Engraving in metals and plastics

Engraved stainless steel house nameplate

Reverse engraved brass stamp

One of our engraving machines at work engraving anodised aluminium

Engraving machine in action on aluminium

Engraving (practice of incising a design onto a hard, usually flat surface, by cutting grooves into it = Wikipedia)

Signmakers is a full-service commercial engraver with heavy duty capability in a wide range of materials. Our engraved products have a prestigious and traditional quality that will last for generations. Our rotary engraving process cuts into the material surface producing lettering, graphics and shapes in fine detail.

Signmakers produce indestructible engraved industrial, engineering and electrical labels and tags. They are used where conditions or wear and tear would destroy other products.

Plaques - prestigious metal plaques (aluminium, brass, stainless steel - see separate pages)
Labelling - labels and identification tags, model & serial tags in metal and specialised plastics (traffolyte). Applications in engineering, industrial, electrical, automotive, trade and manufacturing applications.
Control panels and switch labelling, switch board panels - into your product or supplied by us.
Architectural signage - nameplates, directional signs, directories, corporate identity (logo) and badges. Custom made signs, changeable nameplates, in use/vacant slider nameplates.
General signage - smaller signs for a classy look where a high quality finish is required. Indestructable signs where heavy wear or vandalism is a consideration.
Honour boards - a lasting tribute to the stars in your community.
Stamping blocks - reverse or forward engraved

Signmakers has a flexible, can-do approach and can offer a wider range of services. Feel free to discuss your engraving needs and find out how we can help you.

Advisory

Signmakers do not engrave curved surfaces or stone and glass. We can only engrave on flat even surfaces.
Extra costs may be involved if special jigs are required to hold down odd shaped items.
There are limits on the size and thickness (depth) of the object to be engraved. Generally material no wider than around 600mm will fit engraving equipment. It may be possible to engrave items longer than 1200mm but we would need to review requirements.

Engraving Materials

Signmakers stock and engrave into a wide range of materials. Signmakers will also work with material supplied by you but there are some restrictions and results will vary depending on material grades. We only engrave flat surfaces - we cannot engrave around curves for example, bottles.

Anodised Aluminium - is a highly attractive, versatile and durable no maintenance material suitable for plaques and labelling and a wide range of signage applications. We carry a range of material colours and thicknesses.

Great for outdoors exposed situations, aluminium also looks elegant and modern indoors. Aluminium is an economical option where a high quality metal plaque is required and offer flexibility with location and easy installation.
Stainless Steel - is a durable material with an outstanding contemporary finish. Hardness and engraving qualities put it in a pricing bracket well above aluminium.
Brass - Brass gives a quality traditional look popular with professionals and those looking for a special and prestigious plaque. It is also used for nameplates and labelling for picture frames, works of art and machines. High material costs and manual processing requirements put brass products in a higher price bracket.
Cast Bronze - is extremely durable and suitable to any location. Products are prestigious and will last for generations. The cast letters and graphics stand out from the dark background. Minimum letter sizes apply so talk to us early in the design process to ensure best results.
Plastics - (formerly traffolyte) Specialised highly attractive laminated engraving plastics in a range of colours including metallic finishes are ideal for small memorial, recognition and award plaques, nameplates, labelling, small signs and badges. They give a prestigious and quality finish at a lower cost than metals. Not a long term option for outdoors use. These materials are often referred to as Traffolyte which is no longer available.
Other Plastics and Timber Products
Signmakers also handle a range of other plastics including acrylic (Perspex) and natural timber and MDF. However, we do not stock timber and would generally ask that you supply your own material.