Manufacturing Processes at Becher
Industrial Signs – Precise and Versatile
Modern production methods and long-standing experience for signs, fronts and labels
- High manufacturing depth made in Germany
- Reproducible processes for single items and series
- Suitable methods for material, application, and environment
The Right Manufacturing Process for Your Technical Requirements
At Becher Industrieschilder, we combine modern manufacturing technologies with many years of experience to implement identification solutions with technical precision. Whether anodizing, chemical etching, printing processes, engraving or laser marking – each process has specific strengths and is suited to particular materials, operating environments and requirements.
Below you will find an overview of our manufacturing processes and their typical areas of application. This makes it easier to assess which process is best suited for your needs.
Our Manufacturing Processes At a Glance
Anodising
Etching
Printing & backprinting
Engraving
Laser marking
Anodising
Anodizing is the abbreviated term for the electrolytic oxidation of aluminum. Also known as anodic oxidation, it is an electrochemical process in which the surface of aluminum is converted into aluminum oxide. The resulting dense and very hard anodized layer is firmly bonded to the base material and offers high resistance to mechanical, chemical and thermal stress.
Due to the porous structure of the oxide layer, inorganic or organic dyes can be embedded directly into the transparent anodized layer through printing processes or dye baths and are thus protected against environmental influences. This process is also referred to as subsurface anodized printing.
| Application | Nameplates, rating plates, brand mark signs, emblems, scales, measuring scales, dials, blanks, stamped parts, functional parts, barcode signs, dog tax tags, front panels, front plates, front overlays, keypad overlays, technical labels, promotional labels, markable labels |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Print colors |
A wide range of standard colors is available. Special colors can be individually mixed and sampled within certain color tolerances. The color "white" is not possible in subsurface anodized printing, as white pigment particles are larger than the anodized pores. Therefore, white is typically represented by the silver base color of anodized aluminum. |
| Variable data |
Consecutive numbering, consecutive barcodes and variable labeling via embossing, engraving, laser marking or digital printing |
Properties and advantages
- The color is not applied on the aluminum plate, front panel or label, but embedded and sealed within the anodized layer
- Decorative, metallic appearance
- Glass-hard, corrosion-resistant, scratch-resistant and smooth surface
- Easy to clean
- Resistant to oils, greases, fuels and solvents
- Can be combined with chemical etching
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Etching
In the etching process, industrial plates are marked by removing material using an etching solution. Areas that are not intended to be recessed are protected in advance with a resist coating (etch resist). The lettering can be created either recessed (positive etching, deep etching) or raised (negative etching, relief etching).
The recesses are usually filled with baked enamel coatings. However, color filling can also be omitted, so that legibility is achieved solely through the contrast between the bare base material and the matte etched areas.
Although etching is one of the oldest processes in the production of industrial plates, etched metal plates and front panels are still among the most durable and resistant identification solutions available.
| Application | Nameplates, rating plates, brand mark signs, emblems, scales, measuring scales, dials, blanks, stamped parts, functional parts, barcode signs, dog tax tags, front panels, front plates |
| Material | Stainless steel, brass, aluminum |
| Print colors |
A wide range of standard colors is available. All colors according to common color systems (RAL, HKS, Pantone) and custom colors are possible. Alternatively, without color using the matte-gloss contrast of the base material. |
| Variable data |
Consecutive numbering, consecutive barcodes and variable labeling via embossing, engraving or laser marking |
Properties and advantages
- Color filling is protected by being embedded in recessed areas
- Legibility remains ensured even after overcoating or damage to the color filling
- High lightfastness of the colors
- High weather resistance
- For aluminum plates and front panels, a combination with anodizing is possible
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Printing & backprinting
For printed industrial plates, the print colors are applied to the substrate using printing techniques such as screen printing, offset printing or digital printing.
Printed plates, front panels and front bezels are used when high demands on color design are required, but no particularly high resistance to mechanical, chemical or environmental influences is necessary.
The marking of labels, membrane overlays and keypad overlays is usually carried out using printing processes. The print can be protected by laminates. For reverse-printed industrial plates, printing is applied to the back of a transparent substrate, so the print is protected by the material itself.
| Application | Nameplates, rating plates, brand mark signs, emblems, scales, measuring scales, dials, blanks, stamped parts, functional parts, barcode signs, front panels, front plates, front overlays, keypad overlays, technical labels, promotional labels, security labels, markable labels, barcode labels, 3D labels |
| Material | Plastics, composite materials, aluminum, stainless steel, brass |
| Print colors |
All colors according to common color systems (RAL, HKS, Pantone) and custom colors are possible. |
| Variable data |
Consecutive numbering, consecutive barcodes and variable labeling via embossing, engraving, laser marking or digital printing |
Properties and advantages
- Virtually unlimited possibilities in color design
- High UV resistance
- Print can be protected by clear coating or laminates
- Good protection of the print in reverse-printed industrial plates
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Engraving
Engraving is a material-removal process in which industrial plates are marked by removing material using rotating cutting tools.
