Public safety apparel and accessories manufacturer 5.11 Tactical has announced the ability to thermally fuse metallic-looking badges to many of its products. The new ChromaFlex Badges are the result of an exclusive licensing agreement between 5.11 and 3D heat transfer printing company FiberLok.

David Hein, head of the company's Institutional Division, says the ChromaFlex Badges "look identical to metal badges" at a lower cost while offering greater comfort and security. "They are not irritating like embroidered badges and patches," he adds.

ChromaFlex Badges are created through FiberLok's patented heat fusing process that combines polyurethane films, metallized aluminum plastics, and heat- seal adhesives. Hein says the badges are so permanent that they will "outlast the garments" they are affixed to and are laundry and dry cleaner friendly. In addition to the durability, 5.11 says the badges lie smooth on the fabric without the puckering and wrinkles that can occur with traditional badges and patches.

Hein believes many different types of public safety agencies will adopt the ChromaFlex Badges, including law enforcement, firefighters, and corrections officers. He adds the badges are of particular interest to corrections agencies because metal badges can be dangerous in a corrections environment.

5.11's ChromaFlex Badges can be produced in a variety of templates, including shields, five-pointed stars, and six-pointed stars. State seals and  other images can be set into the badges. The badges are now available on a variety of 5.11 apparel and nylon bags.