Engraved Electrical Panel Traffolyte Labels
Traffolyte (also written Traffolite) is a multi-layered phenolic sheet used for high-visibility, durable engraved labels. Its layered construction lets engraving reveal contrasting colours, producing crisp, long‑lasting identification for electrical panels, switchboards and industrial equipment.
What is Traffolyte?
Composition: Traffolyte is made from phenol‑formaldehyde resins (a phenolic material) formed into stacked colour layers.
Key properties: electrically non‑conductive, heat resistant, scratch resistant and UV stable — suitable for both indoor and outdoor electrical enclosures.
Short history
First produced in the late 1920s for engraved transformer labels, Traffolyte became the standard for engraved identification plates. The name has since become a generic term for similar multi‑layer engraved materials.
How engraving works
- The material is supplied in layered colours (for example white over black). Engraving removes the top layer to reveal the contrast colour beneath.
- Traditional pantographs have been replaced by CNC routing tables with floating heads to follow surface contours and precisely control cutting depth.
- Modern alternatives include CO2 laser engraving, which eliminates phenolic dust but produces a different (smoother, unbevelled) finish.
- Health & safety: phenolic dust from mechanical routing is a recognised hazard — appropriate extraction and PPE are required during engraving.
Materials & formats
- Available in many colour combinations and thicknesses: from very thin two‑colour sheets (~0.2 mm) up to 3 mm in multi‑ply configurations.
- Newer label materials offer increased flexibility so thinner sheets can be wrapped or fitted to curved surfaces.
- For heavy‑duty or custom wall plates, anodised aluminium plate (commonly 1.6 mm or 3 mm, with 3 mm typical for panel plates) is often used as an alternative to phenolic sheets.
Typical applications
- Caution & warning labels
- Compliance and identification plates
- Control panel and switchboard labels (push‑button and selector switch legends)
- Indicator light labels and key tags
- Operator instruction plates and mining equipment labels
- Custom signage and panel legends
Mounting and durability
Historically labels were rigid and mounted with bolts (M3/M4). Modern practice for switchboards often uses multiple 1/8″ mounting holes and plastic plugs, rivets or screws. Avoid relying on double‑sided tape where internal switchgear heat may cause failure.
Custom shapes and production
- Traffolyte labels can be cut into any standard or irregular shape. For accurate quoting and manufacture we accept vectorised files (for example DXF). If artwork is hand‑drawn or scanned we can convert it to vector format.
- Common production quantities range from single custom plates to large batches; options exist for multi‑colour and multi‑ply configurations.
Why choose engraved Traffolyte‑style labels?
- High contrast, highly legible engraving that does not fade easily
- Good resistance to scratching, UV and adverse weather
- Versatile for many industrial and commercial labelling needs
- Multiple colour and thickness choices to suit application and budget
About Koalabel
Koalabel has supplied durable labelling solutions across Australia and New Zealand for over 15 years. We provide engraved multi‑layer labels, custom panel plates and alternative materials (including anodised aluminium) for electrical and industrial applications.
If you require engraved panel labels, custom shapes or advice on the best material for your project, please get in touch to request a quote or discuss your requirements.