Nameplate substrate options include stainless steel, anodized aluminum, Metalphoto®, brass, and plastic. Before selecting a substrate, identify your purpose and environment.
Stainless steel nameplates are durable in the harshest environments, making it well-suited for the oil and gas, transportation, and defense sectors. Common applications include heavy equipment, transformers, pumps, and motors.
Anodized aluminum substrates are light-weight, durable, and suitable for aerospace, transportation, and military applications. The electrochemical anodizing process supports natural oxidation and creates a decorative, corrosion-resistant finish that is ideal for precise imaging and color stability.
Brass nameplates are an ideal choice for decorative industrial applications because of their durability and distinctive aesthetic appeal. An optional lacquer finish can be added to prevent tarnishing. Brass is also useful for industrial applications because of its strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion. Read more here.
Engraved plastic is a popular nameplate substrate because it offers a greater number of color, thickness, and finish options. Gravoply™, in particular, is durable and well-suited for industrial marking, electrical marking, signage, safety, and security applications.
Metalphoto® seals images, such as machine-readable barcodes and serialized data, inside of anodized aluminum, making them resistant against corrosion, sunlight, abrasion, temperature, and chemicals. The process can be used to verify product authenticity, prevent counterfeiting, and satisfy regulatory compliance.
Metalphoto® is specified by the U.S. military and government agencies. OEMs and industry leaders such as Boeing, Airbus, Caterpillar, Honeywell, and BF Goodrich rely on Metalphoto® when high resolution and variable data are required.
The Cubbison Company is designated as a Certified Metalphoto® Converter.
To achieve this designation, we completed specialized training to ensure that we meet the standards required by clients using Metalphoto® as a specialized substrate.
Watch this brief video for an overview of Metalphoto® applications.
When selecting a fastener, consider the nameplate substrate, the product to which it will be fastened, and environmental conditions.
Mechanical fasteners, such as screws, bolts, and rivets, are a common and reliable method of securing your nameplate.
Adhesives provide a reliable alternative in certain situations. They are typically lighter than mechanical fasteners and they distribute stress across the entire bond, often resulting in a stronger assembly. Certain adhesives can act as a seal against corrosion, chemical resistance, and heat.
Welds can also be used to fasten nameplates to a product. Welds are an effective choice when you want to achieve a natural, aligned edge.
When selecting a nameplate fastener, consider the following variables:
