Cleveland, Ohio – Horizons Imaging Systems Group (ISG) has introduced DuraBlack, a new CO2 laser markable aluminum that meets the requirements of MIL-STD-810G for resistance to abrasion, temperature, weather, salt-spray, and fluid exposure. The new product was engineered to survive harsh military, industrial, and outdoor operating environments without a protective topcoat.
Durable asset labels & signage with any CO2 laser.
DuraBlack produces a durable, high-resolution white-metallic image on a matte black background when marked with any CO2 laser. The product is composed of a two-part thermoset coating bonded to either 0.005 in. or 0.020 in. thick aluminum, enabling attachment to curved or flat surfaces with adhesive, rivets or screws. It can be imaged with any marking CO2 laser, giving the user control over where and when items are created.
"DuraBlack was developed to address the need for a laser markable material that is also outdoor durable," said Sam Wainer, product manager. "That combination of features has never been available in a laser markable aluminum product before."
In side-by-side testing, DuraBlack outperforms laser markable acrylic and black anodized aluminum label materials in select applications. The tests, conducted by ISG, found it passed MIL-STD-130 bar code verification in five simulated operating environments (abrasion, high-temperature, weather, salt-spray, and fluid exposure).
Recommended applications include UID bar codes, energy/utility asset tags, transportation labels, industrial/work-in-progress tags, architectural/way finding signage, and others that require on-site, on-demand marking by a CO2 laser.
Pre-printed labels or pre-fabricated blanks can be purchased from several independent converters. Contact Horizons ISG for a list of recommended converters.