Engraved Aluminium Plates
Engraved aluminium plates offer permanent marks with high contrast on a lightweight, corrosion-resistant support suitable for long-lasting identification, signage and labelling.
- Laser engraving: maximum precision, ideal for small texts and QR codes
- Mechanical engraving: depth, colour fill possible
- Chemical engraving: large surfaces, economical in series
- Screen-printing as an alternative for colour graphics
Additional information
- Available fill colours for engraving (enamel, paint, resin)
- Durability comparison: engraving vs screen-printing vs digital printing
- Engraving of photographs and QR codes on aluminium
Engraving aluminium plates: available techniques
Engraving aluminium plates is performed with three main techniques. Laser engraving produces dark marks on anodised aluminium (removes the colour layer revealing the natural metal) or white marks on natural aluminium (oxidises the surface by heat). Chemical engraving (photoengraving) attacks the surface with acids through a mask, creating reliefs of up to 0.3 mm that can be filled with coloured enamels. CNC mechanical engraving produces deep incisions with a cutter, ideal for pieces exposed to contact wear.
Engraving aluminium plates is the preferred method when information must be permanent: engraving on aluminium plates cannot be removed with solvents, does not fade in sunlight and does not peel off like a printed label.
Personalised aluminium plates: engraving, screen-printing and printing
Personalised aluminium plates can combine different techniques on the same piece. Engraved and inked aluminium metal plates carry text and logo in low relief filled with black, red or the customer's corporate colour enamel. Screen-printed aluminium plates receive ink on the surface through mesh screens, achieving opaque colour layers on the metal background.
Aluminium plates printed with UV digital technology allow full four-colour printing (CMYK + white) directly on the aluminium, ideal for complex graphic designs, photographs and multicolour logos. Screen-printed aluminium plates are more resistant to abrasion than digitally printed ones, making them recommended for industrial environments.
Aluminium plates for engraving: formats and bases
Aluminium plates for engraving are supplied in natural, black anodised, gold anodised or sublimation-coated aluminium, in thicknesses of 0.5 to 2 mm. Small aluminium plates for engraving (formats from 25x12 mm to 90x60 mm) are used as desk identifiers, control labels, badges and inventory plates. Engraved aluminium plates in larger formats (up to 600x400 mm or more) function as directories, information panels and floor signage.
Common applications
Engraved aluminium plates are installed on industrial machinery, electrical panels, corporate facades, building directories, sports trophies and commemorative plaques. The engraved aluminium plate is also the standard support for photoluminescent aluminium emergency and evacuation signage.
Alumigraf engraves aluminium plates with laser, photoengraving and CNC. Send us dimensions, design and quantity for a competitive quote.