Reflective Plastic Roll Suppliers
What is retro-reflectivity?
Retro-reflectivity is a term used to describe how light is reflected off of a surface and return to its original source (“retro”-reflector). Traffic Sign Sheeting materials now use technology with small glass beads or prismatic reflectors that allow light from vehicle headlights to be reflected by to the vehicle and the driver’s eyes, thus making the Sign appear more bright and visible to the driver.
For retro-reflectivity to work properly, there needs to be a light source (vehicle headlights), a target (traffic sign), and a receptor (driver’s eyes).
What is Reflective Sheeting?
Reflective Sheeting is the material placed over the bare aluminum on Traffic Signs to make them reflective. Sheeting comes in Engineer Grade, High Intensity Grade, and Diamond Grade (see below for details.) Most people think that Highway Signs are painted, but the finish is actually the Reflective Sheeting.
How do different grade reflective sheeting materials compare?
Engineering Grade (EG) is the most basic sheeting, with the least amount of reflectivity - about 500 feet for night time visibility. It also has the shortest service life of around 5 years. It typically meets ASTM D4956 Type 1 standards and is an enclosed lens film using glass beads or prismatic optical technology. Engineer grade prismatic sheeting uses are typically for non-critical street and road signs. This includes parking or way-finding traffic control signs.
High Intensity Prismatic (HI) is the middle performer and has a lifespan of approximately 10 years. It returns approximately 32% of light back to its source with visibility from about 1,000 feet. Its durable topcoat protects against scratches and abrasion. The high intensity prismatic reflective sheeting series meet ASTM requirements for D4956-09 Type III and Type IV, as well as ASTM 4956-07 Type X. Micro prismatic lens reflective sheeting uses include road signs, barriers and delineators.
Diamond Grade (DG) returns the most amount of light, with about 60% retroreflectivity. It offers the best performance in both day and night conditions with visibility up to 1,600 feet. This high durability material lasts around 12 years. Full cube prismatic reflective sheeting meets specifications for ASTM Type VII, Type VIII and Type IX standards. It is ideal sheeting for highway signage, as well as construction, pedestrian, and school zones uses.
