QR Code Tags – National Band and Tag Company

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 etched metal QR code tags continue to grow in popularity for industrial, commercial, and outdoor applications.

What Can a QR Code on a Metal Tag Do?

QR codes can be used in many different ways depending on the application. Some companies use QR codes strictly for asset tracking, while others use them to direct customers or employees to online information.

Common uses include:

Opening a webpage
Displaying a serial number
Accessing maintenance records
Linking to inventory systems
Viewing tree or plant information
Opening digital restaurant menus
Connecting to product specifications
Pulling up inspection records

One major advantage of QR codes linked to a URL is that the webpage can continue to be updated over time without replacing the physical tag, as long as the web address stays the same.

Popular Uses for QR Code Metal Tags

Asset and Inventory Tracking

QR codes are commonly used on asset tags to help businesses identify and track equipment, tools, and inventory. In many cases, the QR code is laser etched alongside a matching human readable serial number. This allows employees to either scan the code or manually read the identification number when needed.

Popular applications include:

Warehouse inventory
Manufacturing equipment
Rental equipment
Tool tracking

Tree Tags and Arboretum Identification

QR coded tree tags have become increasingly popular for parks, campuses, arboretums, and botanical gardens.

Scanning the code can direct visitors to:

Tree species information
Interactive maps
Donor recognition pages
Care instructions
Educational content

Unlike printed labels, laser etched metal tree tags are designed to remain readable outdoors for years.

QR Code Menus and Public Information

Restaurants, breweries, museums, and public facilities often use QR coded metal signs or tags to provide quick access to information.

These QR codes may link to:

Restaurant menus
Visitor guides
Event information
Safety instructions
Facility directories

Because the website content can be updated anytime, the physical tag does not need to change when information changes online.

Why Metal Tags Last Longer Than QR Code Labels

Printed QR code labels can work short term, but outdoor and industrial environments are often too harsh for adhesive labels to last. Labels may fade in sunlight, peel from moisture or heat and become unreadable over time.

Laser etched metal tags provide a more permanent solution. The QR code becomes part of the tag itself rather than sitting on top as printed ink or adhesive material.

Frequently Asked Questions About QR Code Metal Tags

Can QR codes be laser etched on metal?
Yes. QR codes can be permanently laser etched onto most of the materials we offer.
For outdoor or harsh environments, we recommend Black UV stable aluminum or stainless steel.
For indoor environments, you can do colored aluminum or plastic.

Do laser etched QR codes work outdoors?

Yes. For outdoor uses we recommend using our UV Stable Black Aluminum. QR Codes on metal tags work outside better and longer than printed labels.

Why is Black UV Stable Aluminum good for QR codes?
Successful QR code scanning depends heavily on contrast. Black UV Stable Aluminum creates a white mark against a black background when laser etched, making the code easier for phones and scanners to read quickly.

This high contrast appearance helps improve scan reliability in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Benefits of Black UV Stable Aluminum QR code tags include:

High contrast for easier smartphone scanning
Excellent outdoor UV resistance
Durable anodized finish
Lightweight but long lasting
Professional appearance
Resistant to fading and weather exposure

For many applications, Black UV Stable Aluminum offers the best balance of durability, readability, and cost.

Can a QR code link to a website?

Yes. Many QR codes are designed to open a website, landing page, menu, inventory system, or database record.

You will need to send us your website URL and then we will form it into the QR Code. Learn more about how to send us your data here.

Why include a serial number next to the QR code?

Human readable numbers provide backup identification if scanning is not possible and makes visual identification faster for employees.

Ready to Get Started with QR Code Metal Tags?

When requesting a quote, it helps to provide: tag style or size, material choice, estimated quantity, what the QR code will link to or display. A general mockup or layout idea (even a simple sketch can help speed up the quoting process).

Request a quote here: https://www.nationalband.com/ordering-form

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 the same way: with clearly labeled trees that visitors can follow and learn from.

Below are three common ways organizations build their arboretum walking trails.

Basic Walking Maps and Brochures

The most common starting point is a simple, self-guided walking tour.

Trees are labeled with arboretum tags that are numbered or identify the species, and visitors follow a printed or downloadable map that corresponds to each tree.

At Lewis-Clark State College, this approach is used to guide visitors through a campus tree tour using a brochure and tagged trees along the route. The map uses numbered locations, while the tags themselves display the tree’s common name for easy identification.

