54 email: editor@signlink.co.uk Issue 267 - October | November 2026 ETCHING AND ENGRAVING | ROB FLETCHER McCarthy goes on to say that this capital investment delivers a “step-change” in production velocity. He explains how galvanometer scanning heads reduce cycle times on batch metal tagging from minutes to seconds. Furthermore, he says that fiber technology unlocks high-contrast direct marking on untreated stainless steel, anodised aluminium, and dense polymers without needing pre-coatings or chemical sprays. “Complex high-density 2D barcodes, micro-text, and detailed corporate branding can now be applied with absolute repeatability, expanding our service offering to meet the stringent demands of high-specification engineering clients,” he adds. Commercial Opportunity Also weighing in is Rob Goleniowski, regional general manager for the UK, Ireland, Scandinavia, and Baltics at Roland DG. He says that while UV printing is increasingly being used as an alternative for some applications, there is still demand for engraved signage, particularly where durability “needs to be of the highest standard”. “Manufacturing sites, heavy plant environments, and other industrial settings are good examples,” Goleniowski says, continuing: “In these situations, signage and labelling often need to withstand demanding conditions while remaining clear and legible over time, which is where engraving continues to have a strong role. “For sign-makers, the important point is different technologies suit different applications. UV printing offers excellent versatility, but engraving remains highly relevant where permanence, robustness, and material performance are key requirements.” Looking closer at areas of demand or sectors to monitor, Goleniowski says promotional products remain a strong complementary opportunity for sign businesses. He explains how a company already producing signage for a customer may also be able to supply engraved pens, branded merchandise, or personalised items such as metal water bottles. “Rather than seeing engraving as a completely separate market, sign-makers can use it to broaden the range of products they offer to customers they already know,” he explains, adding: “That is one of the key commercial opportunities. A signage project does not necessarily have to end with the sign itself. Engraving gives businesses another way to add value to an existing customer relationship and potentially capture more of that customer’s branding and promotional requirements. Another advantage for those in this sector is that engraving and etching are becoming much more readily available. Goleniowski set out how websites now allow customers to create or upload their own artwork and send production-ready files directly to the sign-maker. This, he says, can simplify the ordering process and reduce some of the manual preparation traditionally involved. Leading on from this, Goleniowski says software is also helping customers visualise the finished result before production. He highlights how programs such as Cut2D can create previews of the artwork, making it easier for customers to understand what they are ordering and make decisions more quickly. So, what should sign-makers consider when choosing a new machine? Goleniowski says ease of use is one of the most important considerations, particularly when engraving is an additional service rather than something the business will be producing every day. He goes on to say the equipment should add capability without becoming an operational distraction, advising sign-makers to start by considering exactly what they want to engrave and choose a machine that is suitable for those materials and applications. For example, if a business wants to produce brass house signs or building signage, it needs to make sure the equipment is appropriate for that type of work. As for solutions from Roland DG, he recommends the DE-3 desktop engraver, saying this has been designed for professional engraving applications. “Ultimately, engraving does not need to replace the other production methods available to sign-makers,” he says, adding: “Its strength is in complementing them, providing a durable solution for demanding signage applications while also opening the door to personalised products and additional revenue opportunities.” Etching and engraving may be established techniques, but the opportunities they offer sign-makers continue to evolve. From durable industrial identification and safety signage to personalised products and branded merchandise, the technology can help businesses respond to a wider range of customer requirements while The global laser engraving machine market value in 2025, according to Fortune Business Insights $7.4bn ▲ Beyond standard asset tagging, Lean 5S Products UK / National Engravers is seeing a surge in continuous improvement integrations opening up additional revenue streams. The key is understanding where the technology fits within an existing operation. Rather than viewing engraving and etching as a replacement for other production methods, sign-makers can use them alongside established capabilities to add value, improve durability, and take on work that may otherwise be outsourced. With equipment becoming more accessible and software helping to simplify the production process, the barrier to entry is also falling. For businesses willing to look beyond traditional signage, investing in the right system could provide a relatively straightforward way to expand their offerings, strengthen existing customer relationships, and uncover new opportunities.
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