3 Ways Nameplates Can Fail in the Field

February 25, 2026

There are at least 3 ways nameplates can fail in the field: Environmental Degradation, Choosing the Incorrect Material or Adhesive or Selecting an Inferior Print or Marking Process.

Fortunately, Willington Nameplate has a solution for each of these scenarios and can guide you to high-performing, long-lasting alternatives for your next identification product.

Environmental Degradation occurs because UV, abrasion, chemicals, heat, or moisture slowly erode printed graphics and weaken adhesives. WNP prevents this by offering materials and processes engineered specifically to stand up to harmful elements. Our most durable process, Metalphoto®, embeds images into photo-sensitive anodized aluminum and has a lifespan of 20+ years. This is a frequent choice for aerospace and defense projects.

CLICK TO READ ABOUT OUR METALPHOTO PROCESS 

Second, nameplates that look fine on day one can fail quickly if the substrate, thickness, or adhesives aren’t matched to the surface or environment. Vibration, fuel, and powder-coated surfaces are the classic culprits. WNP will guide you toward the right combination and produce an effective, long-lasting plate or label for any surface.

Third, choosing an Inferior Print or Marking Process can set a nameplate up for failure from the start. Once a barcode or UID is unreadable, traceability is gone. In addition to Metalphoto®, WNP offers screen-printing and chemical etch for nameplates that can maintain readability for 5-7 years outdoors. Our durable labels can also be printed with UV-resistant inks and laminated to extend their lifespan.

CLICK TO READ ABOUT OUR SCREEN-PRINTING PROCESS      CLICK TO READ ABOUT OUR CHEMICAL ETCH PROCESS 

If you’re looking to improve your nameplate performance or plan a redesign, our team can review your application and recommend the right combination of materials and processes for success.  Just upload a drawing and we’ll get back to you in one day.

UPLOAD YOUR DRAWING HERE