This method is:

Easy to set up
Cost-effective
A great foundation for future expansion

QR Code Tree Tags for Interactive Learning

Instead of relying only on a map, visitors can scan a tag to access additional information right from their phone. QR codes can link to any URL, giving organizations flexibility in how they share content.

A larger-scale example can be seen at the Bonita Lakes Arboretum, developed in partnership with Mississippi State University. Along the trail, over 85 species are tagged, and QR codes direct visitors to a comprehensive tree guide PDF, allowing them to learn more about the trees in the region as they walk.

QR code systems allow organizations to:

Share more information without overcrowding the tag
Link to resources like webpages, videos, or PDFs
Update content anytime without replacing tags
Create a more engaging visitor experience

Interactive Maps and Digital Tree Tours

Some colleges and arboretums take their programs even further by developing interactive maps and digital platforms.

At North Carolina State University, a campus tree trail maps over 100 species using digital tools that allow users to explore trees by location.

Each tree is identified with a tag that includes key information such as the common name, scientific name, family, and a campus tree trail URL. Visitors can use this URL to access the digital tree map and explore additional details about each tree.

These systems often work alongside QR codes or direct web links, creating a fully connected experience where:

The tag identifies the tree
The map shows its location
The digital platform provides in-depth information

Custom Arboretum Tags for Any Walking Trail

No matter what type of walking tour you choose to create, National Band & Tag’s arboretum tags can be customized to meet your needs. From numbered identification tags to QR code-ready designs, our tags are built to withstand outdoor environments while supporting your educational goals.

See additional samples from our customers and pricing here: www.nationalband.com/arboretum-tags

Discover Long-Lasting Power Pole Tags at The 2025 Utility Expo!

At National Band & Tag, we understand that proper identification is critical for power pole management—from inspection and maintenance to ownership marking. That’s why our Power Pole Tags provide long-lasting reliability and versatility to utility companies nationwide.

The Utility Expo 2025

National Band & Tag is proud to announce that we’ll be exhibiting at The Utility Expo 2025, happening October 7–9, 2025, at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, KY.

With 1.4 million+ square feet of exhibit space, 900+ exhibitors, and more than 21,000 utility and construction professionals in attendance, this show is the largest of its kind. Attendees will experience hands-on equipment demos, immersive educational sessions, expert panels, and industry-leading showcases. Event hours are Tuesday–Wednesday, 8:30 AM–5 PM, and Thursday, 8:30 AM–2 PM.

See Our Power Pole Tags Up Close

Stopping by our booth #S3355 gives you the opportunity to explore the full range of our Power Pole Tags and understand what sets them apart:

Hands-on samples: Evaluate construction, quality, and finish options right at the booth.
Customization options: Discuss dimensions, numbering, branding, shapes, hole configurations, and materials to meet your exact specifications.
Proven longevity: Our UV-stable black aluminum tags last 20+ years outdoors, staying bold and legible through harsh conditions. Plain aluminum—available stamped or embossed—offers a durable, cost-effective alternative.
Utility-specific designs: From inspection discs and cooperative pole tags to treated pole tags and visual inspection markers, our products are built for the industry.
Real-world results: One utility client reported that after 14+ years outdoors, our black UV-stable aluminum tags remained in excellent condition—demonstrating their long-term value.

Get Started Today

Click the banner at the top of this blog to register for The Utility Expo at a discounted rate. Then, stop by our booth in Louisville to connect with our team, explore customization options, and see how our rugged Power Pole Tags can support your operations.

In the meantime, you can also visit our Power Pole Tags page for samples, customization options, and to request a quote online.

We look forward to meeting you at The Utility Expo this October!

World Rabies Day 2025: Act Now: You, Me, Community

September 28, 2025, is World Rabies Day—a global day of action to raise awareness about rabies prevention and the importance of keeping pets vaccinated and properly identified. This year’s theme, “Act Now: You, Me, Community,” emphasizes that protecting animals and people starts with the steps each of us take today. Since rabies is 100% preventable through vaccination and responsible pet ownership, World Rabies Day reminds us that small actions—like vaccinating your dog, leading by example, and educating your neighbors—can save lives and strengthen community health.

At National Band & Tag, we’re proud to support veterinarians, clinics, and municipalities across the country with durable rabies tags that serve as proof of vaccination and peace of mind for pet owners.

Our Standard Rabies Tags

Each year, NB&T offers the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians (NAPSHV)’s recommended tag style and color to help standardize rabies vaccination across the U.S. For 2026, the style of the year is the Orange Oval (Style #228). These tags are easy to recognize, highly durable, and customizable with your clinic or municipality’s information.

