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
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
3M reflective film#3M reflective sheeting grades#Engineering Grade reflective#Diamond Grade reflective sheeting#HIP reflective sheeting
Traffic sign reflective materials#3M EGP reflective#3M DG3 reflective#Road sign materials#Reflective film classification
GB/T 18833-2012 reflective standard#Long-lasting reflective sheeting






