Engraved Plastic - Product Guide

Internal · Updated July 2026

What it is

Engraved plastic is one of Signmax's durable technical sign materials. It is a multi-layer plastic laminate where a coloured top layer is laser-engraved to reveal a contrasting core layer underneath. This creates permanent markings that resist wear, scratches, and chemicals. Engraved plastic is designed for industrial, technical, and professional labelling environments where long-term readability is critical.

When to recommend it

Good fit when the customer needs:

  • Durable industrial or technical labels
  • Machine or equipment labels
  • Chemical-resistant signage
  • Long-term readable markings
  • Name badges or door/letterbox signs

Not a good fit when the customer needs:

  • Full colour graphics → recommend Printed Aluminium, Solid PET, or Decals
  • Photographic or complex visual designs → recommend Printed Aluminium, Solid PET, or Decals
  • Premium metallic appearance → recommend Laser Engraved Aluminium

Material and specifications

Material Multi-layer plastic laminate
Thicknesses 0.8 mm / 1.6 mm
Production method Laser engraving
Engraving depth 0.08 mm — fixed, cannot be customised
Dimensional accuracy ±0.3 mm
Temperature resistance -40 °C to +80 °C
Size range 25 × 10 mm to 295 × 295 mm
Use Indoor and outdoor depending on colour combination
Origin Germany / USA depending on thickness

Engraved plastic supports two-colour designs only — full colour printing is not possible. The engraving reveals the contrasting core layer, creating permanent and highly durable markings. The material handles a wide temperature range and resists chemicals, making it reliable in demanding environments.

Engraving depth — important note

The standard engraving depth is approximately 0.08 mm and cannot be customised. If a customer requests a specific depth (for example 0.4 mm), the answer is no — we only offer the standard depth. The customer either accepts this or does not order.

Note: engraving depth is different from dimensional accuracy. If a customer asks "how precise is it", confirm whether they are asking about engraving depth (0.08 mm) or dimensional accuracy (±0.3 mm) — they are two separate values.

Available thicknesses and colours

0.8 mm — Black/White, White/Black

1.6 mm — White/Black, Black/White, Blue/White, Red/White, Pink/White, Green/White, Yellow/Black, Grey/White, Orange/White, Purple/White, Brown/White

The following colour combinations are not recommended for outdoor use: Silver/Black, Gold/Black, Rosé/Black. Gold and silver outdoor versions are custom products. Outdoor versions may appear darker than indoor variants — verify colour suitability before quoting for outdoor use.

Link to KB article: Engraved Plastic Colour Code

Design guidelines

  • Minimum line thickness is 0.2 mm.
  • Minimum QR code size is 20 × 20 mm.
  • Thin lines and very small details may not engrave clearly — flag this to the customer early if their design includes fine detail.

Custom options

Most engraved plastic requests can be handled through the standard assortment. Custom requests may include:

  • Custom sizes — sizes outside the standard range may be possible. Confirm with production before quoting.
  • 3.2 mm material — available for specific industrial requirements. Confirm with production before quoting.
  • Double-sided signs — possible using two mounted 0.8 mm signs with tape fixing, produced manually. Confirm with production before quoting.
  • Alternative fixing methods — for specific installation requirements. Confirm with production before quoting.

Always confirm custom options with production before quoting. Never estimate prices for custom requests without checking first.

Common use cases

  • Industrial and machine labels — permanent, chemical-resistant labels for machinery, equipment, and technical installations.
  • Door and room signs — durable and professional for offices, facilities, and industrial buildings.
  • Name badges — lightweight 0.8 mm material works well for professional name badges.
  • Letterbox signs — small format, durable, and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use with the right colour combination.
  • Information and safety signs — long-term readability makes engraved plastic reliable for permanent safety and regulatory signage.

Sustainability

CO2e varies by thickness and origin:

  • 0.8 mm — 4.12 kg CO2e per m², sourced from USA
  • 1.5 mm — 8.24 kg CO2e per m², sourced from Germany
  • 1.6 mm — 8.95 kg CO2e per m², sourced from USA

Thicker materials have higher CO2 impact due to increased material usage. Designed for long-term use, which reduces how often signs need to be replaced.