Permanent identification

MetalPhoto®

Photosensitive anodized aluminum

For over 60 years, MetalPhoto has been the OEM, military and government standard for permanent identification with photographic resolution and scalable variable data — from barcodes and QR codes to nameplates and control panels that remain readable for the life of the equipment.

Advantages

Why MetalPhoto

MetalPhoto is photosensitive anodized aluminum for ultra-durable plates, labels and panels, with an archival image sealed under the anodic layer. It withstands decades of UV, salt, temperature and chemicals while keeping codes and text perfectly readable for traceability.

Archival silver-halide image sealed in the anodized layer — cannot be rubbed off or fade
Remains readable after prolonged exposure to UV, salt, chemicals, abrasion and high temperatures
Photographic resolution up to 4000 DPI, micro-text and fine details for small codes
Scalable variable data: barcodes, QR codes and unique serialization for automated traceability
Proven performance in US Navy studies — top score in most tests among all evaluated materials
Compliance with MIL-STD-130N, MIL-DTL-15024G and other critical industrial specifications
Reduces replacements and service costs by preserving readability over the product lifecycle
Supports up to 500°F (260°C) continuous; optional variants up to ~800°F

Material standards & specifications

MIL-STD-130NMIL-DTL-15024GMIL-P-19834BA-A-50271 Class 2CFederal Spec GGP-455B(3)UL RecognizedCSA ApprovedASTM B117ISO 9001

Technical specifications

Material type Photosensitive anodized aluminum (silver-halide)
Thickness 0.003" - 0.125" (0.08mm - 3.2mm)
Finishes Matte, Satin, Gloss
Process Photo imaging + development + anodic sealing
Resolution Up to 4000 DPI, micro-text and small codes
UV resistance 20+ years outdoors (400h Weatherometer test)
Max temperature 500°F (260°C) continuous; up to ~800°F optional
Chemical resistance Solvents, fuels, acids, bases; 5% salt fog 700h with no effect
Available colors Black/white, Blue/white
Features

What makes MetalPhoto unique MetalPhoto®?

☀️

Weather / UV resistance

400h Weatherometer GG-P-455F (~20y estimated) — no visible effect on MetalPhoto.

🛠️

Abrasion resistance

7000 Taber CS17 cycles at 1000g — only slight dulling; image remains intact.

🌡️

Temperature resistance

Readable up to 500°F; intensified version tested 24h and up to ~1000°F.

🌊

Corrosion resistance

5% salt fog at 95°F for 700h — no visible effect.

⚗️

Chemical resistance

Immersion in a wide range of chemicals at different temperatures — very few changes.

Performance properties

Abrasion resistance No visible loss after 7,000 cycles on an abrasive wheel.
Acid resistance No degradation after 24h in 3% nitric acid.
Heat resistance Readable up to 500°F; intensified version up to 800°F (optional up to 1000°F XHT).
Salt fog corrosion No effects after 720h test; 2.6 “Very Good” after 113 days in seawater.
Light / weathering resistance No deterioration after 400h weatherometer (equivalent to 20+ years outdoors).
Oxygen aging No fading after 96h / 300 psi / 70°C oxygen test.
Stain resistance No darkening in iodine tincture.
Alkaline cleaning No effects with alkaline cleaners (MILC-87937 or equivalent).
Low-temperature resistance No effect after 1h at -50°F; readable at -67°F.
Organic solvent resistance No softening or fading after 24h in fuels, solvents and oils (JP-4, gasoline, MEK, kerosene, etc.).
Fungus resistance Visual rating “0” per ASTM-G21.
Thermal shock No damage after 3 cycles -65°C / 125°C.
Humidity resistance No damage after 10 humidity cycles (MIL-STD-202, method 106).
Industries that rely on MetalPhoto

Guaranteed readability in extreme environments

Defense

Defense

MIL-STD compliant plates for critical equipment and field traceability.

Aerospace

Aerospace

Component identification, maintenance labels and cockpit panels.

Transportation

Transportation

Durable labels for rolling stock, logistics and fleets.

Marine

Marine

Salt fog and moisture resistance for ships, ports and offshore.

Energy

Energy

Nameplates for power plants, electrical equipment and critical infrastructure.

Heavy equipment

Heavy equipment

Permanent identification for heavy machinery, construction and mining.

Illustrated applications

Where MetalPhoto delivers total confidence

Component Identification & Barcode Labels

Component Identification & Barcode Labels

Barcodes/QR codes and serialization that remain readable for the equipment lifetime.

Equipment Nameplates

Equipment Nameplates

Permanent identification, branding and instruction plates for OEMs.

Operator Control Panels

Operator Control Panels

Overlays and panels with high-contrast icons and text that won’t rub off.

Procedure & Maintenance Identification

Procedure & Maintenance Identification

Instructions, schematics and procedures that stay intact even in harsh environments.

Free consultation

Need MetalPhoto for your project?

Contact us for a free consultation and samples. MetalPhoto is the choice for critical applications where readability and durability matter.