Subcontract Service
Precision Engraving
From deep-cut rotary engraving to micro-precision laser marking, Prime Surfacing Solutions delivers permanent identification and branding solutions for the most demanding industrial environments.
Our comprehensive engraving capabilities span three core disciplines — each optimised for specific substrates, applications, and performance requirements. Whether you need safety-critical Traffolyte labelling, traceable laser-marked serial codes, or prestige rotary-engraved nameplates, we have the process and expertise to deliver.
Service 01
Precision Rotary Engraving
Rotary engraving utilises a high-speed rotating cutter, mounted within a precision motor-driven spindle, to mechanically incise the surface of a substrate. This process creates permanent, tactile grooves that form intricate characters, technical schematics, or branding graphics.
Unlike laser marking, rotary engraving provides a significant depth of cut, allowing the recessed areas to be colour-filled with specialist enamels or paints for maximum contrast and durability. Furthermore, our capabilities extend to creating raised-profile lettering — replicating a traditional “cast” aesthetic — as well as the production of fully compliant Grade 1 and Grade 2 Braille for tactile signage.
The Production Process
Digital Preparation & Approval
Every project begins with a rigorous review of the provided artwork or technical drawings. Our design team prepares the vector paths and submits a digital proof for client approval, ensuring every dimension and character is correct before a single chip is cut.
Tooling Selection & Precision Grinding
The quality of a rotary engrave is dictated by the geometry of the tool. We select or custom-grind cutters to specific angles and tip widths (often measured in fractions of a millimetre) to suit the material's hardness and the design's complexity. Correct tool geometry is vital to prevent burring and ensure sharp, clean definitions.
Depth Calibration & Final Execution
Engraving depth is meticulously calibrated to balance visual impact with structural integrity. For intricate designs or harder substrates, we employ multi-pass machining to ensure clean edges and prevent the loss of fine detail. This controlled approach eliminates mechanical stress on the material, delivering a burr-free, premium finish.
Typical Substrates
Service 02
Traffolyte & Multi-Layer Labels
Traffolyte is the industry-standard material for high-durability, multi-layered phenolic plastic labelling. Available in a vast array of colour combinations, it consists of a core colour sandwiched between two thin “skins”. When engraved, the top layer is removed to reveal the contrasting core, resulting in permanent, high-visibility text and graphics that require no additional ink or paint.
Typical Industrial Applications
Electrical Identification
Non-conductive labels for high-voltage switchgear, consumer units, and distribution boards.
Mandatory & Prohibition Signage
Standardised PPE instructions or hazard warnings (e.g., "Danger of Death" or "Restricted Access").
Asset Management
Permanent fire door rating plates, plant room asset tags, and serialised barcodes.
Flow Control & Utilities
Colour-coded valve tags, discs, and pipeline identification discs.
Infrastructure
Lift instruction plates, emergency exit routes, and tactile control panels.
Key Advantages of Traffolyte
Electrical Safety & Non-Conductivity
Unlike stainless steel or aluminium composite (ACM), Traffolyte is inherently non-conductive. This makes it the mandatory choice for electrical contractors and utility providers working in proximity to live components, ensuring no risk of short-circuiting or electrical discharge through the signage.
Permanent Legibility in Harsh Environments
In hygiene-critical sectors like food manufacturing or chemical processing, labels are subjected to rigorous wash-down cycles. While surface-printed labels can fade or peel when exposed to industrial solvents and high-pressure cleaning, Traffolyte's engraved characters are physically recessed. They remain 100% legible even in low-light conditions or heavily soiled environments.
Superior Longevity & Cost-Efficiency
Traffolyte offers exceptional resistance to UV radiation, weathering, and mechanical wear. Although the initial investment may be higher than temporary vinyl or printed stickers, its “fit and forget” nature eliminates the recurring costs of replacement and re-installation. For long-term infrastructure and safety-critical applications, it is the most sustainable and cost-effective labelling solution available.
Technical Specifications
- High-bond adhesive backing
- Pre-drilled mounting holes
- Stainless steel ball-chain for valve tags
- Matt surface finish
- Satin surface finish
- Gloss surface finish
Service 03
Precision Laser Engraving & Marking
Laser engraving is a non-contact, high-precision process that uses a concentrated beam of light to thermally alter the surface of a material. Unlike mechanical methods, laser technology allows for extreme detail, enabling the reproduction of high-resolution logos, micro-text, and complex serialisation with absolute repeatability.
At Prime Surfacing Solutions, we utilise advanced laser systems to produce permanent, high-contrast marks that are resistant to acids, cleaning chemicals, and extreme temperatures, making them ideal for the most demanding industrial environments.
Advanced Material Capabilities
Key Advantages of Laser Engraving
Micro-Precision & High Detail
The laser beam can be focused to a diameter smaller than a human hair. This allows us to engrave intricate designs, such as high-density QR codes, Data Matrix codes, and complex architectural schematics, that would be impossible to achieve with a physical cutter.
Non-Contact & Stress-Free Processing
Because there is no physical contact between the tool and the workpiece, there is zero risk of mechanical distortion or clamping damage. This is critical for delicate components, thin-gauge foils, or precision-machined parts where maintaining dimensional integrity is paramount.
Permanent & Traceable Marking
Laser engraving creates a permanent change in the material surface. Whether through “Ablation” (removing material) or “Annealing” (creating a permanent colour change through heat without removing metal), the result is a mark that cannot peel, fade, or be removed without destroying the substrate itself.
Typical Industrial Applications
Medical Devices
UDI (Unique Device Identification) marking on surgical instruments and implants that must withstand autoclave sterilisation.
Aerospace & Defence
Permanent part marking for full traceability and "Birth Records" of critical engine components.
Electronic Components
High-resolution marking of circuit boards, housings, and connectors.
Bespoke Branding
High-quality corporate logo application on promotional hardware and luxury metal goods.
Technical Comparison: Marking vs. Engraving
Surface-level heat treatment that creates a high-contrast mark without disrupting the surface finish. Ideal for medical stainless steel where surface integrity must be maintained.
Deeper penetration into the material to create a tactile, recessed mark. Provides a permanent, physically engraved result that can withstand the harshest industrial conditions.
Let's discuss your engraving requirements
From safety-critical Traffolyte labels to micro-precision laser marking, our team is ready to deliver the permanent identification solution your application demands.