Lamacoid Tags & Labels, Custom Engraved

Definition

A lamacoid tag is a rigid engraved label made from two-color laminated plastic, used to identify electrical panels, breakers, valves, pipes and equipment. The name comes from Lamicoid, a trade name for a phenolic engraving laminate, and is now used for any tag of this type.

How the two-layer sheet engraves

The sheet has a thin cap layer of one color bonded over a thicker core of another. An engraver removes the cap where the letters go, exposing the core. A black sheet with a white core gives white letters on black. The letters are part of the material, so they cannot rub off, fade or peel. The tag is then cut to size, and holes are drilled or adhesive is applied.

Phenolic vs acrylic vs printed vinyl

	Phenolic	Acrylic	Printed vinyl
How text is made	Engraved	Engraved	Printed
Heat resistance	High	Moderate	Low to moderate
Impact	Rigid, can chip if struck hard	Rigid, slightly more flexible	Flexible
Outdoor life	Long	Long with UV-stable grades	Shorter; edges can lift
Typical use	Switchgear, panels, hot areas	Panels, equipment, indoor and outdoor	Temporary or reflective markings

For most panel and equipment tags either engraved material works. Pick phenolic for heat and acrylic-based laminates for UV-heavy outdoor locations. Printed vinyl suits labels that must be reflective or will be replaced often.

Lamacoid signs and plates

The same sheet makes door signs, room signs, machine plates and large equipment placards. Signs up to about 12 x 24 inches work well in 1/8 inch with screw holes. A 2 x 8 inch door sign in 1/16 inch bills as 16 sq in, which is $12.64 at the provisional rate.

Thickness and colors

The two common thicknesses are 1/16 inch (about 1.6 mm) for adhesive-backed tags and small tags, and 1/8 inch (about 3.2 mm) for large nameplates and anything fastened with screws or chains. Standard color pairs include white on black, black on white, white on red, white on blue, white on green and black on yellow. Each pair maps to a common use: red for emergency and fire, yellow for caution, green for water, blue for air.

Where codes call for them

US codes do not name lamacoids, but several ask for permanent, durable markings that engraved tags meet: NEC 110.21(B) and 110.22 for hazard and disconnect markings, NEC 690 and 705 for solar placards, NFPA 70E for arc flash labels, and ASME A13.1 for pipe identification. Project specs often name "engraved laminated plastic nameplates" directly. See panel labels and solar placards for details.

Spelling variants

You will see lamacoid, lamicoid and lamacoid tag used for the same thing, along with engraved phenolic tag, laminated plastic nameplate and engraved nameplate. Lamicoid is the original trade name. Lamacoid is the spelling most people type. Specs tend to say "engraved laminated plastic." They all describe the same product.

Common questions

What is a lamacoid?

A lamacoid is an engraved tag made from two-color laminated plastic. Engraving through the top layer reveals the contrasting core color, which forms permanent letters. It is used to label electrical panels, breakers, valves and equipment.

Is lamicoid the same as lamacoid?

Yes, for practical purposes. Lamicoid is the original trade name for the laminate, and lamacoid is a common variant spelling. Both refer to engraved two-color plastic tags.

Phenolic or acrylic: which is better?

Phenolic handles heat better and is the traditional choice for switchgear. Acrylic-based laminates resist UV well and are common outdoors. For most indoor panel and equipment tags, either works.

How long do engraved tags last outdoors?

A UV-stable engraved laminate typically stays legible for many years outdoors because the text is cut into the material rather than printed. Mechanical fasteners help them stay in place longer than adhesive alone.

Reviewed on 2026-10-14. Your inspector (the AHJ) has the final say on markings.

Lamacoid tags and labels, engraved to order