Custom Metal ID Tags & Nameplates
Permanent asset identification in aluminium, stainless steel and brass — laser engraved, photo-anodised or sub-surface printed for identification that outlasts the equipment it identifies.
Where self-adhesive labels are unsuitable — extreme heat, aggressive chemicals, outdoor weathering or abrasion — a metal ID tag is the answer. Used for plant asset management, ISO compliance, switchgear identification and equipment nameplating.
Metal ID Tag Materials & Processes
The right material depends on the operating environment, the required service life and the information density you need to encode. A photo-anodised aluminium tag with a barcode or QR code suits most industrial asset management applications. For the harshest environments — marine, offshore, high temperature — stainless steel is specified. For heritage equipment and decorative nameplating, brass or polished aluminium is the traditional choice.
| Material | Available Colours | Process | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anodised Aluminium | Silver, gold, red, blue, black | Photo-anodising or laser engraving | Asset tags, instrument nameplates, general industrial |
| Stainless Steel | Brushed or polished steel finish | Sub-surface digital print, laser engraving | Harsh environments, outdoor equipment, marine |
| Brass | Polished or satin brass | Engraving, chemical etching | Heritage equipment, electrical enclosures, plaques |
| Traffolyte | Black/white, red/white, any 2-colour | Laser engraving through top layer | Switchgear labels, valve tags, warning plates |
Barcode & QR Code Metal Tags
Photo-anodising is the most popular process for metal tags carrying machine-readable codes. The barcode or QR code is imaged into the anodic layer of the aluminium, creating a mark that is permanently part of the metal surface — not printed on top of it. It cannot be removed by abrasion, solvents, cleaning agents or UV exposure.
Read rates with standard laser scanners and smartphone QR readers are consistently high on photo-anodised aluminium tags. We can produce tags pre-encoded with sequential serial numbers, linking directly into your CMMS, ERP or asset management platform. Minimum order for sequentially numbered tags is 50 pieces.
- ISO 9001 asset identification compliance
- PAS 55 and ISO 55000 plant asset management
- BS EN 62079 marking of electrical equipment
- COSHH container labelling
- Fire safety equipment tagging
Fixing Methods
Self-adhesive
High-bond acrylic adhesive on the reverse. Suitable for smooth, clean dry surfaces. Easy to apply, no tooling required.
Rivet holes
One, two or four fixing holes punched or drilled to your specified pitch and diameter. Pair with dome head rivets for a professional finish.
Machine screws
Clearance holes for M3, M4 or M5 screws. Countersunk variants available. Used where tags may need occasional removal for maintenance access.
Cable tie slot
Elongated slot for plastic cable ties. Common on valve tags, pipe identification and equipment attached to frames and barriers.
Chains & s-hooks
Drilled hole for hanging chain, wire or s-hook. Used for valve tags, gas cylinder identification and portable equipment.