Application Hall of Fame METALPHOTO RESOURCE & TRUST CENTER
Explore Metalphoto performance specifications, certifications, resources, & success stories.
Since its development in 1950, Metalphoto has been specified 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 are required.
Below you will find Metalphoto perfomance specifications, certifications Metalphoto meets, guides and instructions for using Metalphoto, and success stories form Metalphoto’s long and storied history. Use the links below to jump to your desired section:
Proven Performance
Unmatched Durability
Extreme Image Resolution
Variable Information Capability
UNMATCHED DURABILITY
Because Metalphoto is resistant to many conditions commonly found in outdoor environments that would erode most identification products printed on other materials, Metalphoto is the perfect material for any nameplates, signs, labels or control panels that need to stand up to harsh outdoor environments, or any project where permanent identification that will remain legible for the life of the product is crucial. See Metalphoto’s durability characteristics below:
Weather/UV Resistance
Testing
A 400 hour Weatherometer Test GG-P-455P, which is the estimated equivalent to 20 years of outdoor exposure, had no affect on Metalphoto.
Abrasion Resistance
Inline content
Testing
7000 cycles on a Taber Abraser with a CS17 wheel, a total of 1000 gm. load, only resulted in a slight dulling of Metalphoto’s surface; the image was not affected.
Temperature Resistance
Inline content
Testing
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.
Corrosion Resistance
Inline content
Testing
Exposure to 5% salt spray as 95°F for 700 hours had no effect on Metalphoto.
Chemical Resistance
Inline content
Testing
Metalphoto was immersed in a full battery of chemicals at different temperatures for different lengths of time, all with little to no effect.
View the Full List of Chemicals and Results
*Horizons ISG does not warrant the performance of its materials in any environment.
Performance Properties
Manufacturer Performance Specifications
Metalphoto Durability Characteristics
Details the parameters and results of testing Metalphoto’s resistance to damage from exposure to UV, weather, abrasion, extreme temperatures, salt spray, and various chemicals.
Manufacturer’s Certification of Performance
Certificate stating Metalphoto’s compliance with the manufacturer’s (Horizons Imaging System Group) manufacturing standards, and an explanation of those standards.
Metalphoto Presentation
Presentation detailing the features, benefits and characteristics of Metalphoto, for use by Metalphoto converters to encourage their customers to consider Metalphoto.
Metalphoto Attachment Guide
Overview of attachment options for Metalphoto parts, how to select the proper attachment method, and how to properly attach Metalphoto to other metals and avoid galvanic corrosion.
Metalphoto Material Comparisons
Metalphoto vs. Etched Stainless Steel
Details how Metalphoto displays superior durability to etched stainless steel in select applications.
Horizons ISG Materials Comparison
Compares the durability characterstics, imaging technologies, production throughput capacities, and material options of Metalphoto and each of the other markable aluminum material options that Horizons ISG manufactures.
Independent Performance Evaluations
Study/Certification
Industry/Application
Organization
Defense
US Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Corona Division
Marine
Norwegian Marine Technology Research Institute (Marintek)
Marine
US Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Carderock Division
Outer Space
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) / Boeing
UID Marking Pilot Program
Defense
Electrical Testing Labratories, Inc.
Tests of Metalphoto for MIL-STD-15024
Defense
Electrical Testing Labratories, Inc.
Weather/UV
Electrical Testing Labratories, Inc.
Space Station Inventory Management System Bar Code Label Requirements and Specification
Outer Space
NASA
Specifications & Certifications
Global Certifications/Standards
Specification
Organization
Description
ASTM Standard Practices
Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum Alloy Sheet and Plate
Technical Paper Series 2000-01-2437
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
Special requirements for Crew Interface Labels on the International Space Station, Stephen Gray & Fernando Ramos – Boeing
RoHS Certification
EC Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
Marking and Labeling System Material Component (File # MH17767)
Canadian Standard Association (CSA)
Canadian approval for adhesive-backed Metalphoto products
Canadian Standard Association (CSA)
Canadian approval for Metalphoto printing systems
Military/Government Specifications
Specification
Organization
Description
US Dept. of Defense
Anodizing amendment for Photosensitized (identification) nameplates
US Dept. of Defense
General specification for identification plates for aircraft instruments, accessories, major structural assemblies and aircraft equipment.
