Laminates and Plastics
Flexible and Rigid Laminates (commonly known as 'Traffolyte') typically consist of different coloured layers, so that engraving the top layer away reveals a different coloured layer beneath allowing for highly readable markings and very clean lines.
Engraving laminates are available in most colours, are immune to solvents and are heat resistant. A silver coloured engraving laminate may be used to look like anodised aluminium and stainless steel, a gold coloured engraving laminate may be used to look like engraving brass.
Engraving laminates are now available with Textured, Gloss, Matt, Satin, Stone and Wood finishes. These materials can be suitable for interior or exterior use.
Usually engraving is carried out on the top (front) surface and can only be one colour. In reverse engraving, a special laminate is used that is engraved on the back surface and then the engraved areas are filled with coloured fillers.
By using different coloured fillers many colours are possible. If desired a three dimensional effect can also be produced.
With reverse engraving the top (front) surface remains smooth and flat for easy wiping and cleaning. Reverse engraving was developed for use in the food industry where cleanliness is of utmost importance.
Reverse-engravable Impact Acrylic laminates are available for both interior and exterior use.
Finishes:
Gloss or Matt
Applications:
Control Panels and Mimic Diagrams, General and Identification Labels, Serial Plates, Warning, Food Industry and Large Signage
Suitable for interior use, this material can be used externally, but darker colours are prone to fade as it is not 100% UV stable.
Rigid Laminates are often referred to as traffolyte, a recognised trade name but no longer available.
These materials are actually paper based and mixed with phenolic adhesives to form rigid layers, which are bonded together. The nature of this process gives a hard surface with a good finish which is ideal for engraving. There are some issues with delaminating in a very wet environments
Finishes:
Gloss or Metallic
Applications:
Control Panels and Mimic Diagrams to Personal Name Badges and are commonly used for General and Identification Labels, Serial Plates, Warning Signs, Valve Tags and Large Signage
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Commonly known by thier trade names, (Gravoply and Rowmark). They are often supplied as alternative to rigid engraving laminates (Traffolyte), impact acrylics are a more flexible laminate and less likely to 'shatter'. Suited for interior and external use and available in many different colour co-ordinations, the possibility for signage is endless.
Finishes:
Matt, Satin, Metallic and Textured
Applications:
Control Panels and Mimic Diagrams to Personal Name Badges and are commonly used for General and Identification Labels, Warning Signs, Valve Tags, Small Nameplates, Interior and Exterior Signage as well as industrial applications.
Cast acrylic is a thermoplastic material, manufactured under the name Perspex in the UK since 1933 and trademarked in 1934.
Cast acrylic is available in a clear finish which has exceptional light transmission and is also available in a wide range of colours. Exceptionally hardwearing and weather resistant.
Finishes:
Gloss
Applications:
Control Panels and Mimic Diagrams, General and Identification Labels, Warning Signs, Office Signs.
