Choosing the Right Material for Outdoor Tags

Choosing the right material can make a big difference in how well an identification tag holds up outdoors. Compare stainless steel, UV stable black aluminum, plain aluminum and enamel painted aluminum to find the best option for water, sun, harsh weather and long-term outdoor use.

Utility Pole Tag Case Study | 20 Years of Field Performance

When a utility company installs identification tags on power poles, they expect those tags to remain readable for decades, not just survive a few seasons. Utility pole tags become part of an asset management system that line crews depend on every day, making long-term readability and reliable barcode scanning essential throughout the life of the […]

Why Facilities Use Permanent Metal Energy Source Tags

Whether performing routine maintenance, servicing equipment, or following lockout/tagout procedures, employees must be able to quickly identify the correct energy source before work begins. That’s where permanent energy source tags play an important role. Unlike temporary lockout/tagout tags that are attached during maintenance activities, permanent metal energy source tags remain mounted to equipment year-round. They […]

How to Prepare for Your Annual Lead Apron Inspection

Lead apron inspections are an important part of maintaining a radiation safety program. Whether you manage a hospital, imaging center, cath lab, surgery department, or physician office, keeping radiation protection apparel properly identified and organized can make annual inspections significantly easier. Many facilities have dozens or even hundreds of lead aprons, thyroid collars, and other […]

What to Do If Your Boat Needs a Replacement HIN Tag

If you own a boat, the Hull Identification Number (HIN) is one of the most important pieces of identification on the vessel. Similar to a VIN on a car, a HIN is a unique number used to identify your boat for registration, insurance, recalls, ownership records, and theft recovery. Federal regulations require boats manufactured after […]

10 Year Outdoor Fade Test Case Study, Enamel Painted Aluminum Tags

How long will painted aluminum tags last outdoors? It is one of the most common questions we receive from customers who want to use colored aluminum tags outdoors. To help answer that question with real world data, National Band & Tag conducted a long-term outdoor fade test using our enamel painted aluminum material. We mounted […]

QR Codes on Metal Tags: Durable Identification for Outdoor and Industrial Use

QR codes have become one of the easiest ways to connect physical products to digital information. With a quick smartphone scan, users can instantly open a website, pull up inventory records, access maintenance information, or identify equipment. While printed QR code labels may work indoors, many businesses need something more permanent. That is why laser […]

How Colleges and Arboretums Use Tree Tags to Create Walking Maps

Across college campuses and arboretums, tree identification tags are used to create educational walking tours that help visitors explore and learn about the landscape. By labeling trees and connecting them to maps or digital resources, these tags turn everyday spaces into interactive experiences. From simple printed maps to fully integrated systems, these programs all start […]

Deer Identification Tags for Farms and Breeders

How to Track, Manage, and Identify Your Herd Managing deer on a farm or breeding operation comes with one big challenge, keeping track of individual animals. Whether you are raising whitetail deer for breeding, operating a hunting preserve, or managing a growing herd, having a reliable identification system is essential. That is where deer identification […]

A Quick Recap from AWRF PIE & Technical Summit

We had a great time at the 2026 AWRF PIE & Technical Summit in Houston. It is always a good show, and it is something we look forward to every year. As a long-time AWRF member, it is important for us to stay involved and support the organization. We are proud to be part of […]