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:

Outdoor Signage
Asset/Propery Tags
Barcode Labels
Industrial Nameplates

HOW TO GET DURABLACK?

To see prices, please visit the Processor’s Portal.

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
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
Click to download DuraBlack Advertisement November 2015 Advertisement
Click to download Advances in Metal-Marking Technology May 2015 Awards & Engraving (A&E)
Click to download DuraBlack Case Study: Heavy Equipment April 2015 Horizons ISG Case Study
Click to download The Money in Metal: Advancements in Metal Marking May 2014 Awards & Engraving (A&E)
Click to download AlumaMark® & DuraBlack® Brands Support Key Distributors at 2014 ARA International Awards Market in Las Vegas March 2014 Press Release
Click to download The Trophy Case: Military Products July 2013 Awards & Engraving (A&E)
Click to download Made in the USA Product Focus July 2013 Awards & Engraving (A&E)
Click to download Outdoor Sign Project June 2013 Awards & Engraving (A&E)
Click to download Innovations in Digital Decorating: The Power of Black & White December 2012 Awards & Engraving (A&E)
Click to download Making Sense of Industrial Engraving Applications October 2012 Awards & Engraving (A&E)
Click to download DuraBlack®: CO2 Laser Markable Product For Extreme Outdoor Conditions September 2012 Marking Industry Magazine (MIM)
Click to download Making Sense of Laser Markable Metals July 2012 Recognition Review
Click to download Five Myths About Laser Markable Metals June 2012 Awards & Engraving (A&E)
Click to download Horizons Imaging Systems Group (ISG) Debuts Extremely Durable Laser Markable Metal at Awards & Recognition Association (ARA) Trade Show March 2012 Press Release
Click to download The Market for Industrial Marking April 2011 Awards & Engraving (A&E)
Click to download New Durable CO2 Laser Markable Material Available For Sale April 2011 Press Release
Technical Guides & Data Sheets Type Description
Click to download DuraBlack Processing Guide Technical Guide Laser settings and instructions for creating perfect images on DuraBlack.
Click to download DuraBlack Technical Brief: Durability Performance Technical Guide Details on DuraBlack's superlative performance in several simulated operating environments.
Click to download DuraBlack Data Sheet Data Sheet Details the composition, features, benefits, characteristics and technical specifications of DuraBlack.