Photosensitive anodized aluminum

The image can be created either through exposure and development of an anodic layer impregnated with silver compounds[2] (Type 1[3]), much like traditional black and white photography, or through the use of a photomask (Type 2[3]) and chemical etching, color addition, or color subtraction.

Sealing hydrates the aluminum oxide surface,[8] trapping the image beneath the anodized layer.

The combined benefits of UV stability and the high image resolution of silver photography along with the abrasion and corrosion resistance of anodized aluminum are used to advantage in applications where permanent product identification is critical such as equipment nameplates, IUID barcode labels, outdoor signage, safety/warning plates, machine control panels and fine art.

Common use for Type 2 applications are those where color (other than black) is desired on the finished product.

[3] Since qualification to GG-P-455, photosensitive anodized aluminum has been specified by many military, government and industrial organizations, including: Document Reference: Space Station Inventory Label Specification SSP 50007 Document Reference: Memorandum A3-J024-M-9500916, Laboratory Case 161311 Document Reference: Corrosion test of Anodized aluminum plates – Metalphoto 23.1011.00.0391 Document Reference: Mil –P-514D, Commercial Item Description Plate, Identification Army Vehicles Document Reference: File 11133–1, Class 7991 Document Reference: Marking and Labeling Systems PGDQ2 Document Reference: Federal Specification GG-P-455 In 2012 the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Corona Division conducted tests on several IUID materials and found that Metalphoto photosensitive anodized aluminum achieved the highest score on more environmental survivability tests than any other IUID label material evaluated.