Metal Identification Tags
Q: What are metal identification tags used for? Why metal?
A: Military contractors use metal identification tags in compliance with the United States Department of Defense's (DoD) MIL-STD-130, the standard the DoD established for the labeling of all of its property. DoD property must be labeled in accordance with the MIL-STD-130 specifications whether it is housed on government property or not, such as on the property of one of its contractors. This standard requires every single one of its assets to be given a unique identification designation (UID) that is displayed on a sturdy tag or label. The MIL-STD-130 is very specific as to what materials can be used and metal identification tags (particularly aluminum tags) have been found to both satisfy this standard while remaining reasonably priced.
Q: Besides compliance with the MIL-STD-130 standards, why have a UID?
A: The presence of a UID affords a great deal of ease in inventory control and assists in loss prevention efforts. Many companies not subject to MIL-STD-130 standards also have found the use of metal identification tags to be very helpful in maintaining better records, and inventory bookkeeping. Typically, a metal identification tag will bear a barcode or other identification mark that can encode the UID and allows the item's tag to be scanned by a hand-held scanner (such as those seen by grocery store employees scanning inventory).
Q: Our Company does not have a lot of experience with the MIL-STD-130. Can you help?
A: Data Graphics has over twenty five years in the production and timely delivery of
metal identification tags, custom labels and a wide range of other labeling products for military contractors and other industries. We are very familiar with the MIL-STD-130 standards and other standards as well, such as those regulating domestic aerospace contractors, the European Union, Underwriter's Laboratory and others. Our customer service representatives will be an invaluable resource in steering you through the requirements.
Q: I can see where metal identification tags would be sturdier than paper or plastic labels, but is there a sacrifice when it comes to legibility?
A: Absolutely not. For metal identification tags to do the job they are designed to perform, they must retain legibility. Data Graphics makes use of the MetalPhoto process. MetalPhoto provides photographic quality images and impressive resistance to scratches or other abuse that a product’s working conditions might dole out. A silver halide image is developed directly onto an anodized aluminum substrate. The resulting image is not on the surface or in the surface; it is the surface. The tag is then sealed with a protecting layer resulting in an image that has sapphire hardness for incredible durability. Metal identification tags made in this way can be die-stamped in a wide array of shapes and sizes, and we can make custom dies specifically for your product if need be.
For a quote or more information on metal identification tags, custom labels or other labeling products such as graphic overlays, contact one of our knowledgeable sales representatives at Data Graphics, Inc. today.
