Ear 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 and Z Tags 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. Y-TEX uses a propriety laser mark called PureLaser. Y-Tex laser mark is 100% laser, (not ink over laser), dark and guaranteed to last the life of the animal.

Samples 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 offers Engraved Ear Tags.

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.