Durable Plastic Nameplates
Durable Plastic Nameplates
Plastic nameplates are a versatile, long-lasting solution for product identification, branding, safety messaging, and compliance labeling. Designed for both indoor and outdoor environments, plastic nameplates are extremely durable and can be affixed with strong adhesives or fabricated with holes for bolts, rivets, or screws.
With sub-surface printing, graphics are printed in reverse on the underside of transparent plastic material, then backed with white ink. This protects the image beneath the surface, making it highly resistant to chemicals, oil, abrasion, and environmental exposure. Most plastic nameplates are produced on flat, rigid sheets typically ranging from .003” to .030” thick, depending on application requirements and material selected.
Commonly referred to as labels, stickers, tags, placards, or overlays, plastic nameplates can include barcodes, serial numbers, model numbers, property information, and both static and variable data. Many are produced with peel tabs for easy application.
Types of Plastic Nameplates
Polyester
Polyester, also known as Mylar®, is ideal for harsh indoor and outdoor environments as it is UV resistant, won’t fade in the sun, resists tears, won’t become brittle, and is non-yellowing.
Mylar® is also electrically resistant and can withstand extreme temperatures, water, abrasion, and chemicals. This extremely durable and highly versatile material can meet rigorous specifications for high tensile strength, durability, resistance to solvents, clarity, resistance to shrinking and stretching, and low electrical conduction.
Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate products are preferred due to their durability and flexibility in use, and they can be manufactured with transparent features.
With polycarbonate, you have the option to choose from various textured finishes, which provide maximum durability and are ideal for highly detailed printing.
Polycarbonate is an eco-friendly material that is flame-retardant, UV-resistant, and compliant with FDA and USP regulations.
Vinyl
PVC vinyl, also known as polyvinyl chloride, is very rigid and extremely durable.
Properties of PVC include resistance to moisture and humidity, with options for UV overlaminate protection, making it perfect for outdoor use while also remaining cost-effective. Although it's harder to recycle than other plastics, vinyl can be melted down and reused, so it's considered a recyclable product.
PVC vinyl nameplates are available with different finishes and textures, such as glossy, velvet, and matte, and can be ordered in different thicknesses and adhesives.
Key Characteristics of Plastic Nameplates
Plastic nameplates are engineered for high performance. Key characteristics include:
- Sub-surface printed graphics for long-term durability
- Resistance to chemicals, oil, abrasion, and moisture
- UV resistance for outdoor applications
- High tensile strength and tear resistance
- Excellent printability and graphic clarity
- Ability to withstand extreme temperatures
- Compatibility with adhesives or mechanical fasteners
These properties make plastic labels suitable for industrial, commercial, aerospace, medical, and consumer applications.
Available Options for Plastic Nameplates
Plastic nameplates can be customized to meet precise application requirements. Available options include:
- Thickness variations from .003” – .030”
- Die-cutting and custom shapes
- Peel tabs for easy application
- Adhesive selection (permanent, selective, high-performance)
- Holes or slots for screws, rivets, or bolts
- Serial numbering and variable data printing
- UL® and CSA compliance
- Flame-retardant or FDA-compliant materials
- Domed labels for enhanced appearance and durability
Selective textures and selective adhesives can also be incorporated for advanced functional requirements.
Plastic Nameplate Uses by Thickness
Thickness selection plays a key role in performance and application. The thinner range of .003” – .005” is used for flexible labels, overlays, asset tags, and indoor identification. As thickness increases to .007” – .010”, these materials are commonly used for equipment labels and industrial product identification. It can also be applied to protective overlays and electronics.
Thickness of .015” – .020” is perfect for durable outdoor placards, control panels, appliance nameplates, and aerospace interior signage. The thicker range of .025” – .030” is ideal for heavy-duty industrial applications, high-impact environments, and rigid placards and panels.
Choosing the appropriate thickness ensures proper rigidity, durability, and longevity for the intended environment. Speak to our design specialists for more information.
Plastic Finishes
Our plastic nameplates can be customized to fit your project requirements, including design and a wide range of finish options such as:
- Glossy
- Velvet
- Matte
- Suede
- Clear
The Best Plastic Nameplates For Your Project
With decades of experience, Hallmark Nameplate can help you manufacture the perfect plastic nameplate for your project. We will walk you through all the considerations and give you recommendations based on your applications and industry. Speak with our specialists today to get durable plastic nameplates.