What Is Traffolyte? A Complete Guide to Traffolyte Labels

Traffolyte is a multi-layered phenolic plastic laminate specifically designed for engraving. The material consists of a core layer sandwiched between outer layers of contrasting colours. When the top layer is engraved away, it reveals the core colour beneath, creating high-contrast, permanently legible text and graphics.

The name "traffolyte" originated as a brand name in 1927, when the material was first produced by Metropolitan-Vickers Electrical Ltd. at their Trafford Park factory in Manchester. It was initially developed for transformer labels. After the business changed hands and the original brand fell into disuse, "traffolyte" became the generic term for this type of phenolic engraving laminate.

Today, many manufacturers produce phenolic engraving laminates, and traffolyte has become the accepted generic term throughout the industry. The material is also known as rigid laminate, phenolic laminate, or ABET Hard Laminate (a common brand name).

Traffolyte sheets are manufactured through a high-pressure lamination process. Multiple layers of paper are impregnated with thermosetting resins and bonded together under heat and pressure. The resulting material is chemically stable and inert, with characteristics quite different from its component parts.

The lamination process

The manufacturing process involves several stages. Kraft paper is saturated with phenol-formaldehyde resin to form the core layers, whilst decorative paper with melamine-formaldehyde resin creates the coloured surface layers. These are stacked in the desired colour combination and pressed at high temperature and pressure, causing the resins to cross-link and form an irreversibly cured material.

Engraving methods

Once the traffolyte sheet is produced, labels are created through mechanical engraving. A rotating cutter removes material from the surface layer to reveal the contrasting core beneath. This process produces deep, permanent markings that will not fade, peel, or wear away under normal conditions.

At Silver Fox®, our Endurance® Traffolyte Engraved labels are mechanically engraved in our UK factory. The text and graphics are deeply etched into the surface, ensuring the markings remain intact and readable throughout the label's service life.

Traffolyte's popularity in industrial applications stems from its combination of physical and chemical properties. Understanding these characteristics helps you determine whether traffolyte is suitable for your specific labelling requirements.

Technical specifications

According to manufacturer data sheets, high-pressure laminate traffolyte conforms to the European standard EN 438 and ISO 4586. The material comprises more than 60% paper content, with the remaining 30-40% consisting of cured phenolic and melamine resins.

The material is odourless and chemically inert once cured, meaning it does not release gases or migrate substances that could affect nearby materials or equipment. This stability makes it suitable for use in sensitive environments.

Traffolyte labels have become the standard choice for many industrial labelling applications, particularly where electrical safety and long-term durability are priorities. Their non-conductive properties and permanent engraved markings make them ideal for environments where clarity and safety are paramount.

Primary applications

• Electrical control panels: Circuit identification, warning labels, and component labelling on switchboards and distribution panels.
• Switchgear: Permanent identification labels that remain legible throughout the equipment's service life.
• Asset tagging: Durable equipment identification labels for maintenance tracking and inventory management.
• Safety signage: Warning signs and hazard labels in industrial facilities.
• Valve and pipe marking: Identification tags for plant rooms, boiler houses, and process equipment.
• Patch panels: Network and telecommunications infrastructure labelling in data centres.

Our Endurance® Traffolyte Cable Labels and Endurance® Traffolyte Valve Tags are used across industries including electrical contracting, rail, marine and aerospace, healthcare facilities, and data centres. The labels have undergone rigorous testing to meet the stringent requirements of LUL1-085, ensuring their suitability for London Underground installations.

Whilst traffolyte excels in many applications, it does have limitations that may make other labelling materials more suitable for certain environments. Understanding these constraints helps you select the right solution for your specific requirements.

For applications requiring outdoor durability, flexible materials, or rapid on-site production, alternative labelling solutions may be more appropriate. For guidance on selecting the right material for your project, see our Engraved Labels Guide.

Depending on your application requirements, several alternative materials may better suit your needs. Modern labelling technology offers solutions that address some of traffolyte's limitations whilst providing comparable durability.

Acrylic laser engraved labels

Laser engraved acrylic laminates provide similar high-contrast engraved markings to traffolyte, with the advantage of faster production using laser cutting technology. Acrylic is available in a wider range of colour combinations and can be more cost-effective for certain applications. However, like traffolyte, standard acrylic is not recommended for prolonged UV exposure.

UV-stable engraving laminates

For outdoor applications where UV resistance is essential, UV-stable acrylic laminates such as Gravoply Ultra offer both durability and weather resistance. These materials maintain their colour and legibility even after extended exposure to sunlight and moisture.

Printed cable labels

For cable and wire identification where flexibility and rapid on-site printing are priorities, printed label solutions offer significant advantages. Materials like Fox-Flo® UV Stable LSZH Labels can be printed on demand using the Fox-in-a-Box® thermal printer, providing durable, professional-grade labels without the lead time of engraved solutions.

For harsh environments requiring maximum durability, metal options including etched or annealed aluminium and stainless steel provide superior resistance to extreme temperatures, chemicals, and mechanical abrasion. These are typically used in oil and gas, marine, and power generation applications where conditions exceed the capabilities of plastic laminates.

For more on selecting the right labels for your cabling projects, see our guide on best practices for cable labelling.

What is the difference between traffolyte and lamacoid?

Traffolyte and lamacoid refer to essentially the same material: multi-layered phenolic plastic designed for engraving. "Traffolyte" is the term commonly used in the UK and Europe, whilst "lamacoid" is more prevalent in North America. Both describe engraving laminates with coloured layers that create contrast when the surface is cut away.

How long do traffolyte labels last?

In appropriate indoor environments, traffolyte labels can last for decades. The engraved markings are permanent and will not fade, peel, or wear away under normal conditions. However, exposure to UV light, moisture, or harsh chemicals can reduce the material's service life.

Can traffolyte labels be used outdoors?

Traffolyte is not recommended for prolonged outdoor use. The material is not UV stable and will degrade when exposed to direct sunlight and weather over time. For outdoor applications, UV-stable engraving laminates or metal labels are more suitable alternatives.

What colours are available for traffolyte labels?

Traffolyte is available in numerous colour combinations, including black/white, white/black, yellow/black, red/white, green/white, blue/white, and many others. Some manufacturers also offer traffolyte with metallic foil faces in silver or gold finishes. Our Endurance® range is available in standard colours with additional options on request.

How are traffolyte labels attached?

Traffolyte labels can be attached using self-adhesive backing, screw holes for mechanical fixing, or as tie-on labels with cable ties. The attachment method depends on the application and whether permanent or removable fixing is required.

Whether you need custom traffolyte labels for control panels, cable identification, asset tagging, or safety signage, Silver Fox® can help. Our Endurance® range of engraved labels is manufactured in-house at our UK facility, with fast turnaround times and London Underground approval.