US Federal Government
Plates and Foils, Photographic (Photosensitive, Anodized Aluminum)
US Dept. of Defense
Department of Defense Commercial Item Description – Identification Plate
NASA, Johnson Space Center Texas
Space Stat ion Inventory Management System Bar Code Label Requirements and Specification
US Dept. of Defense
Anodic Coatings for Aluminum & Aluminum Alloys Type II Class 1 (unprocessed or clear) Class 2 (processed)
Aerospace Industry Specifications
Specification
Organization
Description
Honeywell, Inc. Satellite Systems Operations
Metalphoto approved for use on the International Space Station
SMT0022
BF Goodrich
Goodrich Specification
UTC Aerospace Systems/Hamilton Sundstrand
Metalphoto Photosensitive Anodized Aluminum is approved for UTC Aerospace specification CMS6800 for durable plate and foil labels.
Guides & Instructions
Guides
Metalphoto Attachment Guide
Details the attachment options for Metalphoto pieces to the surface of an asset, and key considerations for choosing the optimal attachment method for your project.
Metalphoto Design Guide
Overview of the options available for creating Metalphoto identification pieces, including durability characteristics, design options, fabrication tips, attachment options, design layouts, and specifications the material meets.
Testimonials & Presentations
Success Stories
Metalphoto for Marine & Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling
Seatrax, a leading offshore crane manufacturer, chose Metalphoto for extreme durability and fast turnaround on permanent labels and markings.
Metalphoto for Transportation
A leading manufacturer of tractor trailers and shipping containers found that nameplates made of Metalphoto have greater durability and legibility than etched stainless steel at a fraction of the price.
Metalphoto for Aerospace White Paper
Metalphoto has been exempted from NADCAP AC7108 by several aerospace Primes and Suppliers. This explains why Metalphoto has been exempted & why it is important for others to exempt Metalphoto from NADCAP.
Metalphoto for Medical Identification White Paper
Metalphoto is proven to withstand multiple sterilization cycles & not fade or harbor bacteria as per ANSI/AAMI ST79 steam sterilization & sterility assurance.
Metalphoto for Architectural Signage
Award-winning Mariemont School Foundation chose Metalphoto photosensitive anodized aluminum for permanent images to last a lifetime.
Photographic Reproduction Signage Case Study
Two Cleveland companies join forces to recognize renovation of historic building and replace low-quality photographic reproductions with high-resolution Metalphoto photosensitive anodized aluminum.
Presentations
Proven Performance Video
Video overview of the features and benefits of Metalphoto.
Metalphoto Presentation
Overview of Metalphoto applications and options.
Will It Read? Destructive Testing Presentation
Presentation showing the performance of Metalphoto vs. four other common label materials after undergoing five tests simulating real world environmental conditions..
Demonstrations
Metalphoto vs. Abrasion
Video demonstration of the durability of Metalphoto and laser marked acrylic material after both are subjected to abrasion from an orbital power sander.
Metalphoto vs. Heat
Video demonstration of the durability of Metalphoto and laser marked acrylic material after both are subjected to heat from a 1,200°F flame.
Metalphoto vs. Corrosion
Video demonstration of the durability of Metalphoto and laser marked anodized aluminum material after both are subjected to saltwater fog for 14 days.
Metalphoto vs. Chemical Exposure
Video demonstration of the durability of Metalphoto and etch and fill stainless steel material after both are immersed for 30 minutes in Skydrol, a commonly used industrial hydraulic fluid.