Paw Finders Rabies Tags

Looking for an enhanced solution? Our Paw Finders rabies tags (Style #228PAW) combine the traditional rabies tag with modern lost pet recovery technology.

Front: Standard rabies vaccination information.
Back: A unique QR code linked to the pet owner’s contact information.

If a pet is ever lost, anyone who finds them can quickly scan the tag to connect with the owner—no microchip scanner required. This dual-purpose tag offers an extra layer of protection for pets and peace of mind for their families.

Why Order Early?

As we head toward the end of the year, production schedules become increasingly busy with thousands of clinics and municipalities ordering their tags for the upcoming year. To ensure delivery before January 1, 2026 , we strongly encourage customers to order their rabies tags now.

Order your 2026 Style 228 or 228PAW Rabies Tags today

Together We Can Make a Difference

World Rabies Day is a reminder that prevention saves lives—through vaccination and identification. Whether you choose our standard rabies tags or Paw Finders, you’re helping to protect pets, reassure owners, and build a healthier community.

Celebrate National Park and Recreation Month with Durable Tree and Plant Tags

July is National Park and Recreation Month, a time to recognize the vital role that parks, green spaces, and recreation areas play in enhancing our communities. At National Band & Tag, we’re proud to support park departments across the country with durable, custom tree and plant identification tags that help keep park landscapes organized, educational, and beautiful.

As a trusted supplier to arboretums, botanical gardens, and park systems, we know the importance of clear, long-lasting labels—especially in outdoor environments where tags need to withstand sun, wind, rain, and time.

Identification Solutions Designed for Parks

Our most popular styles among park professionals include:

Style #14ARBOR – A heavy-duty, UV-stable black aluminum tag designed specifically for trees. These tags can be customized with multiple lines of text, logos, or even QR codes linking to educational resources or memorial tree information. Built to last outdoors for 20+ years.
Style #14PLANT – A versatile rectangular tag for plant beds, flower gardens, and landscaped areas. Made from the same long-lasting material as the 14ARBOR, this tag is ideal for educational trails or donor recognition.

We also offer other tree and plant identification solutions such as write-on tags and plastic stakes to accommodate a wide range of park needs and budgets. Whether you’re managing a large arboretum or a small community garden, we have a tagging solution for you.

Trusted by ArbNet Accredited Arboretums

We’re proud to serve many ArbNet-accredited arboretums with tags that meet the high standards required for accreditation. Our products help support your mission of education, conservation, and public engagement by making it easy to label and showcase your living collections.

Meet Us at the NRPA Conference

National Band & Tag will be exhibiting at the 2025 National Recreation and Parks Association’s Annual Conference, Booth 1431 this September in Orlando, FL. We look forward to connecting with park directors, managers, and coordinators in person and discussing how our tags can improve your signage and plant identification efforts.

Why Park Professionals Choose National Band & Tag

Made in the USA with over 120 years of manufacturing expertise
Customizable with laser etching for a professional, easy-to-read look.
Weather-resistant materials for long-term outdoor use
Easy ordering and friendly customer service

Ready to improve your plant and tree identification?
Explore our full line of Horticulture Tags and see why so many park professionals trust National Band & Tag’s products.

Case Study: How National Band & Tag Helped Union Pacific Railroad Streamline Their Asset Tagging System

The Challenge

Union Pacific Railroad, a leading transportation company in North America, relies on a vast network of railways, locomotives, and infrastructure to keep goods moving across the country. With thousands of assets spread across their system, efficient tracking and identification are critical. Years ago, when Union Pacific transitioned to an SAP software system, they faced a challenge: standardizing their asset tags across multiple engineering firms responsible for maintaining and ordering tags for their equipment. Without a unified tagging system, inconsistencies in tag design, formatting, and data could create confusion, slow down operations, and impact efficiency.

The Solution

Union Pacific turned to National Band & Tag to develop a streamlined asset tagging solution that would integrate seamlessly into their new system. Our team worked closely with Union Pacific to create a customized ordering template that ensures every tag meets their specific requirements, regardless of which engineering company places the order.

Key Features of the Solution:

Standardized Tag Design – A consistent look and format for all Union Pacific tags, reducing errors and improving readability.
Easy-to-Use Ordering Template – Engineering companies can quickly and accurately order tags using a pre-set template designed to match Union Pacific’s specifications.
Durable and Long-Lasting Materials – High-quality metal tags built to withstand the harsh conditions of railroad environments.
Seamless SAP Integration – The tags and ordering process were designed to align with Union Pacific’s SAP system for better asset management.

