CNC Engraving on Sheet Metal...

…For Trade & Industry

At MS Laser Services, we provide precision CNC engraving on sheet metal for signage, branding, component marking and architectural detailing. Using a large-format CNC machine (3 m × 1.5 m), we engrave brass, copper, aluminium, stainless steel, zinc and more with clean, repeatable accuracy.

Based in Liverpool, we support trade clients across the UK with fast-turnaround engraving services designed for industrial, commercial and architectural applications.

Why Choose Our CNC Engraving on Sheet Metal Service?

  • Large-format CNC router — 3 m × 1.5 m bed

  • Engraves brass, copper, aluminium, zinc, stainless and Corten

  • Clean, accurate rotary engraving with consistent depth

  • Suitable for plaques, signage, plates, tags & architectural panels

  • Fast turnaround and UK-wide delivery

  • CAD support for DXF, DWG and vector PDF

  • Stock metals available or engrave your supplied sheet

  • No minimum order — prototypes or batches welcome

CNC Engraving on Sheet Metal for Signs, Plaques & Panels

We engrave sheet metal for signs, plaques, branded panels and architectural details — all processed on our large-format CNC router (3 m × 1.5 m). We work with brass, copper, aluminium, zinc and stainless steel, supplied flat or laser cut to shape.

collage of copper, zinc, aluminium, brass

collage of copper, zinc, aluminium, brass

What We Engrave

We engrave directly onto the following sheet metals (flat only, up to 3.0 mm thick):

  • Aluminium (mill, anodised)

  • Stainless Steel (304 / 316)

  • Brass (CZ120 & CZ108)

  • Copper (natural & aged)

  • Zinc (natural & patinated)

  • Corten Steel (raw or pre-weathered)

Material supply is available if you do not have your own sheet metal.

 

 

File Formats & Design Support

We accept:

  • DXF

  • DWG

  • Vector PDF

Unsure whether your file is ready for engraving?
Our in-house CAD team can adjust or convert artwork to suit rotary engraving.

 

How CNC Engraving on Sheet Metal Works

Screenshot of CNC software showing toolpath layout for engraving brass sign

Screenshot of CNC software showing toolpath layout for engraving brass sign

Our process starts by generating a digital toolpath from your artwork (text, logos, symbols or detailed patterns).
The CNC head then engraves the surface at a controlled depth, producing clean, precise and consistent results.

Ideal for:

  • Brass plaques

  • Signage panels

  • Architectural detailing

  • Industrial tags & faceplates

Image: CNC Engraving Toolpath Example – Brass Sign

CNC Engraving Toolpath Example – Brass Sign

Common Applications

  • Branded metal signage

  • Architectural detailing & interior features

  • Industrial nameplates, labels and machine tags

  • One-off prototypes & short-run components

  • Reception plaques & directional panels

  • Technical faceplates & equipment surrounds

We support both one-off jobs and batch engraving for trade and OEM clients.

Example: Small CNC-Engraved Brass Plate

This miniature engraved brass plate was cut and engraved from a 3 mm sheet metal remnant. It features fine routing detail, with a 20p coin shown for scale — demonstrating the precision achievable even on very small components.

Image: CNC engraved brass nameplate next to a 20p coin

CNC engraved brass nameplate next to a 20p coin for scale

Finish and Infill Options

CNC engraving on sheet metal example an engraved Bar 33 sign in patinated zinc with serif lettering, featuring the names Steve & Sue.

Engraving can be supplied:

  • With paint infill (black, white, red, etc.)

  • With dark patina infill on brass, copper and zinc

  • Clear lacquer coated (optional)

  • Supplied flat or press-braked if required

These options allow engraved plates to be customised for branding, architectural or industrial use.

Pricing & Turnaround

Pricing is based on:

  • Material

  • Sheet size

  • Engraving complexity

  • Quantity

  • Finish options (infill, lacquer, patina)

Typical turnaround: 2–5 working days, with faster options available for smaller jobs.

We also provide:

  • Thin-gauge laser cutting for profiling before engraving

  • Precision sheet metal cutting for tight-tolerance parts

  • Stock metal supply from the Metal Sheets Group

  • Laser cutting with remnants for cost-effective small components

  • 1 mm aluminium cutting for tags, plates & lightweight panels

Related Services

If your project also involves profiling, shaping or small-part production, we offer several complementary services:

Thin-Gauge Laser Cutting – Clean, accurate profiling for flat components, signage elements and architectural parts before or after engraving.

Precision Sheet Metal Cutting – Ideal for tight-tolerance parts or engraved-and-cut features across prototypes and production runs.

Sheet Metal Materials – View the full range of metals we engrave and cut, including brass, copper, stainless, aluminium, zinc and Corten.

Laser Cutting With Remnants – Reduce material cost on small components or one-off engraved parts using in-house part sheets.

1 mm Aluminium Laser Cutting – Lightweight branding plates, tags and identity panels laser cut with crisp edges, ready for engraving or infill.

If you need something more bespoke, just get in touch — we’re happy to advise on design, finishes and production options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials do you engrave?

We engrave brass, copper, aluminium (including checker plate), zinc, and stainless steel — in various finishes, from natural to polished or patinated.

What file types do you accept for engraving?

We accept DXF, DWG, and vector-based PDF files. If your file needs adjustment, we offer in-house CAD support.

How large can you engrave?

Our CNC engraving machine handles sheet sizes up to 3000mm x 1500mm.

Do you engrave commemorative or industrial plaques for trade projects?

Yes — heritage and dedication plaques are a core part of our engraving work.

Can you engrave and fill the lettering?

Yes — we offer paint infill, dark patina infill for a natural look, and clear lacquer to protect the finish.

How long does it take?

Most engraving jobs are completed within 3–7 working days depending on design and finish.

Do you deliver across the UK?

Yes, we ship across the UK using Royal Mail, DHL, Fortec pallet network, or dedicated couriers.

Can you provide CNC engraving on sheet metal only, or also on shaped parts?

Yes — we specialise in CNC engraving on sheet metal, and we can also laser cut your parts to shape before or after engraving.