Gravoply (Traffolyte) – Engravable Laminate for Signs, Labels, and Control Panels

Gravoply, also known as Traffolyte, is a multi-layer engravable plastic laminate designed specifically for producing durable engraved signs, labels, nameplates, and control panel markings. Associated Plastics Tasmania supplies Gravoply in a wide range of colour combinations and offers laser engraving services for professional results.

What Is Gravoply?

Gravoply is a rigid plastic laminate consisting of a thin top colour layer bonded to a contrasting core colour. When the top layer is engraved (by rotary engraving or laser), the core colour is revealed, creating high-contrast, permanently marked text and graphics.

The material is also commonly known as Traffolyte (a historical trade name), engravable laminate, or engraving plastic. It has been the industry standard for industrial signage and labelling for decades.

Properties and Benefits

High Contrast, Permanent Marking

The two-colour laminate structure ensures engraved text is always highly visible and legible. Unlike printed or adhesive labels, engraved markings cannot wear off, fade, or peel – they are part of the material itself.

Durable

Gravoply resists chemicals, moisture, UV exposure, and physical abrasion. Engraved signs last decades in industrial environments, making it the most cost-effective labelling solution over the long term.

UV Stable

Quality Gravoply maintains its colour and structural properties when exposed to sunlight, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor signage applications.

Chemical Resistant

Gravoply resists a wide range of chemicals, oils, and cleaning agents, ensuring signage remains legible in industrial, chemical, and food processing environments.

Variety of Colours

Available in dozens of colour combinations (top/core), allowing signs to meet Australian Standards colour coding requirements for safety signage, valve tags, and pipe markers.

Available Colour Combinations

Common combinations include:

White on Black – general-purpose industrial signage
Black on White – general-purpose, office nameplates
White on Red – fire and emergency signage (AS 1319)
White on Green – safety and first aid signage
Black on Yellow – warning and caution signage
White on Blue – mandatory and information signage
Gold on Black / Silver on Black – premium nameplates and trophies
Brushed metallic effects – executive nameplates and architectural signage

Many additional colour combinations available – contact us for the full range.

Standard Thicknesses

0.5mm – flexible; for curved surfaces, equipment labels
1.6mm – standard for most engraved signs and nameplates
3.2mm – heavy-duty for industrial environments, valve tags, outdoor signs

Common Applications

Switchboard and Control Panel Labels

Gravoply is the industry standard for switchboard labels, circuit breaker identification, and control panel markings in electrical installations across Australia. Engraved labels meet Australian Standards requirements for permanent, legible identification.

Safety Signage

Warning signs, prohibition signs, mandatory signs, and emergency information signs engraved on Gravoply meet the durability requirements of AS 1319 (Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment) and other relevant Australian Standards.

Valve Tags and Pipe Markers

Engraved valve tags and pipe identification labels withstand the harsh conditions of industrial environments, remaining legible in chemical plants, water treatment facilities, and mining operations.

Nameplates and Door Signs

Office door signs, desk nameplates, and building directory boards engraved on Gravoply provide a professional, durable identification solution for commercial and government buildings.

Trophy and Award Plates

Engraved Gravoply plates in gold, silver, and metallic finishes are used on trophies, awards, plaques, and commemorative items.

Equipment Labels

Asset tags, serial number plates, rating plates, and equipment identification labels engraved on Gravoply resist abrasion, chemicals, and UV exposure for long-term legibility.

Engraving Methods

Laser Engraving

Laser engraving vaporises the top colour layer to reveal the core colour beneath. It produces fine detail, precise text, and complex graphics at high speed. Associated Plastics Tasmania uses laser engraving for Gravoply signage, delivering sharp, consistent results.

Rotary Engraving

Traditional CNC rotary engraving uses a spinning cutter to remove the top layer. It produces a wider, deeper cut that is highly visible and tactile. Suitable for larger text and simple graphics.

Our Gravoply Services

Supply – full sheets and cut blanks in all colour combinations
Laser Engraving – precision engraved signs to your artwork or text
Cut-to-Size – blanks cut to your specified dimensions
Drilling – mounting holes for sign installation

Why Choose Associated Plastics Tasmania?

Wide range of Gravoply colour combinations in stock
Professional laser engraving service
Quick turnaround for standard signage orders
Expert advice on colour selection and Australian Standards compliance
Competitive pricing for one-off and bulk orders
Delivery across Tasmania and Australia-wide

Frequently Asked Questions

What colour Gravoply do I need for safety signs?

Australian Standard AS 1319 specifies colour coding: red for fire/prohibition, yellow for warning/caution, green for safety/first aid, blue for mandatory. We stock all standard safety sign colour combinations and can advise on compliance requirements.

Can you engrave my own design or artwork?

Yes. Provide your design as a vector file (AI, EPS, DXF, SVG) or supply text and layout instructions, and we will engrave to your specifications. We can also create simple designs and layouts for you.

How long do Gravoply signs last?

Gravoply signs are extremely durable – engraved markings are permanent and the material resists UV, chemicals, and abrasion. In typical industrial environments, Gravoply signs last 10-20+ years without replacement.

Is Gravoply the same as Traffolyte?

Gravoply and Traffolyte are different brand names for essentially the same type of product – multi-layer engravable plastic laminate. The terms are often used interchangeably in the signage industry.

Need engraved signs or Gravoply supply? Contact Associated Plastics Tasmania for a quote.