Heat-Resistant Tags Keep You Up and Running
The Metal Marker Manufacturing team provides high-temperature labels and tags so industrial facilities can ensure operations continue unabated and critical safety and compliance guidelines are met.
Material Selection and Temperature Limits
| Material | Rated Up To | Engineered For |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | ~400 °F | The lowest heat threshold of the three options |
| 304 stainless steel | ~1,500 °F | Severe heat, chemical resistance, and heavy industrial washdowns |
| 316 stainless steel | ~1,600 °F | The absolute highest defense against extreme temperatures, marine corrosion, and caustic environments |
Matching the correct alloy with the heat profile of your environment – kilns, steel mills, exhaust systems, or others – is critical, so be sure to check temperature information and contact our team for any assistance.
Stamped vs. Etched vs. Photo-Anodized Tags
When producing heat-resistant tags, the marking process chosen also has to be considered alongside the metal’s melting point. Here’s a handy guide to help:
| Marking Method | Rated Up To | How It Works and What to Watch For |
|---|---|---|
| Stamped/embossed metal | 1,600 °F in rigid stainless steel | Physically alters the substrate of the material rather than adding ink or another substance.
❌ Low data density – Not as ideal for fine graphics, 2D barcodes, or tiny text
|
| Chemically/laser etched metal | 1,500 °F to 1,600 °F | Markings are chemically or laser recessed directly into the metal.
✅ Highly durable when left unfilled
⚠️ Color fill and paint can degrade, discolor, and burn over time |
| Photo anodized aluminum | 700°F standard 1000°F specialty |
Offers high-resolution photographic images that are sealed within a hard anodic layer. |
Photo Anodized Survival Data vs. Printed and Polyester Labels
Photo anodized tags, also called MetalPhoto® tags, are a particularly beneficial option for high-heat applications as they completely outclass both printed and polyester tags and labels. This is because the image is chemically sealed beneath the anodic layer of the photo anodized tag, and not printed on top.
Other key benefits include:
-
- ✓Weather/UV exposure resistance
- ✓Corrosion/saltwater resistance
- ✓Abrasion resistance
Printed and polyester labels, on the other hand, degrade rapidly under even moderate heat, and can’t stand up to abrasion, corrosive environments, or chemical washdowns.
Why Metal Marker Mfg.
Partnering with our team for high-temperature labels lets you benefit from our:
- ✓Decades of experience – We’ve been providing companies with premium tags, labels, and nameplates for over a century.
- ✓Dedication to quality – Our work is carried out under a certified ISO 9001 Quality Management System, and we maintain an AS9100-compliant QMS. We’re also registered with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (ITAR/DDTC) and we proudly manufacture 100% of our products in America.
- ✓Customization – Our team will work with you to help you select the best material, thickness, color, and mounting option for your tags and labels.
- ✓Streamlined production and on-time delivery – We’re capable of handling both small, specialized orders and high-volume runs for tags and labels, then shipping out products with delivery dates that are 99.8% accurate, and with most orders shipping earlier than quoted.
FAQs
Can I use high-temperature adhesives to attach tags to surfaces exceeding 1,000 °F?
No, because adhesives are chemically altered and degraded by extreme temperatures, which results in bond failure. Foundries, kilns, and exhaust systems are better served by customized tags with pre-drilled holes or slots to secure the tag via rivets, wires, or weld studs.
Do you have any order minimums for high-temperature tags?
No, we have no minimums for heat-resistant labels and tags, letting us support projects ranging from single, custom prototype tags to high-volume production runs of more than a million units.
Safeguard Your Labels with Heat-Resistant Materials
Avoid labels and tags that crack, peel, and burn by choosing reliable materials and processes rated for high heats. Contact the Metal Marker Mfg. team today to discuss options for your application.
