Phenolic is a rigid plastic composite material that has been used for tags, nameplates and panels since the 1940s.
Phenolic tags and cut-outs are brittle, disintegrate at high temperatures, and are not UV stable. (Pictured below is a phenolic tag.) There are options that are better suited for tags and plates besides phenolic.
Engraved Phenolic Tag
Aluminum Metalphoto® tags, cut-outs and control panel labels are MORE durable than phenolic (they are virtually impervious to chemicals, heat, abrasion, salt spray and sunlight) and the photographic image affords extreme detail and contrast at any size.
Aluminum Metalphoto Dial
Why choose Phenolic when a more modern process is available?
Metalphoto® is exceptionally durable:
- Certified for 20 year plus for outdoor applications
- UV-stable image is permanently sealed within the anodized aluminum
- Virtually impervious to chemicals, heat, abrasion, salt spray and sunlight
- Earned more top scores than any other IUID barcode label material tested by the U.S. Navy (NSWC, Corona Division, IUID Center; August 2011)
If you have a project that requires a UV resistant durable label or nametag consider the Metalphoto® process. Contact Drake Industries for Metalphoto® samples and a free quote 800.531.5073 OR quotes@drake.com
Aluminum Metalphoto can be cut into complex shapes
