Difference Between Glass Bead & Prismatic Reflective Tape – (www.tapedealer.com)

There are two types of reflective tape, glass bead and prismatic.  Glass bead tapes were the first reflective tapes and then in the 1960’s prismatic tape was invented by Reflexite.  It is interesting that prismatic tapes have not replaced glass bead tapes.  Even after 50 years.  This is because both have characteristics that make them desirable in certain situations.

Glass Bead Reflective Tapes

Glass bead tapes use microscopic glass spheres to bend and reflect light back to the light source. Because of the imperfections and curved surfaces in glass beads, tapes made with beads are less reflective than tapes made with prisms.  Glass bead tapes are about 30% efficient.  This is a disadvantage.  However, there are three advantages that glass bead tape has over most prismatic tapes.  First, glass bead reflective tapes are much more affordable.  This is because they are simpler to manufacture. Second, most glass bead tapes are CAD cuttable meaning that you can cut letters, number and designs out of the tape and create reflective signs or graphics. Third, glass bead tapes reflect light back at wider angles.  In other words, glass bead tapes are sort of like flood lamps whereas prismatic tapes are more light spot lights.  The diagram below shows this.

As you will notice from the diagram above, the glass bead tape disperses light more than prismatic tape.  That is why it is not as bright at farther distances.  However, at close distances the wider angle of dispersion can be an advantage.  Let say for example that a fireman is wearing a high intensity glass bead tape on his equipment. When someone shines a light towards him the tape will light up for the person with the light and, if you are fairly close, it will light up for you as well.  Also, as the beam nears the fireman, his tape lights up quickly.  Again, this is because of the dispersion of the light.  Many people prefer the high intensity glass bead tape for close up applications.  For long distance applications the prismatic is always better.  This is because the glass bead tapes completely disappear at a distance of a few hundred yards whereas a prismatic tape is still visible for over a thousand yards or more.

There are two basic types of glass bead reflective tapes.  The first is a standard engineer grade or type 1 tape.  White engineer grade tape reflects at about 75 candlepower.  This is the most popular tape and is found on car tags, stop signs, speed limit signs, emergency vehicle striping and graphics, etc..  The second type is high intensity or type 3 tape. This tape has higher index beads and encapsulates them in a honeycomb pattern.  White high intensity tape reflects at about 250 candlepower.  You will find this type of tape on traffic cones and road barrels.

Prismatic Reflective Tape

Prismatic is more efficient and returns about 80% of the light sent to it.  Therefore it is brighter than glass bead tapes.  Prismatic tape reflects light via man made prisms.  Since the mirrors are flat and not curved they are more efficient.  The light sent from the tape is more focused and can therefore travel farther still be seen.   For long distance applications like DOT regulated trucks or coast guard search and rescue a prismatic tape is a must.  There are several grades of prismatic tape starting with a type 4 and going up to a type 8.  Because they are all so bright, to the human eye there is very little noticeable difference in the various prismatic types.  It is when you get far away from the tape that you notice a difference.  The farther away you need to see the tape the higher the type needs to be.  The brightest tape that I know of is SOLAS coast guard approved tape.  It is used for offshore applications and is vital for search and rescue operations where the victim may be a thousand or so yards away.

Many prismatic tapes are too thick to CAD cut. The exception would be Oralite metallized prismatic tapes.  Oralite (formerly Reflexite) invented prismatic tapes and makes their metallized tapes in a thin single layer.  This has two advantages.  Number one, the tape will not delaminate like the thicker tapes.  Number two, it can be CAD cut with a vinyl cutter/plotter.  This is a huge advantage.  Prismatic graphics show up several times farther than standard glass bead graphics.  The advantages of this are obvioius.

Some different types of prismatic tapes are DOT C2 Tape, FRA Railcar Tape, SOLAS coast guard tape, School Bus Tape, Chevron Reflective Striping, and Sign Sheeting.

In summary, both glass bead and prismatic tapes have their purpose and will continue to keep people safe and visible for years to come.

Steven Cole

Steven Cole (Economics, MBA – University of West Florida , Business & Innovation – Stanford University) 24 years of experience in the reflective safety business.  Specializing in vehicle accident and rear end collision reduction through increased visibility.

www.reflective-inc.com

Performance – Glass Bead Reflective Versus Prismatic Reflective – (www.tapedealer.com)

Reflective tape reflects in one of two ways. Either through the use of microscopic glass beads or via man made prisms. Glass bead technology is the oldest and prismatic tapes are more recent.

Note – prismatic reflective tapes were invented by Reflexite Americas in the 60’s.