Since implementing this standardized tagging system, Union Pacific’s asset management has become more efficient. Even though Union Pacific no longer orders tags directly, their engineering firms can seamlessly place orders while ensuring uniformity across all tags. This solution has helped:

✔ Maintain a consistent appearance across all asset tags.
✔ Improve traceability and organization of railroad assets.
✔ Reduce errors and confusion caused by inconsistent tag designs.
✔ Streamline the ordering process for engineering firms.

Union Pacific’s success story demonstrates how a well-designed tagging system can simplify operations and improve efficiency. National Band & Tag takes pride in creating customized solutions that help businesses, large and small, manage their assets effectively.

If your company is looking for a durable and standardized tagging solution, contact us today to see how we can help!

Unlock the Power of Asset Tags with National Band & Tag

What Are Asset Tags and Why Are They Important?

Asset tags are identification tags used to monitor and manage physical assets, ranging from equipment to material and vehicles. These tags are crucial for tracking and maintaining an accurate inventory, ensuring operational efficiency, and preventing loss or theft. By attaching these tags to important equipment, businesses can maintain an accurate inventory, streamline asset management processes, and reduce the time spent searching for misplaced items. Asset tags help deter theft and unauthorized use of assets. By tagging valuable items with unique identification numbers, businesses can quickly identify missing items and take appropriate action to recover them. Additionally, asset tags facilitate the tracking of maintenance schedules and lifecycle information. This ensures that equipment is serviced regularly, prolonging its lifespan and reducing the risk of unexpected failures. Many industries are subject to regulatory requirements that mandate the tracking and management of assets. Asset tags help businesses comply with these regulations by providing a reliable method for recording and reporting asset information.

Applications of Asset Tags:

Asset tags are used across a wide range of industries and applications. In healthcare, asset tags are essential for tracking medical equipment and devices, ensuring that they are properly maintained and available when needed. In the education sector, schools use asset tags to manage assets such as computers and furniture, helping to keep track of valuable resources and minimize loss. Manufacturing industries rely on asset tags to monitor machinery and tools, ensuring that equipment is maintained and replaced as needed. Retail businesses use asset tags to keep track of inventory and fixtures, improving inventory management and reducing the risk of theft. In the transportation sector, asset tags are used to identify and manage fleet vehicles, helping to keep track of vehicle maintenance and usage.

How National Band & Tag Can Help:

At National Band & Tag, we understand the importance of investing in high-quality asset tags for efficient asset management. Our custom asset tags are designed to meet the unique needs of your business, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. We offer a wide range of custom design options, allowing you to create asset tags that meet your industry and environmental needs. Choose from various materials, colors, and sizes to suit specific requirements. Our asset tags are made from high-quality materials that can withstand harsh environments, ensuring that your tags remain legible and functional for years. Barcodes, logos, custom or serial numbering, text and more is all available. Whether you need tags for indoor or outdoor use, we have the right solution for you.

Click here for more information on asset tags and to see examples from our customers. For a price quote, email us at tags@nationalband.com or call 859-261-2035.

Discover the Benefits of Tree Tags for Parks of All Sizes

Did you have the opportunity to visit us at the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Annual Conference back in October 2023? This conference is the largest annual gathering of park and recreation professionals. Just in case you missed us, this is your reminder to order your Tree and Plant Tags in preparation for all the visitors coming to your parks this Spring and Summer!

For parks of every size, from sprawling national parks to intimate community green spaces, National Band & Tag is proud to offer innovative identification solutions.

Why Tree Tags?

Tree tags from NB&T are more than just ID markers; they are essential tools for educational outreach, inventory management, and conservation efforts. Designed to withstand the elements, our tags can be customized to feature QR codes, serial numbers, and any text of your choosing, making them a versatile option for parks looking to monitor tree health or display species information.

Educational Outreach: Enhance visitor’s experience by providing information about the tree, such as common name, scientific name, and origin directly on the tags.
Inventory Management: Simplify the tracking of your park’s tree population with easily scannable QR codes or serial numbers, facilitating a streamlined approach to park management.
Conservation Efforts: Track the growth, health, and maintenance needs of individual trees to support your park’s conservation objectives.

Get Started Today

NB&T offers customizable tree tags to meet the specific needs of each park. Whether you’re managing a vast natural reserve or a small urban green space, our tags can be tailored to fit the scale and scope of your park’s requirements. Contact National Band & Tag today to explore how our customizable tree tags can be integrated into your park’s landscape.

