, metalized, brushed metalized, or transparent colors Polyester films offer excellent clarity, stability, abrasion resistance, solvent resistance, printing, and die cutting characteristics with good exterior durability. Mylars® are used primarily for outdoor applications involving high levels of abrasion or abuse such as product identification. Mylars® will stand up well in a moist environment and are resistant to most oils and solvents.
Adhesives
There are a number of high strength adhesives available, each is designed to adhere to different surfaces. If in doubt about what to use, see below or call for a recommendation and samples.
Acrylic Adhesive
Unless otherwise specified, we use 3M 467 (2 mil thick acrylic) adhesive on materials .012" and thinner. On materials thicker than .012", we use 3M 468 (5 mil thick acrylic). Both of these adhesives are excellent general purpose adhesives which are designed to adhere well to a wide variety of materials. We deal exclusively with 3M for our transfer adhesives. Please indicate the surface that the nameplate or labels is being applied to so we can be sure that we choose the best option.
Foam Adhesive
Foam adhesive is a good choice when your nameplate needs to adhere to an uneven surface. Its thickness and pliability allow it to conform to many rough surfaces. Available in 1/32" and 1/16"
Other Adhesive
If your application requires a special adhesive, just describe your requirements and we will custom order an adhesive to fit your needs.
All of our adhesives build their strength over time. For a true test of an adhesive it is recommended that the nameplate be adhered for 48-72 hours before testing the bond. Surfaces must be clean and dry before application.
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