DuraBlack - Laser Markable Aluminum

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:

In side-by-side testing, DuraBlack outperforms laser markable black anodized aluminum and acrylic labels.

MEETS THE TOUGHEST SPECIFICATIONS:

DuraBlack is the only laser markable metal to meet military specifications A-A-50271 and MIL-STD-15024G, Type L.

FLEXIBLE ATTACHMENT OPTIONS:

Available with 3M 350 high-performance adhesive, rivets or screws. Also available in pre-cut blanks so all you need to do is mark and apply.

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:

HOW TO GET DURABLACK?

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MORE ABOUT DURABLACK?

Specifications

Independent Laboratory Certifications

A-A-50271 (~MIL-P-514D)	Detroit Testing Laboratory
MIL-DTL-15024G, Type L (laser generated plate)	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.
Standard UL 969, "Marking and Labeling Systems"	Underwriters Laboratories (UL)M
Because of its ability to perform across a range of challenging environments, DuraBlack meets an array of government, industrial and military specifications.
Options
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

Resources

Press Releases/Articles/Advertisements	Date	Publication

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.

DuraBlack Advertisement	November 2015	Advertisement
Advances in Metal-Marking Technology	May 2015	Awards & Engraving (A&E)
DuraBlack Case Study: Heavy Equipment	April 2015	Horizons ISG Case Study
The Money in Metal: Advancements in Metal Marking	May 2014	Awards & Engraving (A&E)
AlumaMark® & DuraBlack® Brands Support Key Distributors at 2014 ARA International Awards Market in Las Vegas	March 2014	Press Release
The Trophy Case: Military Products	July 2013	Awards & Engraving (A&E)
Made in the USA Product Focus	July 2013	Awards & Engraving (A&E)
Outdoor Sign Project	June 2013	Awards & Engraving (A&E)
Innovations in Digital Decorating: The Power of Black & White	December 2012	Awards & Engraving (A&E)
Making Sense of Industrial Engraving Applications	October 2012	Awards & Engraving (A&E)
DuraBlack®: CO2 Laser Markable Product For Extreme Outdoor Conditions	September 2012	Marking Industry Magazine (MIM)
Making Sense of Laser Markable Metals	July 2012	Recognition Review
Five Myths About Laser Markable Metals	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

DuraBlack Processing Guide	Technical Guide	Laser settings and instructions for creating perfect images on DuraBlack.
DuraBlack Technical Brief: Durability Performance	Technical Guide	Details on DuraBlack's superlative performance in several simulated operating environments.
DuraBlack Data Sheet	Data Sheet	Details the composition, features, benefits, characteristics and technical specifications of DuraBlack.