Be on the lookout for National Band and Tag at this year’s NRPA Annual Conference, October 8 & 9, 2024 – Booth #535. We’ll see you in Atlanta!

QR Coded Tags – Get Customers To Your Website With One Scan

WHAT IS A QR CODE:

A QR Code or Quick Response Code, is a 2D barcode that typically leads to a website. If it doesn’t lead to a website, then it can lead to a serial number. QR Codes can be scanned with a smart phone or a 2D scanner.

WHAT TAGS CAN HAVE A QR CODE ON THEM:

Almost all our plate tags can have a QR Code laser etched onto them. For QR Codes we recommend the UV Stable Black Aluminum material because the black and white contrast is the best for reading the QR Code with a smartphone. Stainless Steel or Blue Aluminum would be the next best options. Not available on Brass. We also offer Asset Labels where you can design your own QR Coded label.

QR CODE TAG USES:

Any time you want to lead someone to a website, a QR Code is an easy way to get them there. The information on the tag can’t change once it’s made. But you can constantly update the website that the QR Code leads to. If you want to lead someone to a website to learn more about what they are looking at. Or, if you want them to go to a website to sign in and log information about the equipment they are working with. A QR Code can easily get them to the correct place without them having to type in a website name.

Some uses include, but are not limited to: Tree Tags, Asset Tags, Menu Tags, Promotional Tags, Equipment/Tool Tags, etc.

HELPFUL TIPS:

We create the QR Code here for you, all we need is for you to send us the URLs or the number series. If you are getting 100 tags with 100 different URLs, then we will need all 100 links.
If you are not using your own website, make sure you are using a trusted website that will never be taken down. If the website is removed, your QR Codes are now unreadable.
If your URLs are long and you are getting a small tag, your QR Codes will be denser. This makes it harder to read with a smartphone. Consider using a 3rd party website like Bitly, or redirects, to shorten your URLS. Learn more about barcode density here.
QR Codes with logos in the middle – At this time, the only way for our software to accommodate this is for you to make the QR Code with the logo in the middle yourself, and send it to us as a logo file. There is a layout charge for each logo file you send us. So, we would recommend doing this type of QR Code only when it is the same URL link on all the tags.

Below are a few examples from our customers of QR Codes on tags. If you have any questions or want to place an order, call us at 859-261-2035 or email us at tags@nationalband.com.

World Rabies Day – 2023

September 28^th is World Rabies Day! Created and coordinated annually by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC), World Rabies Day focuses on rabies endemic countries to increase community awareness of the disease and its prevention.

This year’s theme is “Rabies: All for 1, One Health for All”.

“All for 1” expresses the responsibility each and every one of us has in the battle to eliminate rabies. All people can work towards One Health, and everyone can contribute to saving a life. Communities can work together to help individual people and animals, and everyone can work towards a single goal effectively.
Number 1 can refer to a single person making a difference, to a community, to our one goal, to how one vaccinated animal protects all, and how a single course of PEP can save a life.

As always, this year’s theme supports the overall mission of Zero by 30. To have zero human deaths from dog-transmitted rabies by 2030.

National Band & Tag is a family-owned manufacturer of rabies tags and supporter of World Rabies Day! The National Association of Public Health Veterinarians sets the standard for the color and style of each year’s rabies tags. 2024’s NASPHV recommended style of the year is the Red Heart. NB&T not only produces millions of rabies tags each year, but we also offer Paw Finders. Paw Finders is a rabies tag and lost pet recovery system, all in one tag! The QR Code can be scanned and registered with the pet owner’s name and phone number. If the pet ever goes missing, the finder can scan the QR Code to get the owner’s contact information. This makes returning lost pets home easier and faster. Order your Paw Finders tags for 2024 here.

Matching Tree and Plant Tags

Create custom matching Tree and Plant tags to label every size plant, flower, shrub, bush, and tree in your garden. Used by arboretums, botanical gardens, park walking trails, and more. We can create a unified look on all your tags with your logo, QR Codes and text layout.

Shown below are examples from our customers of Style #14ARBOR (3″ x 5″) and Style #14PLANT (1.5″ x 4.5″). Other custom sizes are also available.

Property Tags and Asset Tags

WHAT ARE PROPERTY TAGS AND ASSET TAGS?

Property Tags and Asset Tags are forms of identification that show a piece of equipment, or any type of asset, belongs to your company. Tags can be something simple such as your company name and phone number. Or they can be highly customized with logos, barcodes, serial numbers, and multiple forms of contact information.

