MetalPhoto

MetalPhoto is preferred over traditional techniques such as mechanical engraving, screen printing, or chemical etching when the application requires maximum durability, high precision, and flexible production, without significant setup costs.

Here are its main advantages:

• Exceptional Resistance
  The image is integrated into the anodic layer of the aluminum and not deposited on the surface. The marking durably resists UV, corrosion, humidity, solvents, aggressive chemicals, and temperatures up to 400 °C.
• Very High-Definition Precision
  Thanks to its photographic process, MetalPhoto allows for the reproduction of fine texts, 2D barcodes, micro-texts, logos, and complex details with great clarity.
• Cost-Effective from a Single Unit
  No setup costs or heavy preparation. The implementation cost remains optimized for both single pieces and large series.
• Simple and Reliable Process
  Fast manufacturing, consistent quality, and high repeatability without requiring complex adjustments.
• Durable and Recognized Solution
  A process compliant with the highest industrial requirements, using 100% recyclable aluminum and adopted for over 50 years in demanding environments.

Comparative table of techniques:

The range is exclusively composed of aluminum and is available in four main criteria to meet all needs, from flexible labels to high-resistance manufacturer plates.

The 10 available thicknesses

• From 0.08 mm to 3.2 mm in thickness.

The 4 surface finishes

• Satin
• Matte
• Glossy
• Brushed

Types of faces

• Single-sided (listed under Group 1)
• Double-sided (listed under Group 2), ideal for optimizing costs or for specific applications such as tokens or double-sided instruction plates.

The “Plus” version (Colored finishes)
For projects requiring a high-end aesthetic or institutional finish (medals, diplomas, prestige signage), the range includes colored variations:

• Gold
• Bright Gold
• Classic Gold

The implementation process is simple, fast, and economical. Once your visual is printed on a transparent film, plate manufacturing comes down to 3 quick steps:

• Exposure (A few seconds): The plate and film are exposed together under a UV light source.
• Development (Automatic): The plate passes through a roller developer that automatically cycles through developer and fixer baths, followed by a rinse.
• Sealing (10 minutes): The plate is immersed in a tank of boiling water (100∘C). The aluminum pores close, permanently sealing the image into the metal.

It’s done! The plate is immediately ready for finishing operations (cutting, drilling, machining).

To produce MetalPhoto plates, you do not need a complex industrial cleanroom; however, the workshop must imperatively comply with two major environmental conditions:

An actinic-safe room (Exposure and Development Zone)
Metalphoto is a highly photosensitive material before processing. The room where you handle, expose, and develop the plates must be protected from daylight and standard lighting.

• Lighting: The room must be equipped exclusively with safe light (yellow or red), similar to that used in traditional silver-halide photography laboratories.
• Objective: To prevent premature exposure or fogging of the aluminum’s sensitive layer before the key UV exposure step.

A Ventilated Sealing Area (Finishing Zone)
Sealing is the final step in the process. It involves immersing the developed plate in a tank of water with special salts, maintained at boiling temperature (100°C). This operation closes the pores of the aluminum and permanently seals the image into the metal.

• Ventilation: The constant boiling of the tank generates a large quantity of water vapor. The area must therefore have an effective extraction/ventilation system (an extractor hood, for example) or be sufficiently spacious and airy.
• Objective: To prevent the accumulation of humidity, excessive condensation on the walls and equipment in the workshop, and to ensure a healthy working environment for the operator.

MetalPhoto is among the most recognized and certified marking materials for demanding applications. Its durability and performance allow it to meet the strictest industrial, regulatory, and military standards.
Below is a summary of the main standards and certifications for MetalPhoto, classified by application field:

Armaments, Defense & Aeronautics

Specified since 1958 by the U.S. Navy and integrated into major equipment (Abrams tanks, helicopters, Bradley vehicles), MetalPhoto is the absolute benchmark for military marking in extreme conditions.

• MIL-STD-130: Essential standard for the unique identification of US military items (IUID via barcodes).
• MIL-A-8625E: Military specification regarding aluminum anodizing.
• MIL-P-15024 F, MIL-P-514 D, MIL-P-19834 B: Military standards governing identification plates, signage, and military instructions.
• Federal Specification GGP-455 b : (Type I & II, Grade A or B) Defining the quality of photosensitive aluminum.

Medical & Surgical Sector

Metalphoto is ideal for sterile environments (control panels, sterilization containers) because its smooth surface does not harbor bacteria and withstands thousands of autoclave cycles.

• AAMI / CDV-1 ST79: 2010 / A2.06 : Comprehensive guide for steam sterilization and sterility assurance.
• FDA Amendments Act (2007) : Full compliance for the implementation of the Unique Device Identification system (UDI).

Marine, Logistics & Transport

Thanks to exceptional resistance to salt spray, UV rays, and marine abrasion, it outperforms traditional engraved stainless steel.

• ISO 6346 / BIC : International specification for the marking and identification of shipping containers (used notably by Hyundai Translead).
• Convention of Safe Containers Act (CSC) : Agrément pour les plaques de sécurité obligatoires sur les conteneurs.

Énergies Renouvelables & Industrie Minière

Conçu pour durer plus de 20 ans en extérieur sur des parcs solaires, éoliens ou dans l’environnement ultra-abrasif des mines souterraines (équipements Caterpillar / Bucyrus).

• MSHA Titre 30 (Parties 18.11 et 70.310) : Approbation officielle par l’organisme de sécurité minière américain pour les plaques d’homologation et schémas techniques sur les machines.
• OSHA 1910.145 & ANSI Z535.4: American safety standards for hazard signaling and accident prevention.
• National Electric Code (NEC) Article 690: Specifications for the identification of solar photovoltaic systems.
• ISO 3864: International standard for safety colors and signs.

Industrial Approvals & European Equivalents (DIN)
Beyond sector-specific applications, Metalphoto holds global safety and durability certifications:

MetalPhoto allows for the production of images primarily in black and white. Thanks to its imaging grid, it offers photographic reproductions comparable to an analog photograph.r
As long as the plate has not been sealed (immersion in boiling water for approximately 10 minutes), the pores of the aluminum remain open.r
It is then possible to add color by screen printing or digital printing (solvent type).r
However, the exceptional durability of MetalPhoto mainly concerns black areas. Colored parts tend to deteriorate over time, depending on the nature of the dye and the shade used.