Why Do Outdoor Durable Labels Matter?
Exposed tags are subjected to more than just UV rays – they are affected by heat cycles, rainy days, humidity, and temperature fluctuations. All of these elements collectively cause standard labels to break down much more rapidly than desired.
When a standard outdoor tag fails:
- Crews cannot identify the asset, which delays inspections and asset maintenance
- Compliance and safety information won’t be readable
- The cost of replacing and re-tagging the asset quickly increases
- The asset tracking systems won’t remain accurate when barcodes or serial numbers can no longer be scanned
Benefits of UV-Resistant Labels
- Long-lasting visibility – Labels remain clearly readable with text, barcodes, and graphics after having been out in the sunlight for years
- Weather-resistant construction – These tags are resistant to rain, humidity, temperature change, and more, remaining attached and undamaged through it all
- Lower cost of replacement – If a label can withstand weather conditions, it saves you significantly by avoiding replacements for peeling or fading
- Reliable asset tracking – The barcodes and QR codes on the tags will remain scannable for the lifespan of the asset, keeping your inspection data accurate
- Customizable – UV-resistant labels can be created with a variety of numbering and barcoding approaches, logos, and compliance information for your specific needs
Applications
Utility and Energy
Outdoor utility poles, transformers, electric and gas meters, and substation equipment are exposed to various weather conditions for years. To keep asset numbers and inspection data readable and consistent through all types of weather, UV-resistant labels ensure proper maintenance records are recorded accurately and can be identified in the field.
Solar Installations
Solar array installations are generally purposely placed in harsh direct sunlight conditions, something standard labels aren’t suitable for. Weatherproof nameplates are used to identify solar array components (e.g., panels, inverters, combiner boxes) to include serial numbers and compliance information, so they will not fail.
Outdoor Signage
All property identification, directional signs, and facility nameplates installed outside should remain readable and professional until they are replaced. To ensure long-term readability, sunlight-resistant tags should be used since they maintain their color and clarity and do not fade to an unreadable condition.
Government and Infrastructure
Traffic signs and equipment, civil infrastructure, and outdoor government property should include permanent identification, or outdoor durable labels, that will remain readable through an inspection cycle of 5+ years.
Materials
Material determines how long outdoor tags last. Some of our recommendations for labels that require weatherproofing and UV resistance include:
Processes
Photo Anodization
Photo anodizing works by sealing the image within an aluminum layer. With no ink or laminate to fade or peel, the resulting tag exceeds printed labels in sun and weather exposure.
Engraving
Engraving creates permanent markings by cutting information directly into the metal. It provides excellent weather and UV resistance, making it ideal for durable nameplates and tags with permanent text, but not color graphics.
Embossing
Raised embossed characters will remain legible even if the surface finish of the metal degrades over time, so this is an excellent choice for serial numbers and identifying assets on outdoor equipment.
Shop at Metal Marker and Order Customized UV-Resistant Labels
UV-resistant labels and weatherproof nameplates offer long-term protection against exposure to sunlight, rain, and erosion. At Metal Marker Mfg., we customize outdoor durable labels to meet your needs.
Contact us or call at (866) 904-5921 for more information.
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