Engraving Laminate vs Traffolyte: Which Material Is Right for Your Valve Tags?
If you’re in the business of valve tags, electrical labels, or industrial signage, you’ve likely heard of both Traffolyte and engraving laminate. While these materials are often used interchangeably, there are key differences between the two that can impact durability, safety, and suitability for different environments.
In this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each material, and help you decide which is right for your application.
What Is Traffolyte?
Traffolyte is a trade name for a multi layered phenolic plastic developed in the 1930s, originally for engraving nameplates and electrical labels. It consists of contrasting coloured layers, so engraved text appears in a different colour to the surface.
Pros of Traffolyte:
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Good contrast: Engraving reveals a contrasting colour for clear readability.
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Traditional aesthetic: Preferred by some industries due to its long established use.
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Cost-effective: Often slightly cheaper for small runs or general purpose labels.
Cons of Traffolyte:
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Not flame retardant: Traffolyte can release toxic fumes when burned making it unsuitable for many electrical or high temperature environments.
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Brittle: It can crack or snap under stress, especially in outdoor or heavy duty use.
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Outdated: Many professionals consider it outdated and have moved to safer, more robust alternatives.
What Is Engraving Laminate?
Engraving laminate refers to modern, purpose made plastic sheets designed specifically for rotary or laser engraving. These materials usually consist of an acrylic-based core with a durable outer layer.
Pros of Engraving Laminate:
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Durable and flexible: It resists cracking, UV exposure, chemicals, and weather ideal for outdoor or industrial use.
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Laser-compatible: Can be used with laser engraving machines, allowing for faster and cleaner production.
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Modern alternative to Traffolyte: It’s now the preferred material in industries like construction, M&E, facilities management, and compliance.
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Colour range: Available in a wide variety of colour combinations for different tagging systems.
Cons of Engraving Laminate:
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Slightly higher cost: It can be a bit more expensive per sheet, especially in specialised colour combinations.
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Less traditional appearance: Those used to Traffolyte may see engraving laminate as a newer, unfamiliar material.
Which One Should You Choose?
| Feature | Traffolyte | Engraving Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | ⚠️ Brittle, cracks over time | ✅ Long lasting and impact resistant |
| Safety | ❌ Releases toxic fumes if burned | ✅ Safer and flame retardant options available |
| Outdoor Use | ⚠️ Not recommended | ✅ Excellent UV and weather resistance |
| Engraving Detail | ✅ Sharp contrast | ✅ Sharp contrast with better edge definition |
| Modern Applications | ❌ Mostly legacy use | ✅ Preferred for modern site labelling |
| Cost | ✅ Low upfront cost | ⚠️ Slightly higher for premium finishes |
Final Thoughts
While Traffolyte still has a place in certain settings, engraving laminate has largely taken over as the industry standard for valve tags, control labels, and compliance signage. It offers better safety, longer lifespan, and greater design flexibility.
At The Label People, all of our engraved valve tags are made from high-performance engraving laminate not outdated Traffolyte so you can count on them to last and perform in real-world conditions.
Need help choosing the right material or colour for your tags? Contact us today we’re here to help.