Llamacoids / Blog / Lamacoids vs metal vs stickers
Lamacoids vs metal tags vs stickers. Which one fits the job.
Use a lamacoid for most electrical and indoor plant ID: it's light, non-conductive and the letters can't peel. Use metal where a spec demands it or heat rules plastic out. Use a printed sticker for temporary or easy-to-replace indoor labels. We make lamacoids, not metal tags, so weigh this with that in mind.
Email your tag listBuild and price a tag289-275-9572By Llamacoids Inc, the engraving shop at 1550 Yorkton Court in Burlington. Updated 2 November 2026.
How do lamacoids, metal tags and stickers compare?
Each has a job. This is how they usually stack up, though a specific product or spec can change the answer.
| Lamacoid | Metal tag | Printed sticker | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Letters | Cut through to the core colour | Engraved, etched or stamped | Ink on film |
| Conducts electricity | No | Yes | No |
| Peels or fades | No ink or film to lose | Depends on how it's marked | Can do both |
| Weight | Light | Heavier | Lightest |
| Mounting | Adhesive, screws, chain | Screws, rivets, chain | Adhesive only |
| Relative cost | Middle | Usually highest | Lowest |
Are metal tags better than plastic?
Only for some jobs. Metal is the usual pick when a spec names it or when heat is beyond what plastic should see. For most panel and equipment ID, plastic does the job at less weight, and it won't conduct if a tag comes loose inside an enclosure.
Why not just use stickers?
A printed label is ink on a film on a layer of glue, and each layer can let go. That's fine for temporary marking. On gear that stays in service for decades, an engraved plate saves you from relabelling, and inspectors accept it where a sticker gets questioned.
What about valve tags?
Plastic and metal are both common. Engraved plastic valve tags are light and easy to read, and they hang on a chain, wire or zip tie. Use stainless or brass hardware so rust doesn't streak the plate. See valve tags.
What about outdoors?
Lamacoids go on rooftop units, solar equipment and EV chargers. The lettering holds up, and mounting is the weak point, so screw them on instead of relying on adhesive. Metal is worth considering if the spec requires it. Stickers are the risky choice out there. See outdoor and waterproof lamacoids.
More questions
Are there aluminum lamacoids?
Lamacoid means an engraved plastic laminate plate. Aluminum tags are a separate product, sometimes sold under the same word. We make plastic only.
Which is cheapest?
Printed stickers, usually. Over the life of the equipment, relabelling can cost more than getting it engraved once.
Does the electrical code say which to use?
The code asks for marking that's permanent and legible and leaves the product choice to you. Specs and owners often go further and name engraved plates.