HOW CAN THIS BENEFIT MY COMPANY?

Properly identifying your property and assets can benefit your company by deterring theft and showing ownership. Serial numbers can assist employees in making sure they have the correct equipment. This also allows for asset management which is helpful for assets that move around a lot. QR Codes can be added to the tags which then allows employees to track important information about each item on a website. Proper asset management benefits your company by saving you time and money.

WHY PURCHASE NB&T TAGS?

As a family operated manufacturer, it is our mission to provide unique and innovative identification solutions. This means we can assist with small runs or large runs, tags with a simple design, or fully loaded tags. We have multiple tag shapes, sizes, and materials to meet the needs of any work environment.

Check out these examples of Property Tags and Asset Tags from our customers.

QR Code Tags for Menus

During the pandemic, many restaurants got rid of their paper menus and substituted in QR Codes that when scanned, leads to their menu online. This saved restaurants money on printing disposable menus, and time on cleaning menus. QR Codes printed on paper or labels, aren’t as durable as QR Codes engraved on metal. NB&T offers custom laser etched metal tags that can be used to created QR Coded Menu tags for your restaurant!

The first tag featured above is made from stainless steel. Stainless steel is a non-corrosive material, that will stand up to harsh cleaning chemicals used to clean tables. So the QR Code will never fade or be ruined. The second tag featured above is made from black UV stable aluminum material. These tags would be a great option for restaurants with outdoor seating or picnic tables, because this material will last outdoors for 20+ years. This picture is a great example of the multiple ways available to customize your QR Coded Menu tags.

You won’t ever need to update your tags, as long as you don’t change the URL. You just update the webpage your menu is on, and all the QR Codes will automatically lead to your updated page. When ordering tags, we will create the QR Code for you, we just need to know your URL, (EX: www.YourMenu.com). To get started, check out all the tag shapes and sizes we have available.

Custom Laser-Etched Tags. From Text to Logos to Barcodes.

If you are looking for a completely custom tag with a professional look, then laser-etched tags are for you! Tags can be sold in small or large quantities. Whether you need 1 tag or 100,000 tags, we can help! National Band & Tag has 25+ years of experience laser etching tags.

CUSTOM TAGS

You can customize your tags to have text, logos/graphics, barcodes, borders, etc. The laser creates a clean, detailed, image on the tag’s surface. Tags come in all shapes, sizes, materials, and there is virtually no limit to what we can do. Laster etched tags are more durable and will last for years compared to printed tags. National Band & Tag offers quantity discounts, so the more tags you order, the larger the discount! Check out our instructions on how to send us the data for your tags.

MATERIALS

ALUMINUM:

UV Stable (Black), Plain (silver), or Colored Aluminum is available.

STAINLESS STEEL:

Different Finishes are available for stainless steel. This will affect how your tag looks.
Light or Dark etching is available.
Frosted Backgrounds are available to remove the shine from the tag.

BRASS:

Frosted Backgrounds are available to remove the shine from the tag.
Barcodes are not available on brass.

PLASTIC:

Plastic tags are available in multiple colors depending on the style of tag.

LABELS:

Style #3602 – Label material is made from military-grade 3M™ 7847 polyacrylic matte black stock for a heavy-duty label.

USES

Identification Tags
Asset Tags
Serialized Tags
Inventory Tags
Equipment Tags
Brand / Property Identity Tags
and more!

Share your pictures of your laser-etched tags being used for the chance to be featured on our social media!

Upgraded Well Permit Tags

New, Improved, QR Coded Well Permit Tags

Well Tags need to last outside in harsh environments year-round to make sure wells are properly identified. The old DNREC Well Permit Tag featured on top is plain aluminum and is stamped. The Well Permit Tag on the bottom is UV Stable Black Aluminum. On this tag, we use a laser to etch the text, which creates a highly visible white text on the black background, which won’t fade away. The new UV Stable Black Aluminum tag has a QR Code on the tag. This allows anyone with a smartphone to scan the QR Code and go to the Department of Natural Resources’ website.

Every well is required to have a Well Tag (in most states), to ensure a clean and adequate supply of underground drinking water. There are programs in place to prevent contamination of aquifers from improper well construction, drilling, or abandonment. Before drilling, a licensed well driller must first obtain a permit. The unique ID number on the Well Tag makes obtaining important information about the well easier.