The recesses are often filled with paints, although color filling can also be omitted. In such cases, legibility is achieved either through a matte-gloss contrast, for example with stainless steel, or through color differences when engraving multilayer materials. Materials such as anodized aluminum or plastics like Formalon® or composite materials like Resopal® are used for this purpose.
The appearance and properties of engraved metal plates largely correspond to those of etched plates and front panels. Engraving is primarily used for small production runs and for adding variable markings.
| Application | Nameplates, rating plates, brand mark signs, emblems, scales, measuring scales, dials, blanks, stamped parts, functional parts, barcode signs, front panels, front plates |
| Material | Stainless steel, brass, aluminum, plastics, composite materials |
| Print colors |
A wide range of standard colors is available. All colors according to common color systems (RAL, HKS, Pantone) and custom colors are possible. Alternatively, without color using the matte-gloss contrast of the base material. |
| Variable data |
Consecutive numbering, consecutive barcodes and variable labeling via embossing, engraving or laser marking |
Properties and advantages
- Color filling is protected by being embedded in recessed areas
- Legibility remains ensured even after overcoating or damage to the color filling
- High lightfastness of the colors
- High weather resistance
- For aluminum plates and front panels, a combination with anodizing is possible
- Cost-efficient production of small quantities and single units
- Variable marking possible
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Laser marking
Laser marking is a process in which industrial plates are marked by modifying the substrate using an intense laser beam.
Three variants are available: In annealing marking, a color change in the material is achieved through the effect of heat and oxygen. In laser engraving, a thin layer of the material surface is removed. A third variant involves the targeted removal of color from coatings or dyed anodized layers.
Laser marking is primarily used for the subsequent addition of variable data such as consecutive serial numbers or barcodes.
| Application | Nameplates, rating plates, brand mark signs, emblems, scales, measuring scales, dials, blanks, stamped parts, functional parts, barcode signs, dog tax tags, front panels, front plates |
| Material | Aluminum, stainless steel, plastics, composite materials |
| Print colors |
Alternatively without color using the matte-gloss contrast of the base material. |
| Variable data |
Consecutive numbering, consecutive barcodes and variable labeling via embossing, engraving or laser marking |
Properties and advantages
- Permanent legibility
- Cost-efficient production even for small series
- Custom labeling available
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Are you looking for a custom labeling solution?
Contact us for a non-binding consultation.
Our team will review your requirements and provide you with a suitable offer promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Manufacturing Processes and Procedures (FAQ)
The choice of the appropriate process mainly depends on material, operating environment, required durability, appearance and quantity.
- Anodizing / subsurface anodized printing: particularly suitable for durable markings on aluminum
- Etching: for long-lasting metal plates with high resistance
- Printing / reverse printing: for colored designs and graphic elements
- Engraving: for small quantities and individual markings
- Laser marking: particularly suitable for variable data such as serial numbers, barcodes or DataMatrix codes
We will be happy to advise you on which process is technically and economically suitable for your application.
For outdoor applications, anodized aluminum or chemically etched stainless steel are commonly used. The suitable design depends on weather conditions, UV exposure, mechanical stress and the specific application environment.
Through coordinated manufacturing processes, defined material qualities and documented specifications, series projects can be implemented reproducibly. Repeat orders are produced based on established specifications, ensuring consistent dimensional accuracy, surface quality and marking appearance.
Yes. At Becher, we select the process based on material and application, taking into account factors such as:
- Mechanical stress
- Chemical influences
- Temperature range
- Required service life
- Quantity and cost efficiency
Yes. At Becher, we offer a wide range of custom colors and surface enhancements tailored to your durability requirements, including:
- Matte or glossy finishes
- extured or smooth surfaces
- Protective coatings, reverse printing, or additional surface options
The most suitable design depends on your specific application and design requirements. Our experts are happy to advise you on the best technical implementation for your project.
Laser marking is particularly suitable for:
- Consecutive serial numbers
- Barcodes or DataMatrix codes
- Variable data
It is especially useful when flexible data content, precise marking and reproducible results are required.
Here is a brief overview:
- Anodizing: Aluminum
- Etching: Stainless steel, brass, aluminum
- Printing / reverse printing: Plastics, composite materials, aluminum, stainless steel, brass
- Engraving: Stainless steel, brass, aluminum, plastics, composite materials
- Laser marking: Aluminum, stainless steel, plastics, composite materials