Engraved Electrical Panel Traffolyte Labels

Koalabel has produced durable identification labels for Australia and New Zealand for over 15 years. One of the most widely used materials for electrical and industrial identification is Traffolyte (also spelled Traffolite) — a multi-layered, engraved laminate that delivers high-contrast, long-lasting markings ideal for switchboards, control panels and outdoor equipment.

What is Traffolyte?

Traffolyte is a composite phenolic sheet made from multiple coloured layers of phenol-formaldehyde resin. When engraved, the contrasting layers reveal crisp, legible text and symbols. Its electrical non-conductivity and heat resistance make it particularly suited for use inside electrical cabinets and enclosures.

History

Traffolyte was first manufactured in 1927 and used extensively for transformer and electrical labels. The material proved very economical for durable, engraved identification.

Health and safety note

Traditional phenolic dust produced during routing/engraving of Traffolyte is now recognised as a health hazard. Modern production takes precautions or uses alternative materials and processes (see laser engraving below) to reduce risks.

How Traffolyte labels are made

Layered construction: Sheets are produced in contrasting layers (commonly black/white) so engraving through the top layer exposes the underlying colour.
Engraving methods: Older pantograph machines have been largely replaced by CNC routing tables with floating heads that follow material contours. The cutting tool depth is precisely set to pass completely through the top coloured layer to reveal the contrast beneath.
Laser engraving: CO2 laser cutting/engraving can produce similar results without the bevel produced by routing tools and with less dust risk for some materials.

Material options & properties

Durability: Engraved Traffolyte labels are scratch resistant, UV stable and weather resistant.
Thickness & colours: Available in many colours and thicknesses — from very thin 0.2 mm two-colour sheets up to 3 mm three-ply configurations.
Flexibility: Early sheets were stiff and brittle and best mounted to flat surfaces. Modern alternatives offer increased flexibility and can be formed around curved surfaces for more applications.

Common applications

Traffolyte labels are used widely for:

Caution and warning labels
Compliance plates and control panel plates
Electrical and switchboard labels
Identification labels, indicator light labels, and key tags
Operator instruction plates, push-button and selector switch labels
Mining equipment and outdoor signage

Shapes, sizes and custom work

Labels can be produced in standard and bespoke shapes — circles, rectangles and irregular outlines are all achievable. For complex or irregular shapes, production usually requires a vector file (for example, a .dxf). Hand-drawn shapes can also be digitised and vectorised for production.

Attachment & mounting

Traditional methods used mounting holes for screws (M3/M4) or rivets to withstand heat and vibration. Modern practice in switchboards often uses multiple 1/8″ mounting holes and plastic plugs, rivets or screws. Note that double-sided tape may fail over time in high-heat environments.

Production options & alternatives

As “Traffolyte” has become a generic term, a range of multi-layered engraved materials now exist that deliver similar performance while addressing health and production concerns. Where required, laser-friendly materials or safer routing processes are used to mitigate dust hazards.

Koalabel produces engraved labels and a wide range of industrial identification products, including bollard labels, solar label kits and battery stickers for Australia and New Zealand. If you require engraved Traffolyte labels or equivalent multi-layer engraved identification plates for panels, switchboards or equipment, please enquire for a quotation and provide your label sizes, quantities and any artwork or shape files.

Typical information to include with your enquiry:

Label size(s) and quantity
Preferred colours and thickness
Artwork or vector file (.dxf, .ai, .eps) if available
Mounting method (holes, adhesive, rivets)
Any environmental or temperature considerations

We can supply custom shapes, multiple colour configurations and durable engraved labels suitable for demanding electrical and industrial applications.