Embossing & Stamping

Almetek's proprietary chemical milling process manufactures steel dies, insuring that text and images are 3-D embossed (raised copy) or stamped (sunk copy) with high tonnage power presses into a metal surface for permanence. Stamping and embossing is used for signs, name plates, tags, markers and labels. 

Each sign and tag is screen-printed with durable ultra-violet inhibited acrylic inks and baked in infa-red conveyor ovens. All signs and tags are then given a clear baked enamel UV top coating for extended live and durability. 

They are available in CRS, stainless steel, aluminum, pre-painted aluminum, brass or tinplate. Artwork is permanent. Can be used indoors or outdoors.

Hot Stamping

Text is deeply embedded or branded into UV stabilized high-density polyethylene using a heated stamp die to apply color for permanence. Used for signs, tags and markers, the material is non-corrosive, non-conductive and unaffected by temperature and moisture extremes. Can be used indoors, outdoors, above ground or below ground.

Vacuum Forming

Text is molded into co-extruded UVHDPE material to form a permanent raised surface (proprietary process). Plastic is heated until it softens. A vacuum is applied to draw the sheet over the vacuum-forming die. The plastic is then cooled to set. All raised copy is then placed into a special trimming machine that then removes the top surface, exposing the black contrasting color. This 3-D vacuum-formed copy is permanent and can be read if painted over, or silted over in any above or belowground environment.

Etching

 Text or background chemically removed using an acid solution. This creates an impressed area in the metal that is extremely durable. Used for signs, name plates, tags and labels, etching is available on aluminum, CRS, stainless steel, brass and tinplate. Image is permanent. Etched areas can be filled with paint or left natural. Ideal for faithfully reproducing fine lines and copy. Can be used indoors or outdoors.

Laser

The laser process can mark, cut or engrave a wide variety of the materials. Commonly used with aluminum for bar coding and reproducing fine lines and details. All aluminum bar codes use anodized aluminum and receive a clear UV-baked enamel topcoat for extended life.

3-D Engraving

A rotating carbide tool cuts into co-extruded and tri-extruded UVHDPE and metal. For plastic signs the contrasting core colors are exposed. 

Used on signs, tags and nameplates, engraving can be done on aluminum, brass or stainless steel. Co-extruded or tri-extruded UV stabilized high-density marine grade polyethylene is permanent, highly visible, long lasting, easy to read and inexpensive. 

Polyethylene is non-corrosive, chemical resistant, unaffected by extreme weather condition, colorfast and comes with a 30-year warranty. Can be used indoors, outdoors, above ground or below ground and in desert sand storm conditions

Screen Printing

This process "lays down" a 0.001" thick layer of pigment onto aluminum, brass, stainless steel, pre-painted aluminum, porcelain or pressure sensitive material (polyester, polycarbonate or vinyl). Used on signs, tags, markers, labels and name plates. Inexpensive and durable. Can be used indoors or outdoors.

Thermo Printing

Electrical current is used to heat a thermo-sensitive dye reaction to thermally sensitive material. Text and images are surface printed onto rigid vinyl or pressure sensitive materials. Polyester, polycarbonate or vinyl clear laminates can protect the label image for extended outdoor exposures. 

Flexography

Text is surface printed onto plastic or pressure sensitive material (polyester, polyethylene polycarbonate or vinyl). Plates are used to apply inks to the material surface. A clear laminate can be added for extended outdoor life. Used for signs and labels. Inexpensive. Underground tapes last the longest as UV sunlight causes the inks to fade.

Clear UV-Laminate

Protective film applied over pressure sensitive material. A process where clear, plastic film is layered and then bonded to a decorated surface using adhesion. Applied on signs bar codes and tags. 

Pressure sensitive base materials are polyester, vinyl and engineering grade reflective sheeting. Top films contain UV inhibitors for outdoor exposures. Special laminations available for hazardous areas. For indoor or outdoor use.

Reflective Materials

Reflective sheeting applied onto aluminum, vinyl, or urethane with acrylic pressure sensitive adhesives. Signs, tags, markers and D-Lineators are highly visible and weather resistant. Using reflective sheeting, three levels of reflectivity are available: engineering grade, high-intensity and Diamond Grade® fluorescent. Primarily for outdoor use. Can be used indoors.

Photoluminescence

"Glow in the dark" labels and signs. Generally used to provide emergency markings for exits and passageways. This material can be applied to a rigid vinyl, pressure sensitive label stock or aluminum substrate.