Shipping update: We are currently experiencing extended shipping times for standard and express options. If you need your labels within a couple of days, please choose Priority Shipping.
Koalabel has supplied bollard signage, solar label kits and battery stickers across Australia and New Zealand for over 15 years. Below is an in-depth guide to Traffolyte — what it is, how it’s made, how it’s engraved, typical uses, and why it remains the industry standard for professional labels and nameplates.
What is Traffolyte?
Traffolyte is a multi-layered engraving laminate used to create professional labels, tags and signage. When the top layer is engraved or laser-cut, the contrasting colour underneath is revealed, producing crisp, permanent text and graphics. If you’ve seen labels on switchboards, safety signs in plant rooms or nameplates on equipment, there’s a good chance they were made from traffolyte.
How Traffolyte Is Made
Traffolyte is a thermoset or thermoplastic laminate consisting of two or more thin layers of different coloured material bonded together under heat and pressure. The most common construction is:
- Top layer (cap) — The visible colour on the surface. Typically 0.1–0.3mm thick.
- Core layer — The contrasting colour that’s revealed when the top layer is engraved. This makes up the bulk of the sheet thickness.
Some traffolyte products have three or more layers for multi-depth engraving effects, though two-layer sheets are the most common for standard labels. The base material is usually either modified acrylic or phenolic resin. Modified acrylic is the most common today: it machines cleanly, engraves well with both rotary and laser methods, and is available in the widest colour range.
Colour Combinations
One of traffolyte’s biggest advantages is the large range of colour combinations available. Common combinations used in Australian electrical and industrial work include:
| Surface Colour | Engraved Colour | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Black | White | General purpose, switchboard labels |
| Red | White | Emergency circuits, fire services, danger signs |
| Blue | White | Information signs, compressed air systems |
| Yellow | Black | Caution signs, gas systems, high-visibility labels |
| Green | White | Safety signs, first aid, water systems |
| White | Black | Nameplates, office signage, clean rooms |
| Orange | Black | Warning signs, machinery labels |
| Grey | White | Subtle signage, architectural applications |
Note: Colour choice is often dictated by safety regulations and industry standards — for example, red for emergency/fire circuits and yellow for caution/gas identification.
How Traffolyte Is Engraved
Laser Engraving
Lasers (CO2 or fibre) vaporise the top layer to reveal the contrasting colour beneath. This is the method we use at Koalabel. Advantages include:
- Fine detail — Can reproduce very small text (down to about 2mm height), intricate logos and safety symbols.
- Speed — Faster than rotary for complex designs and large batches.
- No tool wear — Beam does not dull, so quality is consistent from first to thousandth label.
- Clean edges — Sharp, burr-free engraving.
- Cutting — Same laser can cut labels to exact dimensions and add mounting holes in one operation.
Rotary Engraving
Rotary engraving uses a spinning cutting bit to remove the top layer. It’s the traditional method and still used for very thick materials or when a tactile, recessed finish is required. Rotary engraving tends to produce wider, deeper channels and a different surface feel.
Traffolyte Properties
- Permanence — Engraved text is physically carved, not printed, so it won’t fade, peel or rub off. Traffolyte labels remain legible for decades.
- UV resistance — Quality traffolyte resists yellowing and colour fading outdoors.
- Chemical resistance — Resistant to most common chemicals, solvents and cleaning agents used in industrial environments.
- Temperature tolerance — Typically withstands temperatures from well below freezing to around 80–100°C (depending on formulation), covering most industrial needs.
- Electrical insulation — Non-conductive — important for switchboard and electrical equipment labels.
- Self-extinguishing — Most types stop burning when the flame source is removed (relevant for electrical applications).
- Machinability — Cuts and engraves cleanly without chipping, splintering or excessive melting.
Common Applications
Electrical
- Switchboard circuit labels
- Main switch identification
- Warning labels (multiple supplies, high voltage)
- Cable tags
- RCD test reminder labels
Industrial
- Valve tags and pipe identification
- Equipment nameplates
- Control panel labels
- Safety signage
- Asset tags
Commercial
- Door signs and room identification
- Desk nameplates
- Wayfinding signage
- Braille and tactile signage (using multi-layer traffolyte)
Compliance
- AS/NZS 3000 switchboard labels
- Workplace health & safety signage
- Fire panel and emergency labels
- Plant and equipment identification
Traffolyte Thickness
- 0.5mm — Thin and flexible. Good for curved surfaces or tight spaces.
- 0.8mm — General-purpose thickness; rigid enough to stay flat yet neat on panels.
- 1.5mm — Standard for most switchboard and industrial labels; good rigidity and feel.
- 3.0mm — Thick and rigid for larger signs, plaques and very durable applications.
How to Order Traffolyte Labels from Koalabel
Koalabel offers custom traffolyte labels tailored for Australian and New Zealand industry needs. Choose your colour combination, size and any cutouts or mounting holes. We can produce single labels or large batches, and we provide trade pricing for bulk projects. We laser engrave and ship from our Australian facility with delivery across Australia and New Zealand.
Want them fast? Select Priority Shipping at checkout for the quickest delivery.
Looking for bollard labels, solar label kits or battery stickers? We’ve specialised in these products for over 15 years and can supply compliant, durable traffolyte solutions to suit your project.
Want to learn more or place an order? Visit the labels section on our website or contact Koalabel through the usual channels.