Engraved Nameplate Materials

TitlePlates.com has standardized on laser engraving, though we still retain the ability to perform rotary engraving as a custom service.  What we have found is that laser engraving offers higher levels of detail, consistency and quality.  Lasers enable superior marking for nearly all fonts or images.  The fill of fonts can be smoothly marked with a laser whereas a rotary engraver needs to run the tool tip in a zig zag motion in order to remove the material inside the letter strokes.

There are different types of engraving which reflect both the materials used and the level of investment in the laser equipment itself.  We utilize CO2 lasers for cutting and marking of wooden nameplates. We utilize a high-end fiber laser for marking, and engraving of brass plates.  We have the ability to mark and engrave copper, aluminum, titanium and stainless steel nameplates.  

We do not print on our plates with inks or enamels.  When you see black markings, you are looking at an oxide layer that is the result of the laser having removed a layer of material and then a formed oxidize within the engraving.  The oxides are incorporated into the base material – so these are durable.  Other companies may print plates with ink (UV inks and otherwise) which will rub off or abrade away.  Not ours.  Some companies may deceptively promote plastic plates as if they were made of metals. Not us, we’re talking brass when we say “brass” and we’re talking wood when we say “wood”.

Black brass plates have a hardened black coating on top of the base brass material.  When black plates are engraved, we remove the black layer which reveals the shiny brass underneath.  Nickel plated brass has a nickel coating which is engraved and oxidized to produce black on nickel background.  

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