Metal Tags: The Difference Between Aluma-Tough & Stainless Steel

Both metal tags are extremely durable, and can withstand harsh environments, but understanding the differences between them can help you make the right choice for your application.

What is the difference between Industrial-Grade Aluma-Tough Sealed Anodized Aluminum & Stainless Steel Tags?

Stainless Steel Metal Tags

316 stainless steel contains molybdenum in it to help resist corrosion like sea salt water. So if you are specified to use stainless steel for your tag application and it needs to resist harsh chemicals, we suggest using the 316 stainless steel.

The stainless steel metal tags that NapTags offers come in .022”, .030”, and .050” thicknesses. These all can be laser cut and laser engraved to any custom shape and size. We are also able to laser engrave on 1/8” thick stainless steel.

If you have specifications requiring you to use stainless steel, then this is a good route to go for ordering valve tags, asset tags, equipment tags, or any ID tag that is exposed to harsh environments. Nap Tags stainless steel tags are engraved with a laser that will not fade or deteriorate over time.

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Aluma-Tough Sealed, Anodized Aluminum Tags

A lot of people think that stainless steel is the most durable material to use for metal tags, but Aluma-tough is actually more durable then stainless steel in many cases.

For over 50 years, industrial and military engineers have specified Metalphoto (AlumaTough) photosensitive anodized aluminum for durable nameplates, barcode labels, service schematics and control panels installed in harsh operating environments. Their proprietary technology permanently seals a UV-stable image inside of anodized aluminum, offering the confidence of unparalleled durability, image resolution and readability.

Aluma-tough is sealed with an anodizing solution, which creates a UV-stable image. It is impenetrable, deflecting chemicals, heat, abrasion, salt spray, and sunlight. It is certified for 20+ years in an outdoor application. This product has earned more top scores than any other barcode label material tested by the U.S. Navy. These metal tags meet a wide array of commercial, government, and military specs.

.020” – .063” Aluma-tough can be cnc-cut with beautiful clean edges. Thinner material is available as well. Thinner material is .012” thick (cannot be cnc cut) will have adhesive backing and is great for wrapping around curved surfaces. A lot of people use the thinner material for barcode labels because of the clarity of printing, capability to wrap around poles, and durability of the material.

Aluma-Tough material typically cost 10-20% less than stainless steel and is just as, if not more durable then the stainless steel. If you do not have specifications that strictly use stainless steel, then this is your best material to use.

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Have questions on what industrial metal tag is best for your specific requirements?

NapTags has expert sales representatives that will guide you to find the best metal tag for your application. Feel free to email us at info@napsupply.com or call 1-800-451-3330.

An Inside-Look at Aluma-Tough Tags

Legend & ID Plates, Metal Tags, Product News

One of the best things we do here at Nap’s are metal tags that stand the test of time, even in harsh conditions.

A key component is using high quality materials such as our line of Aluma-Tough products, which will stand up to the harshest environments, including outdoors, saltwater, sterilization and more.

What are Aluma-Tough Tags?

Essentially, aluma-tough tags are anodized aluminum tags with a glass-clear, sapphire-hard, anodic layer that seals the high resolution image creating a material that resists abrasion, solvents, temperature, UV light, sea salt and chemicals.

Nap’s provides historic Inn with custom-brass key fobs

Metal Tags, Product News

Nap’s had the privilege of working with one of the premier luxury hideaways in the country, The Willows Historic Palm Springs Inn to design a one-of-a-kind key fob that represents the beauty and elegance of the historic hotel.

This key fab is made of .040” thick brass, and is cut using pin-point laser engraving, which creates a clean, detailed, darkened image to meet the specifications of The Willows. The fab itself is designed to match the logo of the hotel, and has room numbers engraved on each of the brass fobs.

Learn more about our engraved metal products we have available for customization here!

Nap’s Aluma-Tough Tags at Indianapolis Veterans Memorial

Metal Tags, Product News

Nap’s had the honor and privilege of being a part of the OrthoIndy Foundation YMCA of Indianapolis’ sculpture project honoring American Veterans. Nap’s Aluma-Tough nametags were used to display the names of the local Veterans on the statue.

The anodized aluminum used in Nap’s Aluma-Tough products will ensure that the names dedicated in the sculpture will remain preserved and in-tact for many years to come.

See more Case Studies on Sealed, Anodized Aluminum Signs

Aluma-Tough Custom Panel

Legend & ID Plates, Metal Tags, Product News

A custom control panel made for Gibraltar Materials.

It features a 7.5″ x 6.5″ .125″ thick, rounded-corner panel with black text on a polished silver background.

It was made using Aluma-Tough (MetalPhoto®) sealed, anodized aluminum to last 20+ years in the harshest elements without fading and scratching.

This control panel resists salt water, chemicals, abrasion and more.

Learn more about Aluma-Tough and how this unique metal can work in nearly any application!

Custom UV Printed Aluminum Data Plates

Metal Tags, Product News

Customized UV-printed data plates made specifically for Flux Power.

The tag features an adhesive backing, ready to attach to any wall, door or object.

The tag was designed to meet the needs of Flux Power, which details their exact color and logo specifications.

The tag measures 4″ x 4-3/8″ and is .02″ thick.

Request a Quote for your own custom tags and data plates.

Metal Tags and Signs for Camps, Lodges and Outdoor Summer Fun

Metal Tags, Product News

Metal Tags and Signs for Camps, Lodges and Outdoor Summer Fun

Outside, in the elements, regular metal or plastic tags get worn out and fade fast. NapTags offers tags that are made to stand up to the great outdoors and are perfect for campgrounds, lodges, marinas and all kinds of outdoor fun!

These tags are perfect for cabin key tags, boat rentals, lodges, beach lockers, door number plates, campground signs, direction signs and more.

Aluma-Tough (Metalphoto) – is our most durable outdoor material.

Aluma-Tough withstands sun, saltwater, chemicals and more for 20+ years – the tag of choice for NASA and the US Navy! Photo-anodized aluminum has a glass-clear, sapphire-hard, Anodic Layer that resists abrasion, solvents, temperature, ultraviolet light, salt spray, and chemicals.

Shop Aluma-Tough (Metalphoto) Tags.

UV Coated Plastic – doesn’t fade for 3+ years, even in the direct sun, and can be engraved with your custom text, in a huge assortment of color combinations.

Shop Plastic Tags