DURABLACK Metal Plates & Overlays

When durability matters most, DuraBlack® is the material of choice. Engineered for the most demanding industrial, military, and commercial applications, DuraBlack® offers unmatched resistance to heat, UV, abrasion, and chemicals—all without the need for protective overlaminates or inks. If you need a metal label that lasts, no matter the conditions, DuraBlack® delivers.

What is DuraBlack®?

DuraBlack® is a high-performance laser-markable aluminum developed by Horizons Imaging Systems Group. It is a multilayer aluminum material specifically engineered to withstand the extreme. Unlike standard anodized aluminum or printed labels, DuraBlack® is:

• Designed for direct laser marking—no inks or secondary processes required
• Built with multiple layers that absorb laser energy to create high-contrast, permanent marks
• Optimized for maximum readability, even after years in harsh environments

Why Choose DuraBlack®?

If your equipment or assets are exposed to heat, chemicals, UV light, abrasion, or moisture, you need a label that won’t fade, scratch, or degrade. DuraBlack® is trusted in the military, aerospace, energy, transportation, and manufacturing sectors for its ability to stand the test of time.

Key Benefits of DuraBlack®:

• Extreme Durability: Withstands outdoor exposure, chemicals, and physical wear
• High-Resolution Marking: Produces precise barcodes, serial numbers, logos, and text
• Permanence: Rated for 20+ years in harsh conditions
• Laser-Marked – Not Printed: No inks or dyes that can fade or wash away
• No Protective Coatings Required: One-step process eliminates need for laminates
• MIL-STD and UID Compliant: Meets military and government standards for asset identification

Ideal Applications for DuraBlack®

Whether you’re managing a fleet of military equipment, labeling control panels in manufacturing, or tagging outdoor infrastructure, DuraBlack® is the material you want when failure is not an option.

Industries that Trust DuraBlack®:

• Defense & Aerospace
  
• Complies with MIL-STD-130 and UID marking standards
• Permanent identification for weapons, aircraft, vehicles, and components
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• Industrial Manufacturing
  
• Ideal for labeling machinery, enclosures, and control panels
• Resistant to oil, grease, solvents, and factory-floor abuse
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• Transportation
  
• UV-resistant for use on trains, buses, shipping containers, and fleets
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• Energy & Utilities
  
• Withstands harsh outdoor conditions, salt spray, and temperature extremes
• Used on pipelines, substations, solar and wind energy equipment
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• Medical & Laboratory
  
• Labels medical devices, instruments, and testing equipment without contamination
• Can endure frequent sterilization and cleaning
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• Asset Management
  
• Long-lasting barcode and data matrix tags for inventory tracking
  

Thickness options:

0.020” & 0.005”

Technical Specifications

Understanding the capabilities of DuraBlack® is key to choosing the right material for your environment. Here’s a technical overview:

 

DuraBlack® vs Other Labeling Materials

Choosing the right material can mean the difference between years of reliability or a costly failure. Here’s how DuraBlack® compares to common alternatives:

DuraBlack® vs Anodized Aluminum

• Anodized aluminum is durable, but typically requires dyes or ink for marking
• DuraBlack® is laser-markable directly, with no risk of fading from UV or chemicals

DuraBlack® vs Polyester/Plastic Labels

• Polyester labels may be cheaper, but they degrade quickly in outdoor or chemical environments
• DuraBlack® resists peeling, fading, and abrasion even in extreme heat or UV exposure

DuraBlack® vs Stainless Steel

• Stainless steel is highly durable, but more expensive and harder to mark
• DuraBlack® is lighter, easier to process, and just as resistant for many applications

Marking and Fabrication Options

We provide custom fabrication and laser marking services using DuraBlack®. Whether you need one prototype or thousands of serialized tags, we’ve got you covered.

Custom Options Include:

• Custom Sizes & Shapes: Fiber laser cut to exact dimensions, including rounded corners and mounting holes
• High-Contrast Marking: Crisp black-and-white contrast for easy barcode scanning
• Mounting Options:
  
• 3M high-performance adhesive backing
• Mechanical fasteners (holes, rivets, screws)
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• Surface Finishes:
  
• Matte for low glare
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• Label Content:
  
• Logos, serial numbers, QR codes, barcodes, data matrix
• UID labels and MIL-STD-130-compliant tags
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Certifications and Standards

DuraBlack® is not only rugged—it’s also fully compliant with major industry and government standards.

DuraBlack® Meets or Exceeds:

• MIL-STD-130N – U.S. Department of Defense standard for UID marking
• GG-P-455B – Government standard for black anodized aluminum
• RoHS / REACH – Environmentally safe and compliant for global distribution
• UL969 (pending) – For component marking durability

Our facility also ensures that your final product is engraved and finished in compliance with UID and asset tracking systems, including Department of Defense mandates.

Why Work With Us?

We specialize in precision laser engraving and industrial labeling, with a focus on long-term reliability. Our team understands the environments your equipment faces and delivers labeling solutions that match that need.