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Introduction to 3M Reflective Film and Its Grade Classification

Brand Overview: 3M Reflective Film

3M Reflective Films are manufactured in Minnesota, USA, and all products sold in China are fully imported. As one of the pioneers in the reflective materials industry, 3M holds a strong reputation and market recognition thanks to its mature technology and consistent quality.
Due to high technical barriers in this field, few competitors can rival the performance of 3M reflective films. Today, 3M reflective films are widely applied in the traffic safety industry, particularly in road signs and transportation infrastructure.

 

The most commonly used types of 3M reflective sheeting for traffic signs include:

3M Engineering Grade Reflective Sheeting

3M High Intensity Prismatic (HIP) Reflective Sheeting

3M Super High Intensity Reflective Sheeting

3M Diamond Grade Reflective Sheeting

 


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3M Reflective Film Grade Classification

According to China's national standard GB/T 18833-2012, 3M reflective sheeting used for traffic signage is categorized into four main grades:

Grade Type National Standard Category Common Applications Durability Notes
Engineering Grade (EGP) Type I Rural road signs, general traffic facilities ~7 years Marked with "EGP" letters on surface
High Intensity Prismatic Type III City roads, national and provincial highways 10 years Widely used, price range: ¥87–¥90/sq.m
Super High Intensity Type IV Expressway background sheeting 10 years Stable performance, price: ¥105–¥115/sq.m
Diamond Grade (DG3) Type V Expressway sign text overlays, premium signage 12+ years Highest reflectivity, premium price level

 

 


 

1. 3M Engineering Grade Reflective Film (EGP)

This was one of the earliest grades developed and was initially used on national and provincial highway signs as well as other general traffic devices. The film surface is printed with the letters "EGP".
With modern standards now requiring higher reflectivity and durability, this grade is currently mostly applied to rural roads and general traffic facility markings.

 


 

2. 3M High Intensity Prismatic Reflective Film

Classified as Type III reflective sheeting under the Chinese GB/T 18833-2012 standard, this film is now widely used for urban road signage and provincial highways.
It offers a 10-year durability and balances performance with cost-effectiveness, with a market price around ¥87–¥90 per square meter.

 


 

3. 3M Super High Intensity Reflective Film

Recognized as a Type IV product, this reflective sheeting is commonly used for background layers of expressway traffic signs.
With a uniform reflective appearance and stable long-term performance, this grade has become a favorite among clients.
Typical service life is around 10 years, and market prices range from ¥105 to ¥115 per square meter.

 


 

4. 3M Diamond Grade Reflective Film

This is the highest-grade reflective sheeting available from 3M, designed for critical road signs such as expressway directional signs and high-speed traffic text overlays.
With outstanding reflectivity, long service life (12+ years), and superior weather resistance, it is ideal for high-visibility, high-priority signage.
Its premium performance comes at a higher cost, making it suitable for important infrastructure projects.

 


 

Conclusion

3M offers a full range of reflective sheeting solutions for different levels of road signage, from rural roads to expressways. Whether you're seeking cost-effective materials or the highest grade of reflectivity and longevity, 3M reflective films are a trusted choice in the global traffic safety industry.

 

Tags / Keywords

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GB/T 18833-2012 reflective standard#Long-lasting reflective sheeting