Engraved Labels & Techniques

Engraved Labels & Techniques

At Silver Fox, our pre-print team offers a professional engraving service across a range of durable materials. Whether you're working in harsh industrial environments or need high-visibility, permanent identification, we’ll help you choose the right engraved label type and technique for your needs. For inquiries or to discuss a bespoke solution, email us at sales@silverfox.co.uk.

Engraved Labels & Techniques

At Silver Fox, our pre-print team offers a professional engraving service across a range of durable materials. Whether you're working in harsh industrial environments or need high-visibility, permanent identification, we’ll help you choose the right engraved label type and technique for your needs. For inquiries or to discuss a bespoke solution, email us at sales@silverfox.co.uk.
4
Materials
We offer engraving on 4 industrial-grade materials: Acrylic, Traffolyte, Aluminium, and Stainless Steel - each suited for different engineering environments.
1-10K+
Flexible Order Volumes
Whether you need a single label or a production run in the thousands, our in-house team delivers with consistency and precision.
100+
Customised Engraving Options
Choose from over 100 combinations of colours, finishes, and sizing - all tailored to your requirements.
Fast
Lead Times That Fit Your Project
We work to your timeline - whether you need urgent turnaround or a scheduled delivery.

Trusted by engineering companies large & small.

Network Rail
Siemens
Johnson Controls
JDR TFK Group
Jones Engineering
Engraved Labels & Techniques
Fox-in-a-Box Thermal Printer

Acrylic – Laser Engraved

How it works:
Our laser engraving process uses a high-precision beam to vaporise the top layer of the acrylic, exposing the coloured substrate underneath. This produces a sharp, clean mark that contrasts well.

Best for:

  • Indoor panels and control cabinets
  • Machine tags and general-purpose signage
  • Colour-coded identification (available in a variety of colour combinations)

Limitations:

  • Not ideal for high-UV or long-term outdoor exposure
  • Can become brittle in extreme cold

Not sure if acrylic is right for your job? Email us for personalised advice.

Traffolyte – Mechanically Engraved

Traffolyte – Mechanically Engraved

How it works:
A rotating mechanical cutter engraves through layered Traffolyte plastic (phenolic laminate), revealing contrasting colours beneath the surface.

Best for:

  • Control panels
  • Switchboards
  • Safety and warning labels

Advantages:

  • Hard-wearing and non-conductive
  • Classic industrial style, long-trusted in panel building

Limitations:

  • Cannot bend or curve — rigid only
  • May degrade if exposed to prolonged UV or harsh chemicals

Need long-lasting control panel labels? Email us to order Traffolyte today.

Traffolyte mechanical engraving
Aluminium – Etched or Annealed
Aluminium etched and annealed labels

Aluminium – Etched

How it works:

  • Etched: A chemical process removes material to create a recessed mark, often filled with black or coloured enamel.

Best for:

  • Asset tags
  • Data plates
  • Outdoor use with moderate exposure

Comparison:

  • Etched: Deeper and more tactile, suitable for harsh environments

Limitations:

  • Not ideal for extremely corrosive environments unless anodised
  • Etched labels require infill for maximum legibility

We’ll help you choose the right finish — just drop us an email.

Stainless Steel – Etched or Annealed

Stainless Steel – Etched or Annealed

How it works:
Same as aluminium, but performed on high-grade stainless steel — offering extreme resistance to wear, chemicals, and high temperatures.

Best for:

  • Oil & gas facilities
  • Power generation
  • Marine and offshore use
  • Environments requiring hygienic or fire-resistant labels

Advantages:

  • Withstands salt spray, solvents, heat, and impact
  • Permanently readable even in challenging locations

Limitations:

  • Higher cost
  • Etched versions may require more production time

For rugged applications, stainless is your best bet. Get in touch for expert guidance.

Stainless steel etched and annealed labels