ALUMINUM LABELS AND TAGS
For your toughest labeling applications, you can rely on aluminum labels from Coast Labels. Aluminum tags and labels are designed to last through extreme conditions, like heat, cold, and UV exposure.
Custom Aluminum Labels
At Coast Label, we pride ourselves in providing custom aluminum labels that will last through the extremes of outdoor and industrial applications. Aluminum labels are commonly rectangular, but that doesn’t mean it’s your only option. In fact, we specialize in providing custom labeling solutions to meet your exact needs, including:
- Shape: From standard shapes like rectangles and squares to something more unique, we can do it all.
- Size: Choose from more standardized sizes to unique dimensions custom fit to your equipment.
- Printing method: Choose from screen printing, digital printing, metal photo developing, or laser etching.
- Colors: Depending on the printing method, we can provide full-color printing to make your text stand out.
What Are Aluminum Labels and Tags?
Aluminum labels and tags are flat pieces of aluminum with printed, engraved, or etched information. They are used to mark, label, and identify equipment and assets when durability is of the utmost importance. Aluminum labels have a permanent adhesive on the back that bonds with the application surface and lasts for years. Aluminum tags, on the other hand, don’t come with adhesive. Instead, they typically have holes or slots so they can be attached with screws, rivets, or wires.
Aluminum labels and tags are highly durable and can be used in cases when other types of labels would fail. They are corrosion-resistant, weatherproof, and resistant to heavy wear and tear. Because of this, aluminum tags and labels are used in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and more.
Benefits
Aluminum labels and tags come with a number of benefits, including:
- Durability: These labels hold up against extreme conditions and last for years.
- Professional appearance: Aluminum labels provide a sleek and modern look that enhances the visual appeal.
- Cost-effectiveness: Although aluminum tags cost more upfront than other materials, their longevity means you won’t be constantly replacing labels, saving you money in the long run.
- Versatility: Aluminum labels can be customized to work in a variety of industries, from manufacturing to retail.
- Legibility: Aluminum tags and labels are easy to read and can accommodate detailed graphics, logos, text, and even barcodes.
Best Uses for Aluminum Labels
When you need labels that stay in place in the toughest conditions, aluminum labels are a great option. Here are some of the best uses of aluminum labels:
- Safety labels: Label machinery, equipment, and tools with specifications, safety warnings, and operating instructions.
- Asset management: Label your company’s assets to identify your property and deter theft. Aluminum labels can be printed with 1D or 2D barcodes for easier asset tracking.
- Branding: Aluminum labels with your company logo can enhance your branding on consumer electronics or luxury products.
- Nameplates: Display manufacturer information, such as serial numbers and safety instructions, on products and machinery.
Best Uses for Aluminum Tags
Aluminum tags work well on items that are difficult to label, whether because of a non-flat surface, moving parts, or extreme conditions. Tags can be fastened with screws or wires and stay put for a long time. Here are some of the best uses for aluminum tags:
- Equipment tags: Tag machinery, tools, and equipment with unique identification numbers or barcodes for easy tracking.
- Machinery labels: Provide information on specifications, operating instructions, and safety warnings.
- Control panels: Label switches, buttons, and indicators on control panels.
- Marine environments: Tag boats, marine engines, and other equipment used in marine environments.
- Electrical equipment: Label electrical components, circuits, wiring, and control boxes with important information.
When Not to Use
Aluminum tags and labels are highly durable, but they’re not always the right choice. Here are some scenarios when you should not use aluminum labels:
- High-salt environments: While aluminum is corrosion-resistant, it can still corrode in high-salt environments, like marine or coastal areas. If you do choose to use aluminum labels, you’ll want to make sure they’re anodized or coated to prevent corrosion.
- Sensitive electrical equipment: Because aluminum is a conductive metal, it’s best not to use it on sensitive electrical equipment. Plastic or laminated paper may work better instead.
- Extreme heat: Aluminum has a fairly low melting point compared to other metals. For applications with extremely high temperatures, stainless steel or ceramic may work better.
Best Adhesives for Aluminum Labels
When it comes to aluminum labels, the adhesive that you choose matters. You need something that will bond well to the aluminum substrate as well as to the application surface. There are four adhesives that work best with aluminum, including:
- Methyl methacrylate (MMA): MMA adhesives provide a strong bond. MMAs cure quickly and are also resistant to moisture, chemicals, and UV light. However, MMAs tend to be brittle and can shatter with excessive movement.
- Epoxy: Epoxy-based adhesives provide the strongest bond and are a great choice for high-stress applications. Like MMA adhesives, epoxy-based adhesives tend to be brittle.
- Polyurethane: Polyurethane adhesives are much more flexible than MMAs and epoxies. This makes them a great choice for equipment that moves or vibrates. Polyurethane is also resistant to water and humidity and can bond to a variety of surfaces.
- MS Polymer: MS polymer adhesives are the weakest, but they’re still strong enough to be considered structural adhesives. They combine strong adhesion with sealing properties and stay flexible even after curing.
The best adhesive for your specific application will depend on a number of factors, such as the conditions and application surface. Our Application Specialists will work with you to determine the best adhesive for your custom aluminum labels for an application that will last for years.
Why Choose Us
At Coast Label, we pride ourselves in providing top-quality aluminum labels and tags backed by exceptional service and expertise. We work with you one-on-one to engineer labels customized to your needs. Crafted with our state-of-the-art equipment and ISO 9001 certification, we offer reliable aluminum labels and tags that exceed your expectations and will last through the toughest of conditions.