Lamacoid Tags & Labels, Custom Engraved

A lamacoid tag is a laser engraved tag cut from two-color laminated plastic. Engraving removes the thin top color so the core color shows through as the letters. Lamacoids mark electrical panels, breakers, valves, machines and equipment. The name is also spelled lamicoid.

Specifications

Material	Two-color engraving laminate
Process	Laser engraved and cut to size
Thickness	1/16 in (1.6 mm) or 1/8 in (3.2 mm)
Colors	White on black, black on white, white on red, black on yellow and more
Mounting	Adhesive backing or mounting holes
Sizes	Any size up to the sheet, priced by billed area

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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 an 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.

Laser engraved vs printed labels

A laser engraved lamacoid has its letters cut into the tag, so there is no ink to fade, rub off or peel. Printed vinyl is cheaper and can be reflective, but edges lift and print fades in sun and heat. For permanent panel, valve and equipment marking, engraved tags last much longer.

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.

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 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.

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