The Solution: Chemical-Proof Labels Designed for Harsh Conditions
Companies and organizations need labels and tags they can depend on to stay in place, stay legible, and keep their operations compliant. While paper and vinyl labels can be convenient in some environments, they simply can’t stand up to the brunt of what chemical environments can impose.
Our team at Metal Marker Manufacturing specializes in producing chemical-resistant tags and labels in premium materials like stainless steel, aluminum, and brass that can thrive in challenging environments.
Below, we’ve put together a chart of common substances found in industrial settings so you can determine which material selection will be best for your chemical-proof labels. And, of course, our team is always on hand to assist in discussing materials, applications, and more.
Caustic-Resistant, Acid-Resistant, and Solvent-Resistant Material Recommendations
| Chemical / Typical Condition | Material Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Nitric acid (HNO₃), typical aqueous service | Stainless steel usually performs well in oxidizing nitric-acid environments.
Aluminum may passivate only under limited conditions. Brass is generally unsuitable for this use. |
| Phosphoric acid (H₃PO₄) | 316 stainless steel is usually the best option of the three for mild ambient phosphoric-acid exposure.
Aluminum and brass will require concentration-specific validation. |
| Acetic acid / vinegar | Stainless steel is typically acceptable for dilute ambient acetic acid but can suffer as concentration and temperature rise.
Aluminum and brass can work under certain conditions. |
| Citric acid / food-acid cleaners | Stainless steel is usually the most reliable option for such cleaners.
Aluminum can discolor or etch with prolonged/wet exposure, while brass may tarnish. |
| Ammonium hydroxide / aqueous ammonia | Stainless steel and aluminum can be acceptable options under mild ambient conditions.
Brass is a poor choice in this case because ammonia can promote stress-corrosion cracking in copper alloys. |
| Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) | All three metals are usually compatible with this substance.
Watch for water, acids, chlorides, or proprietary additives in the cleaning mixture rather than IPA itself. |
| Ethanol / denatured alcohol | All three metals are usually compatible with this substance. |
| Acetone | All three metals are usually compatible with this substance. |
| MEK (methyl ethyl ketone / 2-butanone) | All three metals are usually compatible with this substance at ambient temperature.
Damage may occur to inks, paints, pressure-sensitive adhesives, and polymer overlaminates. |
| Toluene / xylene | All three metals are usually compatible with this substance. |
| Mineral spirits / naphtha | All three metals are usually compatible with this substance.
Long exposure may affect nonmetallic attachment components. |
| Gasoline / petrol | All three metals are usually compatible with this substance.
However, fuel blends, water, ethanol, acids, and salt contamination can change field performance. |
| Diesel / fuel oil | All three metals are usually compatible with this substance. |
| Hydraulic oil / lubricating oil | All three metals are usually compatible with this substance and feature low corrosion risks. |
| Brake fluid, glycol-based | All three metals are usually compatible with this substance. |
| Water, neutral fresh water | Stainless steel is normally preferred for water.
Aluminum’s oxide film helps, but wet crevices and galvanic contact can cause issues, while brass can tarnish. |
| Salt water / chloride washdown | 316 stainless steel is substantially better than 304 but can still pit in deposits, stagnant crevices, and hot/high-chloride service.
Aluminum and brass are poor long-term choices. |
Photo Anodizing vs. Surface Printed Labels Under Chemical Exposure
Another key aspect to take into account when procuring chemical-resistant labels and tags is how and where information will be presented. In traditional surface-printed or laminated labels, the graphics and text sit on top of the facestock – directly where chemicals, UV light, and abrasion can easily degrade them.
But by choosing photo anodizing tags, also called MetalPhoto® tags, information can be permanently sealed beneath a sapphire-hard anodic layer connected to the aluminum substrate. This gives the benefit of a 20+ year outdoor rating and temperature resistance up to 1,200 °F.
The result? Tags that can’t be scratched, peeled, or dissolved by aggressive industrial solvents or easily worn away by the elements.
Settings That Commonly Use Chemical-Resistant Tags
- Refineries and oil and gas facilities – Stainless steel tags and photo anodized tags are often used to identify valves, pumps, pipelines, and GHS chemical drums that come into contact with crude oil, jet fuel, and the elements.
- Water treatment plants – 316 stainless steel valve tags can withstand chlorine, bleach, and high-humidity washdowns without pitting.
- Semiconductor and chemical plants – Specialized MetalPhoto® tags are often used to identify chemical delivery lines, solvent baths, and acid-etching tanks.
FAQs on Chemical-Proof Labels
What is the minimum order quantity for custom chemical-resistant metal tags?
Our team is happy to accommodate orders of all sizes and we have no minimums on our tags, so whether you need a dozen replacement valve plates or thousands of asset tags, we’ve got you covered.
How do I attach tags to equipment where pressure-sensitive adhesives might fail?
If your tags will experience direct chemical immersion or heavy solvent contact, we recommend using mechanical fasteners like 316 stainless-steel rivets, drive screws, or stainless-steel cable ties through pre-drilled holes.
Can your chemical-resistant tags incorporate scannable 2D barcodes or QR codes?
Yes, our photo anodizing (MetalPhoto®) and laser etching processes can deliver results with high contrast 1D and 2D Data Matrix/QR codes that will stay crisp and readable even after enduring harsh environments, abrasion, and UV light.
Will photo anodized aluminum tags hold up on curved containers like pipes and chemical storage drums?
Yes, we manufacture photo anodized aluminum tags in flexible thicknesses ranging from 0.003” to 0.020” that conform smoothly to curved surfaces, and can be paired with 3M low-surface-energy (LSE) acrylic adhesives or mechanical strap slots.
What is the typical lead time for custom chemical-resistant tags?
Most of our custom tag orders will ship shortly after the final proofs have been approved, often earlier than quoted. We also have expedited production options available for urgent plant shutdowns or facilities facing compliance deadlines.
Contact Us for Chemical-Resistant Labels
The Metal Marker Manufacturing team is ready to supply you with chemical-proof labels that will hold up in your harsh environments and keep you compliant with regulations. Reach out to us today for a quote.