Our Well Permit Tags are customizable in shape, material, and layout, so you can get the exact identification you need. We offer custom slot sizes for your tags so you can strap these tags onto the well. Available slot sizes are 1/8″ X 9/16″ (for 1/2″ strapping), 1/4″ X 7/8″ (for 3/4″ strapping) and 1/4″ X 1-1/8″ (for 1″ strapping). Click here to view more samples of Well Permit Tags.

How to read tags on a lost pet

Unfortunately, there is no national Pet ID Tag lookup in place to get a lost pet home. Luckily, lost pets never go more than a few miles from home. This is why a local city or county database is always more reliable than a national one. There are multiple tag manufacturers like National Band & Tag, all with multiple customers who order the same numbering. This is why contacting local animal shelters, veterinarians, and city/county animal control offices are always more likely to produce results than contacting tag manufacturers.

Here are some tag tips to help return lost pets as soon as possible:

The first tag to look for is a Pet ID Tag. These tags usually have the pet’s name on it, the owner’s contact info, or a QR Code on it. New, modern QR Coded pet tags will need to be scanned with a smartphone, or the unique ID number will need to be keyed in on the website to access the owner’s information.

rabies tags with a QR Code

The second tag to look for is a local county or city License Tag. While not every city or county requires a License Tag, the majority of the US enforces pet licensing. Based on where the animal is found, you can contact local animal control offices. You can give them the tag number of the lost pet, and they can then look that unique number up to get the owner’s information.

dog and cat license tags

The third tag to look for is a Rabies Tag. These usually have the veterinarian’s information on it so you can contact them. Because doctors cannot give out patient information, they will have to contact the owner on your behalf.

Other types of tags may include Dog Park License Tags, Apartment Registered Tags, or “I’m Microchipped” Tags. These will all help hint to the area the pet came from to help narrow down your search.

If there are no tags or any forms of identification on the lost pet, you will want to take them to a local vet or animal shelter to have them scanned for a microchip. You can then use social media, found pet flyers, lost pet online databases, and word of mouth to try to find the owners.

Barcoded Tags Compatible with your Software

Why Use NB&T Tags:

National Band & Tag is an identification solutions provider, which means we will work with you to find the best solution for your ID needs. We offer multiple shapes, sizes, styles, materials, and engraving methods so that you can get the look you want.

We can assist software companies with designing a general tag that is used with your software, or we can work directly with project managers to come up with a tag that meet’s each of your client’s specific needs. Since your client doesn’t have to go searching for the tags to work with your software, your company is now a one stop shop, full service solution. Our customers use barcoded tags for multiple applications, including, but not limited to, asset management, inventory management, food traceability and more.

Scanners/Readers:

Our barcoded tags are compatible with most scanners. We can send a free sample tag for you to test with your own scanners to make sure they will read before you place your order.

Getting Started:

To start the design process, we recommend scrolling through our website to look for a tag shape and size that fits your application. After you pick out your style number, you will need to pick out a material, quantity, and what you would like on it. A sales representative will be able to give you a quote, and answer any customization questions you may have. If you would like to start designing with a sales rep, give us a call at 859-261-2035.

Use the links below to help you get started:

Shop by Material:

Shop by Shape:

Shop by Barcode:

Stainless Steel

UV Stable Black Aluminum

2D Data Matrix Barcode

QR (Quick Response) Code

Do you have any questions for our resident barcode expert? If so, comment below.

How To: Use a QR Code for Educational Walking Trails

Are you looking to use QR (Quick Response) Codes to create an educational walking trail in your museum, arboretum, botanical garden, school, or park? QR Codes are a great way to provide more information about an item by sending people to a website. NB&T is here to help guide you through the process of getting your website into a QR code and onto a tag.

barcode scan

Follow these easy steps to complete your educational walking trail and get people scanning your QR Coded tags!

Prep your QR Code Information:

Determine what you want to have a QR Code on (plants, statues, trees, posts, memorial sites, exhibits etc.)
Create and design a separate web page for everything you want to have a QR Code on. (Ask your webmaster for assistance with steps #2 and #3 if needed).

Example:
Tree 1 – QR Code goes to www.tree1.com
Tree 2 – QR Code goes to www.tree2.com

3. Optional – For best scanning of a QR Code, use redirects for extremely long URLs.

Design Your Tag:

Browse through our website to determine the tag style, size, material, and hole size you want.
Sketch up a mockup, or layout of how you want your tag to look, along with any other information you want, such as company name, logo, item name, year, etc.
Send info from #4 and #5, along with quantity of tags you need to tags@nationalband.com for a free price quote.
Once ready to order – send your complete tag info to us using our Data Transfer Instructions. It is important to send us your info correctly so none of your tags are off. We will turn your web page URL into a QR Code!

