Metalphoto®
Metalphoto® is the preferred material for nameplates, control panel and bar code in applications where service life expectations exceed 20 years for the part. Government and aerospace extensively specify Metalphoto® for demanding applications that require resistance to the effects of weather, abrasion, heat and most chemicals. The following performance requirements are taken from reference documents, in which Metalphoto is use and specified, in order to demonstrate the unique durability of the product.
Downloads
Advance Marking and Sign Metalphoto flyer
Tacoma Rubber Stamp Metalphoto flyer
The Layers of MetalPhoto:
- Anodic Layer
The glass-clear, sapphire-hard anodized layer resists chemicals, paint, abrasion and dirt.
- Sealed Image
Black graphics are metallic silver are particles that hold up to extreme heat and sunlight exposure.
- Aluminum Layer
The rigid aluminum base will not peel, crack or delaminate.
This unique layering in MetalPhoto material is what makes it perfect for demanding sign environments. MetalPhoto is specified by the Government and aerospace industry for it's long life and the ability to stand up to harsh environments in the life.
Below is MetalPhoto's performance characteristics. See for yourself how well MetalPhoto performs in your extreme environment.
Metalphoto
Performance Characteristics
Characteristic |
Result |
| Abrasion Resistant |
No pronounced image loss, degradation, or reduced readability after 7000 cycles of abrading wheel. |
| Acid Corrosion |
No deterioration or image degradation after 24 hours in 3% nitric acid. |
| Heat Resistance |
No legibility loss or degradation when subjected to 1000°F. |
| Salt Spray Corrosion |
No deleterious effect after a 720-hour salt spray (fog) test. 2.6 "Very good"corrosion resistance after 113 days seawater exposure. |
| Accelerated Light and Weather Resistance |
No pronounced deterioration of legibility after 400-hour carbon arc weatherometer exposure. |
| Accelerated Oxygen Aging |
No discoloration or fading after 96-hour/300 psi/70° C oxygen bomb aging. |
| Stain Resistance |
No black fading when plates are exposed to tincture of iodine. |
| Cleaning Resistance |
No deleterious effects when tested with alkaline cleaners (MIL-C-87937 or equivalent) for aircraft surfaces. |
| Low Temperature Resistance |
No deleterious effect or image fade after 1-hour at -50° F. No impairment of legibility upon exposure at -67° F. |
| Organics Solvent Resistance |
No softening, staining, or noticeable fade after 24-hour exposure to:
JP-4 fuel, Gasoline, Mineral spirits, Methyl ethyl ketone,, Turpentine, Turbine & jet fuel, Kerosene, Xylol, Acetone, Toluol, Heptane, Trichlorethylene, MIL-H-5606 hydraulic fluid, and MIL-L7808 jet engine oil. |
| Fungus Resistance |
Visual reading of "0" per ASTM-G21. |
| Thermal Shock |
No deterioration after 3 cycles between -65° C and 125° C. |
| Moisture Resistance |
No deterioration after 10 humidity cycles per MIL-STD-202, method 106. |
MetalPhoto
Panels and Dials
Available in thickness to .125". In matte, satin, or #4 brushed finish. Resists most chemicals and solvents.
MetalPhoto
Data Plates/Schematics
Ideal for detailed schematics or data plates. Resistant to abrasion, heat and corrosion
MetalPhoto
Bar Code Labels
Meets UID requirements of MIL-STD-130. Labels wont fade, scratch or delaminate.
MetalPhoto
Shipboard Markings
Metalphoto was first used in 1958. Recent Navy study: "Metalphoto label plates provide the highest degree of performance."
Permanent Metal Markings for Bar Codes, Data Plates, Control Panels and Foil Labels
Proudly Manufactured in the U.S.A.

Metalphoto ® is a registered trade mark of Horizon Inc.
For a list of Mil Specs click here.
MetalPhoto signs are ideal for applications where most other forms of signage will not hold up. Salt water, sun, abrasion, heat, or corrosion, MetalPhoto will last in any of the conditions.
There is a reason the government specifies MetalPhoto for any demanding application. Contact our Tacoma customer service department or our Seattle Advance Marking and Sign customer service department with any questions about our MetalPhoto products.