Selecting the right metal label can be challenging, especially if your application involves harsh environments, precise identification needs, or regulatory compliance.

Your labels may need to endure heat, chemicals, or outdoor exposure or display critical details like serial numbers or safety instructions.

Regardless of the purpose, this guide will assist you in choosing the appropriate material, process and mounting method for your labels to ensure longevity and effectiveness.

What Are Metal Labels?

Metal labels are strong, long-lasting identification tags typically made from aluminum, stainless steel, or brass.

Engineered to withstand extreme environments, they remain legible over time, even in industrial settings, outdoor conditions, or on heavy machinery.

Unlike paper or vinyl stickers, metal labels do not peel, fade, or wear down easily. They are marked using specialized techniques and secured using adhesives, screws, rivets, or welds.

Common uses include product identification, safety warnings, part numbers and branding elements.

Determine the Purpose of the Custom Metal Labels

Before selecting a label, it’s important to clarify its purpose. Is it for safety, product tracking, compliance, or branding? Understanding how and where the label will be used helps determine the right metal, marking technique and mounting solution.

• Outdoor applications may require weather-resistant materials like aluminum or stainless steel.

• Small parts or components might require high-detail marking for precise identification.

• Branded signage may prioritize aesthetics, using metals like brass for a polished finish.

Clearly identifying your label’s function ensures performance, durability and compliance with industry standards.

Common Uses and Applications Across Industries

Metal labels are trusted across many industries for their longevity, legibility and resistance to wear and environmental stress. Here are some of the most common applications for these labels:

• Industrial Equipment: Labels are used to display model numbers, safety warnings and operating instructions.

• Military and Aerospace: Labels are used to track parts and meet strict rules and standards.

• Medical Devices: Labels are required to remain legible after repeated cleanings and sterilizations.

• Asset Tracking: Labels are embedded with barcodes or serial numbers to monitor tools or equipment.

• Product Branding: Metal labels are used to display logos or names that need to maintain their appearance over time.

• Safety Signs: Metal is a good choice for labels that show danger zones or important operating information.

Regardless of the industry, metal labels are selected because they hold up under pressure, convey essential information and are low maintenance — making them a lasting investment.

Choose the Right Metal Material

Not all metal labels are made in the same manner. The type of metal you choose for your specific application affects how the label looks, lasts and holds up in different conditions. Some materials are better suited for harsh settings and exposure to the elements and chemicals, while others are selected for aesthetics.

Here are the most common metals used for labels and their potential applications:

• Aluminum: Lightweight, rust-resistant and cost-effective. It’s an ideal choice for outdoor applications and a high-detail, photo-anodized design that shows fine details.

• Stainless Steel: Best suited for the most challenging environments as it resists heat, chemicals and scratches. It’s a good choice for these applications if your label needs to last long while maintaining the essential information in various industrial settings — like a factory floor or an engine block.

• Brass: Offers a premium, gold-tone appearance, which could be ideal for branding or indoor signs. While it’s less durable than stainless steel, it maintains its aesthetics and holds well in dry places.

It is best to always align your metal choice with the functional environment and industry requirements. If you’re unsure which choice of material is the best fit for your project, a custom label manufacturer can guide you.

Select the Right Labeling Process

The marking method of your label affects how it looks, how long it lasts and how well it performs during day-to-day operations. Pairing the correct material with the correct labeling process prioritizes the permanence of your labels.

Here are a few labeling processes performed by experts:

• Etching: A chemical-based method that creates crisp, shallow marks that can be color-filled for contrast and visibility.

• Engraving: A mechanical process where deep cuts are inscribed into the metal surface by a machine. This method creates long-lasting marks that won’t wear off, even in harsh conditions.

• Stamping: A mechanical press imprints characters into the metal. It’s often used for simple, permanent identification purposes.

• Laser Marking: A precision laser creates high-resolution barcodes, logos or fine text. It is a clean and efficient process with minimal material wear.

• Photo Anodizing: A photo process that seals the image under the surface of anodized aluminum. It’s excellent for detailed images that require extended durability in challenging conditions.

• Screen Printing: Applies color on top of the metal surface. It’s best suited for indoor labels or short-term needs.

To choose the right method, consider what information you need on the label, how detailed it must be and how long it should last. Also, be aware of whether your label is required to meet military or industry standards.

Selecting the Correct Mounting Method

Once you’ve picked the material and label type, you need to consider how securely the label adheres to a surface. This is based on the surface type, the label’s length and how much movement or stress it may face. Here are some of the standard mounting techniques available:

• Adhesive Backing: Fast and simple to use. This is great for flat, clean surfaces and indoor use.

• Rivets or Screws: Strong and permanent. This is ideal for outdoor equipment, heavy machinery or high-vibration areas.

• Welding: Used in very harsh settings, like manufacturing plants or chemical facilities.

• Holes Only: This lets you decide how to fasten the label, giving you more flexibility.

Working With an Experienced Custom Metal Label Manufacturer

Partnering with an experienced manufacturer can help you navigate every step of the process to ensure your label performs exactly as needed.

Metal Marker Manufacturing offers high-quality, compliant solutions across industries, including aerospace, medical, manufacturing and energy. With decades of experience, we deliver precise, reliable labels that are built to last.

Ready to get started? Contact our team today for a quote.