Setting up Your Walking Trail:

Set up all your tags in a visible place where people can easily scan them.
Encourage people to use their smart phones to scan the tag for more information on the item they are looking at.
Maintenance – you can change the info on your web pages as much as you need. As long as the URL doesn’t change, you won’t need to replace your QR Coded tag.

Send us pictures of your completed walking trail!

Example: NC Coastal Reserve

nature trail tag educational trail tag with QR Code

Determined they had 22 places throughout the walking trail on the reserve that needed a QR Code.
Created their 22 web pages that in this case, held audio files.
This customer used tinyurl.com for their redirects.
They chose a style 14 tag, 3” x 4” inches, in UV stable black aluminum material, with an 1/8” inch hole on the top and bottom of the tag.
They decided they wanted for their tag layout the QR Code first, then “Audio Trail Interpretation Station” the URL, and their company name smaller at the bottom.
Sent the info to us for a quote.
Sent their data transfer Excel sheet to us using the correct format.
Used screws to hang their tags into posts along the trail.
Promoted scanning their new tags through social media.

The Ultimate Barcode Cheat Sheet

Barcodes on tags are a great and easy way to identify assets, inventory, products and more. Different codes hold different types or amounts of information. Check out the barcodes that we offer below to decided which one is best for your application.

QR Code (Quick Response Code)

2D Barcode
Can contain up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters
Typically leads to a website
Developed in 1994
Can be scanned with a smart phone or 2D scanner
Great for promotional uses, walking trails, tree tags, memorial sites and more.

Data Matrix

2D Barcode
Can contain up to 2,335 alphanumeric characters
Great for encoding large amounts of information on a small amount of space
Most secure barcode there is
Developed in 1989
Can be scanned with a smart phone or 2D scanner
Great for industrial uses, asset tracking, and any application that requires the tag to hold a lot of information.

Linear

1D Barcode
Developed in 1960s
Can be scanned with a 1D scanner and most 2D scanners
Code 39
- Can encrypt the alphabet, digits 0-9, and special characters: – “. $ % + – / *”
- Uses 9 elements per character (5 bars and 4 spaces)
- Larger in size
- Great for encoding short serial numbers
Code 128
- Can encrypt all 128 ASCII symbols
- Uses 6 elements per character (3 bars and 3 spaces)
- More space efficient
- Great for encoding long strings of information
Interleaved 2 of 5
- Used for wing bands
- Numeric code with up to 6 numbers on band sizes 3, 3.5, 4 (if you want 5 there will be a preceding zero) Up to 4 numbers on size 2.75
- Can be scanned with a 1D scanner or a smart phone

Our Favorite Tags

Here at NB&T we have hundreds of styles of tags to choose from, so we asked some of our family members and employees, “what is your favorite tag style and why?”

Faye (President): Style 137 – “The 1-1/4” inch circle is my favorite because it has so many uses and is a top seller. It is used across multiple product categories such as rabies tags, industrial tags and tree tags.

Billie (Sales Representative): Style 1242 – “The Butt-End Bands are my favorite because they can be used for other things besides leg bands for waterfowl, such as wire markers, jewelry, and business cards.”

Andi (Graphics & Web Manager): Style 165 – “The large dog bone is my favorite because it is on my dog and I get to see it every day!”

Kevin (Laser Etching Manager): Style 14 – “The rectangle with rounded edges is one of my favorite because it can go on almost anything and it can vary in size to fit customer’s needs. I also get to laser etch this style a lot.”

Anne Marie (Bilingual Sales Representative): Style 681IC – “The sea turtle tag is my favorite because it is strong and can last in harsh environments like saltwater. I also like supporting sea turtle conservation.”

Alex (IT): Style 148 – “It looks like the Millennium Falcon.”

Kelsey (Sales Representative): Style 503 – “The mouse-shaped tag is my favorite because it reminds me of my pet rat.”

Sarah (Sales Representative): Style 2351AT – “The plastic apron tags are my new favorite because they are new and exciting product line. They are different from other tags we do and I like working with them.”

Pablo (Shipping): Style 1005-1 – “The small animal ear tag is my favorite because it is something I pack, ship and handle every day.”

Ali (Marketing Specialist): Style 398 – “This is my favorite of the seven heart shapes because it looks the most like a heart and it is versatile. It can be a pet tag, promotional tag, used for weddings, and more.”