Durable, On-Site Asset Identification & Signage.
WHAT IS DURABLACK?
The only laser markable metal certified for outdoor usage that does not require a chemical pre-treatment or protective topcoat.

DuraBlack® is CO2 laser markable aluminum for durable, on-demand marking for harsh operating environments. In side-by-side tests, DuraBlack outperforms black anodized aluminum and laser markable acrylic tape in select applications. DuraBlack is resistant to sunlight (UV-radiation), abrasion, high-temperatures and chemical exposure. Because of its ability to perform across a range of challenging environments, DuraBlack meets several government, industrial and military specifications including MIL-STD 130N, A-A-50271 (≈MIL-P-514D) and MIL-STD-15024G, Type L.

Composed of a multi-level coating available upon 0.005″ or 0.020″ thick aluminum, DuraBlack can be attached to either curved or flat surfaces with adhesive, rivets or screws. It is imaged with any CO2 marking laser to produce a durable, high-resolution barcode or human-readable image.

WHY USE DURABLACK?
DURABLE PERFORMANCE:
DuraBlack is the only laser markable metal to meet military specifications A-A-50271
DURABLE PERFORMANCE:
DuraBlack is the only laser markable metal to meet military specifications A-A-50271 and MIL-STD-15024G, Type L.
DURABLE PERFORMANCE:
DuraBlack is the only laser markable metal to meet military specifications A-A-50271 and MIL-STD-15024G, Type L.
WHEN TO USE DURABLACK?
The combination of durability, flexible attachment options and ease of processing makes DuraBlack the preferred material for on-demand marking for harsh operating environments.
Applications:
Outdoor Signage
Asset/Property Tags
Barcode Labels
Industrial Nameplatres
Image
MORE ABOUT DURABLACK?
Specifications
Independent
Laboratory Certifications
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According to Type L, testing shall “be determined by the acquiring activity and the supplier”. Horizons ISG recommends the standards of A-A-50271 be adopted for MIL-DTL-15024G, Type L.
Because of its ability to perform across a range of challenging environments, DuraBlack meets an array of government, industrial and military specifications.
Options
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Sheet Sizes
10″ x 12″ | 12″ x 20″ | 20″ x 24″
Sheet Thickness
.005″ | .020″ *
Adhesive Backed
Attachment Options: 3M 350 High-Performance Adhesive or Mechanical (rivets/screws)
* 0.005″ available only in 10″ x 12″ and 0.020″ available only in 12″ x 20″ or 20″ x 24″
Properties
Characteristic
Test Condition
Effect
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Outdoor Exposure
5,000 hrs of accelerated UV/weather with Q-Sun XE-3/HS (Estimated ~8-10 years)
No Effect
Abrasion Resistance
4,000 cycles on a Taber Abraser, CS17 with 1kg wheel load
Slight dulling of surface
Temperature Resistance
700°F for one hour
Slight yellowing of background material after 8 hours
Corrosive/Chemical Resistance
96 hrs in many MIL-STD-810G fluids
Slight breakdown of black coating
Tests were modeled after those established by the U.S. Department of Defense under MIL-STD-810G and MIL-STD 130. Chemicals tested include all MIL-STD-810G fluids and several others (see the Technical Brief for a full list). Outcomes were measured with a Siemens/Microscan verifier on 15mil 2D barcodes. A drop of more than two letter grades indicates failure – as per AIM DPM-1-2006 and MIL-STD-130N. Weather tests are on-going. Horizons ISG does not warrant performance of its materials in any environment.

Please review the Technical Performance Brief for details about DuraBlack environmental performance relative to competitive label technologies.

Resources
Press Releases/Articles/Advertisements
Date
Publication
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November 2015
Advertisement
May 2015
Awards & Engraving (A&E)
April 2015
Horizons ISG Case Study
May 2014
Awards & Engraving (A&E)
July 2013
Awards & Engraving (A&E)
July 2013
Awards & Engraving (A&E)
June 2013
Awards & Engraving (A&E)
December 2012
Awards & Engraving (A&E)
October 2012
Awards & Engraving (A&E)
September 2012
Marking Industry Magazine (MIM)
July 2012
Recognition Review
June 2012
Awards & Engraving (A&E)
Horizons Imaging Systems Group (ISG) Debuts Extremely Durable Laser Markable Metal at Awards & Recognition Association (ARA) Trade Show
March 2012
Press Release
The Market for Industrial Marking
April 2011
Awards & Engraving (A&E)
New Durable CO2 Laser Markable Material Available For Sale
April 2011
Press Release
Technical Guides & Data Sheets
Type
Description
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Technical Guide
Laser settings and instructions for creating perfect images on DuraBlack.
Technical Guide
Details on DuraBlack’s superlative performance in several simulated operating environments.
Data Sheet
Details the composition, features, benefits, characteristics and technical specifications of DuraBlack.