Aluminum Nameplates
Aluminum Nameplates
Hallmark Nameplate offers premium quality aluminum nameplates in different alloys and finishes. We also offer Metalphoto® nameplates, which are made from photosensitive anodized aluminum.
Of all the available nameplate materials, aluminum is extremely durable, lightweight, versatile and scratch resistant, which makes it one of the most widely used materials for nameplates. Aluminum nameplates can stand up to harsh weather, various chemicals and heavy usage. They can last for many years. Our aluminum nameplates are available in 1000, 1100, 1145 and 5005 aluminum alloys.
Aluminum tags withstand harsh environments and heavy industrial use. Aluminum nameplates can be designed to meet military, ANSI, UL and CSA specifications. Aluminum is a great nameplate material for clients that want an attractive finish in a hard, tarnish proof and rust proof material. Aluminum is frequently used for outside applications, but it can also be used inside. Its most common use is for equipment asset tags.
The Aluminum Alloys We Use:
- AL-1100-32 1100 alloy H14 temper non-anodized
- AL-MCSH19-05G 1100 alloy H19 temper scratch brush clear sealed anodized
- AL-MCSH19-03G 1145 alloy H19 temper scratch brush clear sealed anodized (.003” thick)
- AL-MCSH19-08G 1145 alloy H19 temper scratch brush clear sealed anodized (.008” thick)
- AL-LCSH34-16G 5005 alloy H34 temper mill finish clear sealed anodized
- AL-LUDUSH19-20G 5005 alloy H34 temper mill finish undyed unsealed anodized
- AL-MILCSH34-12 5005 alloy H34 temper mill finish clear sealed anodized
- AL-MILH34-20 5005 alloy H34 temper mill finish clear sealed anodized
- AL-MILH34-32 5005 alloy H34 temper mill finish clear sealed anodized
Key Characteristics:
- The 1100 aluminum alloy series is considered commercially pure aluminum (99% purity or higher), with superior corrosion resistance, formability and conductivity.
- Aluminum 1145 alloy has a minimum aluminum content of 99.45%. It is also a commercially pure alloy. Since it has a greater aluminum content than the 1100, it exhibits greater conductivity.
- Aluminum 5005 alloy has a minimum of 0.8% magnesium. It has medium strength and good corrosion resistance and is especially recommended for marine environments.
- H14 temper is cold worked and strain hardened for a tensile strength midway between O (annealed) and H18 (full hard). It’s partially annealed for easy forming.
- H19 temper aluminum is strain hardened to 1.5 ksi (10 MPa) greater than H18.
- H34 temper is cold worked and stabilized at a low temperature which prevents hardening due to age.
- Brush anodized and clear sealed aluminum has gone through a finishing process that is used to further protect the aluminum surface and stop corrosion in harsh indoor and outdoor environments.
- Mill Finish indicates the natural appearance of aluminum after it has arrived from the extrusion mill or rolling mill. It has not gone through any chemical or mechanical finishing.
Available Options for Aluminum Nameplates:
- Custom die-cut shapes in any thickness.
- Corners can be rounded with radii from .0312” to .5”.
- Fabrication for bolt, rivet or screw installation, or can be affixed with a strong adhesive.
- Custom printing to suit your requirements.
- Your choice of custom textures and finishes.
- Thickness range between 0.003 inches and 0.125 inches.
- Metalphoto® process makes aluminum asset tags especially rugged and easily scannable for barcode and other variable data nameplates.
Aluminum Nameplate Uses by Thickness
The .020” aluminum is very popular, as it’s structurally stable and cost-effective. Thinner material can be used if a highly flexible nameplate is needed for forming or to insert into formed plastic parts. For serializing and adhesive-backed nameplates, .025” aluminum is recommended. The .050” and .064” aluminum is most often used on control panels, while the thickest stock, .125” aluminum, is commonly used on heavy cases. This type of material can be used for commemorative plaques.
Aluminum Finishes:
Undyed / Unsealed Aluminum
This is designed to conform with military specifications and other requirements. Sealed aluminum increases the corrosion resistance but may decrease abrasion resistance. Some applications require aluminum to be unsealed — for instance, the military specification MIL-A-8625.
Anodized Aluminum (Clear Sealed; also known as Photo Sealed)
Lightweight yet durable, anodized aluminum is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. It’s known for its corrosion and abrasion resistance and is lighter than other metals. For a photo sealed aluminum nameplate, the design is screen printed with ink onto the surface. The nameplate is then sealed with a protective anodized layer.
We offer anodized aluminum nameplates in chrome and silver. Anodized aluminum nameplates are used for instructional tags, serial number and corporate identity tags, scales, dials, templates and rating plates.
Photosensitive Anodized Aluminum (Metalphoto)
Metalphoto® is a special process that creates extremely durable, high-resolution nameplates, control panels, signs and labels. Metalphoto involves no printing. The process takes place in a darkroom and uses a film negative that’s similar to traditional photo processing. The image is sealed inside the anodized aluminum, which makes the nameplate resistant to sunlight, corrosion, high temperatures, abrasion and exposure to chemicals. The appearance is that of printed ink, but with exceptional durability. Metalphoto nameplates have a rating of 20+ years for outdoor use, and the design won’t ever wear off or fade.
The Best Aluminum Nameplates for Your Project
With more than 60 years of engineering and manufacturing expertise, Hallmark Nameplate can help to design the ideal nameplates for your application. There are many considerations, such as where they’ll be used, environmental conditions and requirements specific to your industry. Tell us about your project and a specialist will work with you to recommend a solution that’s durable, long-lasting, on-brand and cost-effective.