Tag Imprinting Methods Explained

Customers often ask us to explain the different types of Tag imprinting options done by the manufacturers. Here is a recap on Ear Tag Imprinting Methods:

Laser Marking allows printing of complicated detail. It lasts the life of the tag, resist wear, fading and is abrasive proof. Laser color is a dark charcoal black/gray or silvery white color on black tags. Y-Tex,  Z Tags and Temple have a dark laser with good contrast.  Allflex uses an advanced laser ink method that puts a layer of ink over the management number only, making it a dark black. As does Duflex with its dark and durable marking. This ink will wear over time, leaving the laser beneath.

Durability Best.  Contrast good on most colors

Samples by manufacturers

   

Hot Stamp tags are stamped with a foil dye for a dark, crisp, saturated imprint of color with a high contrast. Hot stamp comes in black and is also offered in white. This imprint will start fading after 2 years lasting approximately 4 years  YTex and Z Tags offer Hot Stamp.

Durability Good.  Contrast Best.

Sample by manufacturers

  

Engraved Ear Tags are layered tags of two different colors. Top layer is either engraved by manufacturer or DIY by customer with a dremel tool to expose the contrast color. Engraved ear tags will never fade but dirt can get trapped in the indention and make it hard to read the information.  Ritchey and Cal Tag offer Engraved Ear Tags.

Durability Good.  Contrast Best.

Samples by manufacturer

 

Tag ink pens have a chemical component that helps the ink penetrate into the plastic of the ear tags. Ink comes in bottle ink and pens, in black and white colors. Tag ink pens will fade and ink must be reapplied each year to sustain markings. Other ink pens such as Sharpie or Marksalot perform even worse.

Durability Poor.  Contrast good.