All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier

About etching metal label

Types of Etching Metal Labels

Etching metal label products are used for identification and branding. These labels are durable and highly resistant to damage. They come in various types, depending on etching methods used and materials applied. These include:

  • Brass Etched Labels

    Brass etched labels stand out because of their polished golden surface. Usually, brass labels are built to last and have corrosion resistance, longevity, and an appealing aesthetic. Most of these labels in brass are used in machinery, commemorative plaques, and architectural accents. This, therefore, makes them a common choice for industrial applications.

  • Stainless Steel Etched Labels

    Stainless steel etched labels are subject to real fire branding. This metal is largely well-known for its corrosion resistance, strength, and timeless sleek design. Stainless steel labels are constantly used in this advanced era and lean more towards the use of polyester and paint to enhance the contrast in etching. Buyers usually employ them for control panels, equipment identification, and outdoor signage as they can withstand extreme temperatures as well as weather conditions.

  • Copper Etched Labels

    Copper etched labels offer users a warm appealing aesthetic and high malleability at the same time. Mostly, these labels are used for photographic etching methods, which incorporate deep-cut designs into the label surface. The buyers' labels in copper are frequently used to create embossed effects. In addition to this, they are utilized in fine jewelry, nameplates, or decorative panels. They have patina over time, adding to their appeal.

  • Aluminum Etched Labels

    Usually, etching labels on aluminum features lightweight and corrosion resistance properties to the user. Commonly, they are used in two ways: either by anodizing the surface to enhance the durability of the etching or by using colored paints that contrast sharply against the etched design. Often, aluminum labels find their usage in control panels, equipment labeling, outdoor signs, and in some cases, decorative applications.

  • Iron Etched Labels

    Etched iron labels were highly popular in this current universe due to their shiny surface. Additionally, they were well-known due to their low cost as opposed to other metal labels. Commonly, after etching, iron labels are normally coated with paint or a protective layer to avoid rust. Also, these labels are generally used for industrial purposes. Nevertheless, there have been constant advancements in corrosion protection, which diminishes the possibility of rusting.

Design of Etching Metal Labels

The design of the etching metal labels depends on various factors, including the text or images to be etched, the type of font to be used, and the size of the label. Additionally, the material of the label, as well as the thickness, should be considered, as well as the metal etching equipment and technique.

When choosing an image, buyers should avoid complicated designs that require detailed etching. For the label to have higher readability, users are advised to go for simpler designs. For text, users are advised to go for short texts. Also, to make the labels more legible, selecting a typeface that has a high contrast when compared to the material's color is ideal. Users should avoid using thin strokes and small text sizes. This is because they are prone to have higher chances of clogging during etching, which adversely impacts the design's quality.

Metal label materials are available in different thicknesses. Buyers should go for thinner materials to be used in products that require lower weight. At the same time, thicker materials are suitable for products that need higher strength. Users can use the metal etching design software to upload the preferred designs. The software will allow users to adjust the images to fit their requirements. Users can use this software to edit their uploads in various ways. For instance, users can change the design's size or color. They can also remove the design's background to make it more appealing.

In addition to this, the software enables users to preview their designs before placing orders. This feature allows users to ensure their orders meet their design requirements. Order management is easier when using this software. This is after users having the capability of saving and printing designs.

The final etching of the design can be affected by the etching metal label materials. Deep etches for detailed artwork may require a label material that does not have high resistance. They also avoid using chemicals that have high resistance when they are being washed.

Customization Options for Etching Metal Labels

There are several customization options for etching metal labels. These include material, size, shape, text, and artwork. Users can make metal labels from various materials, such as stainless steel, brass, aluminum, and copper. Each material offers unique benefits in terms of durability and appearance. These options are ideal for users who require labels for various equipment. Buyers can also have the labels made from a specific gauge number. This makes the labels suitable for labeling thin sheets and thick sheets.

Users can also choose their preferred metal label shapes. They can have cut metal labels in shapes they deem suitable for their businesses. This includes rounded rectangles, circles, squares, and custom shapes. They can have engraved or etched text in various font styles to enhance readability. For businesses that require branding, they can have metal labels in company logos. to add a personal touch to the labels. The thickness of the label metal defines the labels' visibility and strength. Users can select from various thicknesses, ranging from 0.5mm to 5mm, depending on prefered usage.

Business owners can have labels in several finishes. Common finishes include brushed, polished, and matte. Each finish offers a different look that can enhance the label's aesthetic value. To improve corrosion resistance, users can have the labels coated in various colors. The most popular coating colors include black, red, blue, and white. Metal label cutouts are available in several sizes. Users can select size options from as low as 10 square millimeters to as high as 100 square millimeters. Buyers can add holes for easy attachment. Standard hole sizes range between 3mm and 10mm, with customizable placements to suit specific needs.

The etching depth can also be customized to achieve engraved artwork in various relief depths. This makes the etching highly detailed or subtly recessed, depending on business preferences. Buyers can also add custom sequential numbering or barcodes. This is for tracking purposes or to enhance functionality in various applications.

For businesses that require quick solutions, they can go for templates that are ready-made. These templates can be quickly personalized with specific text or minor design adjustments. This saves time while still offering a level of customization. This way, business owners are provided with multiple options. These options ensure the labels meet their unique branding or practical needs.

How to Choose Etching Metal Labels

It is important to consider several factors when choosing etching metal labels for clients. The intended application of the label should be the top consideration. This is because functional labels have different requirements from decorative labels. For instance, industrial labels require information related to safety, whereas decorative labels would bear branding information.

Clients' preferred metal type is also a major factor to consider. Metals like stainless steel are corrosion-resistant. Clients use them as equipment labels. Brass labels, on the other hand, are suitable for ornamental uses due to their appealing golden finish. Businesses should consider whether they need painted metal cut engravings or not. Generally, painted metal cut engravings offer increased visibility. They also have a non-corrosive surface. Unfortunately, they also have an added cost of painting the labels. Unpainted metal cut engravings are resistant to corrosion. They are also visible, but not as easily as the painted labels.

Clients' preferred label thickness should also be considered. Labels with high thickness are more durable. They normally withstand harsh elements. Unfortunately, they are heavier. This makes them ideal for industrial environments. If the clients require the labels for decorative or temporary use, go for lighter labels. To ensure the labels remain legible after etching, clients should at least settle for texts with a minimum height of 1.5mm. This is particularly crucial for labels to be used in industrial products from a distance.

As a buyer, having knowledge of the techniques used in etching the labels can go a long way in helping clients get the best results. Photo etching is ideal for intricate designs with high detail and precision. On the other hand, chemical etching is suitable for high-volume production. It has less complexity and lower costs.

Status of the order is a crucial consideration when choosing etched metal labels. For urgent orders, clients should go for suppliers that can deliver quickly without compromising quality. If the clients are planning for long-term use of the labels, they should settle for suppliers with great quality labels.

Q&A

Q1: What are etching metal labels?

These are custom metal labels that are marked with permanent text and images using an etching process.

Q2: What materials are used to make etching metal labels?

Metal labels are commonly made of brass, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and iron. For a product to have high visibility, the manufacturers paint it.

Q3: Why are etching metal labels preferred?

Metal labels stand out because of their legibility. They also add a touch of class to any product. More importantly, they act as a branding or identification tool.

Q4: What label thickness do metal labels have?

Typically, metal label thickness ranges from 0.5mm to 5mm. The standard thickness for branding or identification labels is 1.5mm.

Q5: What techniques do manufacturers use to etch the labels?

To offer high detail and precision, manufacturers generally use photo etching. For high-volume production, chemical etching comes in handy.