A multi layered laminate is used for engraved plastic signs and tags.
The composition of engraved plastic signs varies and is determined based on how the end product is being utilized. In the past less durable plastics were used such as phenolic and lamicoid. Modern engraved plastic signs are laminated ABS, laminated acrylic cap and acrylic cap ABC core. There are also more delicate shorter term plastics available. As well as other thick hard top core layers for extra durability. There is also textured plastic and plastic that has insulation for some applications such as in the electrical industry.
Two layer laminates are the most commonly used plastic material for engraved plastic signs and consist of a base layer of one color and a top layer of another color, and come in different thickness depending on how it is being utilized. The base layer shows through when the top layer is removed through the engraving process. In other words the bottom layer is the wording or images desired. You can have double sided signs that use a 3 ply laminate or you can glue 2 layer material to each other in some bigger jobs.
For a sign that is durable in weather and easy to clean you can use reversed engraved plastic signs or tag.
The top layer of engraved plastic signs is transparent and the back layer is opaque, the engraving is done on the back and the text and image is filled with paint. This offers a smooth front that is easy to clean and also offers the opportunity to have multiple colors.
Standard thickness is 1/16 inch with a different thickness on the top layer which is determined by the durability required and the application. You can also get 1/32″, 3/32″ and 1/8″ specially ordered. There are many color combinations of engraved plastic signs available as well as textures.
Engraved plastic signs can be engraved using a rotary router that using a tool to carve out the top layer of the plastic to expose the letters/images desired. The cutter and table movement is controlled by proprietary software after the layout of the design is entered. Laser engraving is another process that can be used also, a laser beam burns the letter or image out of the top layer of the plastic. These 2 processes are controlled by a computer that used special software. Both processes can cut any shape as well as bevel edges. The precision of the engraving is exact.
Single line engraving is usually used for smaller engraved plastic signs and tags. The width of the letters is the same width of the cutter and is completed in one pass. For larger signs you would use multiple line fonts that increase the width of the characters. Because the characters are larger and the engraver is making multiple passes you get a crisper and more detailed result.
Fonts that are used are specifically designed for engraving and made of multiple lines and tool paths. The tool paths tell the engraver what to do. For some engraved plastic signs there are setup charges to layout your design depending on if you are using a logo or the complexity of the design.
Are you unsure of what size sign or tag you need? Things to consider are what is the distance it will be read from? Where is it going? Are there attachments? How many words are there? If there are multiple signs or tags with different wording, it is best to size the sign based on the longest line of text. It is more professional to have all tags the same size and the same font size. It is also easy to completely customize sizes and shapes of engraved plastic signs.
Some of the various attachment options for engraved plastic signs are rivets, screws, double sided tape, magnets, adhesives or velcro. The double sided tape is very strong and specifically made for this application.
