Choosing Number Tags

Material Suitability Guide: Choosing the Right Engraving Material for Your Application

Choosing the Right Numbered Tags – We're Here to Help

At Engraved Tags, we’re committed to helping you find the right solution. If you already know which type of numbered tag you need, that’s great — but if you’re unsure, don’t worry — we’re here to help.

The guide below (and our Materials Information page) provides key details about each engraving material, including its strengths, typical applications, and ideal environments. Still have questions? Just drop us a message with your requirements, and we’ll gladly recommend the best material for your needs.

We want to make sure you choose the right tag for your application — whether it’s for a hotel key, valve label, locker disc, or outdoor post marker.

Competitive Pricing Without Compromise

We pride ourselves on offering very competitive prices, especially on quantity breaks, which are clearly displayed on each product detail page.

While materials like brass are often seen as premium and expensive, we’ve spent years developing strong supplier relationships and buying in bulk — allowing us to pass significant savings on to you.

Example Price Ranges for Our Numbered Disc Tags:

• Brass Disc Numbered Tags: £1.05 – £3.26 (depending on size & quantity)
• Anodised Aluminium Numbered Tags: £1.45 – £2.50
• 2-Ply ABS Plastic Tags: from 55p
• Traffolyte Tags: from £1.25

Precision Engraving Techniques

All of our tags are produced using computerised rotary engraving machines, ensuring crisp, high-quality, and consistent results.

Surface-Etched (Diamond-Cut)

Using a diamond drag cutter, we create crisp characters using a method similar to cross-hatching — ideal for metals such as:

• Brass
• Nickel-plated brass
• Aluminium
• Stainless steel

This technique gives the illusion of a solid number made from fine, close-cut lines.

Deep Engraving (Routed)

We also offer deep engraving, where the design is routed into the material — providing depth, durability, and a more tactile result. This is ideal for:

• Plastic
• Traffolyte
• Brass (with optional black infill for bold contrast)

At Engraved Tags, we understand that selecting the right material is key to ensuring your tags, labels, or signage stand the test of time. Whether your application is indoors or outdoors, decorative or industrial, our guide below will help you choose the most appropriate material based on environment and usage.

Indoor Use

2-Ply Engraved ABS Plastic

Best for: General-purpose tags, room identification, locker tags, budget key tags

• Lightweight and cost-effective
• Clear engraving with contrasting core
• Ideal for office use, schools, and maintenance

Traffolyte / ABET Hard Laminate

Best for: Control panels, electrical labels, room signs

• High-quality layered plastic
• Deep engraving reveals contrasting colour
• Slightly more rigid and premium than 2-ply ABS

Coloured Anodised Aluminium

Best for: Key tags, locker numbers, branding tags

• Sharp, professional appearance
• Scratch-resistant, suitable for frequent handling
• Great for aesthetic and practical use indoors

Solid Brass

Best for: Hotel key tags, table numbers, door discs

• Classic look with long-lasting engraving
• Develops a patina over time for antique finish
• Elegant and robust

Outdoor Use

Gravoglas 2 Exterior Laminate

Best for: External signs, door labels, tree tags, post markers

• Designed for extreme weather resistance
• UV and fade-resistant
• Won’t warp, peel, or crack in harsh climates

Coloured Anodised Aluminium

Best for: Asset labels, valve tags, key tags in exposed areas

• Weather-resistant and corrosion-proof
• High-contrast engraving stays legible over time
• Suitable for external use if not submerged or exposed to heavy abrasion

Solid Brass

Best for: Valve tags, fleet tags, outdoor key tags

• Naturally corrosion-resistant
• Performs well in changing outdoor conditions
• May develop a darker tone over time, adding character

Industrial & High-Demand Environments

Gravoglas 2

• Excellent for long-term, harsh outdoor environments
• Suitable for factory signs, construction sites, and exposed equipment

Solid Brass

• Excellent for valves, utilities, and high-temperature zones
• Resists wear in industrial conditions

Horticultural & External Property Labelling

Gravoglas 2

• Ideal for tree tags, garden labels, external signage
• UV stable and moisture-resistant

Anodised Aluminium

• Can be used outdoors for tag identification, especially in estate or park environments

Summary Table

Need help choosing the right material? Contact our team for advice or request free samples to see the difference in person.