Glass bead tapes reflect light back less efficiently than prismatics. However, glass bead tape is much less expensive. For applications within a 300 foot range they are fine and sometimes preferable.

Prismatic tape has a tighter more efficient return of light. A brighter, tighter beam extends much further giving prismatic tapes an operating range beyond the thousand foot mark. For marine, highway or traffic applications where long distance conspicuity is important, prismatic is the way to go.

The diagram below shows the dispersant characteristics of each type of tape. Glass bead tape reflects light back sort of like a flood lamp. Up close this is fine. Prismatic tapes shine like a spot light. This is better when the viewer is far away.

What is the difference in brightness? Lets compare the color white/silver. White Glass bead tape reflects at about 75 candelas for the standard engineer grade type 1 tape (like your car tag) and 250 candelas for the high intensity type 3 tape. Prismatic tapes start at around 460 candelas and go up to 1000 candelas for SOLAS tape. As you can see there is a big difference in the two tapes. Each has its function and neither will ever become obsolete.

Steven Cole

Steven Cole (Economics, MBA – University of West Florida , Business & Innovation – Stanford University) 24 years of experience in the reflective safety business.  Specializing in vehicle accident and rear end collision reduction through increased visibility.

www.reflective-inc.com

Metalized Versus Air Backed Prismatic Retro Reflective Tape – (www.tapedealer.com)

Metalized versus Non Metallized Micro Prismatic Reflective Tapes

These two types of construction refer to prismatic retro reflective tapes. A prismatic tape uses man made prisms or mirror to reflect light back to the source. (This is different from glass bead tape which uses glass spheres to reflect light.)

Metalized Prismatic Reflective Sheeting

This type of film is created by first creating an array of micro prisms then coating the top of these prisms with clear or colored polymer and metalizing the back of the prisms with a mirror type finish. This process completely protects the prisms so that the tape can be cut in any place without compromising the integrity of the prisms. You can cut letters, shapes, numbers, etc… without having to worry about the prisms becoming contaminated with the elements. This tape often has a pattern on the front which is normally used to make the tape more visible or vivid in the daytime. It is also much thinner than Non Metalized prismatic tapes and because of this can be wrapped around smaller diameter curves. (snow poles, bollards, etc..)

Non Metalized Prismatic Reflective Sheeting

This type of film is often referred to as an air backed prismatic. Non metalized films are made by first creating a prismatic array. This can be clear or colored.  This layer is then laminated onto another layer that provides a white background for the top prismatic layer.  These films are normally more vivid than metalized films since they use a white background versus a metalized mirror background. The downside is that the two laters can delaminate.  It is also thicker and less flexible. This this type of film is great for signs and other static applications but for vehicle graphics a metalized film is a must.

Steven Cole

Steven Cole (Economics, MBA – University of West Florida , Business & Innovation – Stanford University) 24 years of experience in the reflective safety business.  Specializing in vehicle accident and rear end collision reduction through increased visibility.

www.reflective-inc.com

Enclosed Lens versus Encapsulated Lens – Retro Reflective Sheeting  (enclosed=engineer grade / encapsulated=high intensity)

Reflective Sheeting comes in several types, colors, brightnesses, etc.. Some of the terminology that describes the different types of reflective sheeting can be confusing. This article is going to define the terms enclosed lens and encapsulated lens reflective sheeting. These terms have to do with the construction of the reflective film. These 2 methods of construction also define the look and feel of the tape. In other words you can look at a reflective tape sample and tell which type of construction was used. (In a separate article I will be discussing metallized and non metallized prismatic sheeting.)

Enclosed Lens Retro Reflective Sheeting

This method of construction applies only to glass bead type reflective films. Enclosed lens is also known as engineer grade (type 1) or super engineer grade (type 2) reflective sheeting. The glass beads provide the reflectivity by bouncing light back to the source. Each glass bead is like a lens. In an enclosed lens film the glass beads are completely surrounded by the flexible polymer that makes up the film. Nothing is able to get to the beads except light. The polymer that surrounds the beads is often tinted which is what creates the different colors. The top part of the image below shows how this works. With this type film you can cut it anywhere you wish and not affect the integrity of the beads. This is why this type film is often used for graphics applications such as letters and numbers on vehicles. Enclosed lens films generally have no visible pattern. Just a smooth color like white, red, green, blue, black, yellow, brown, gold or orange.

Encapsulated Lens Retro Reflective Sheeting

Encapsulated lens reflective sheeting also refers to glass bead type films. Specifically a type 3 high intensity film. In this type of construction the glass beads are encapsulated in cells. As long as the cell is intact, water and the elements cannot get to the actual bead. However, when the film is cut the cells on the edge are exposed and water intrusion can occur if the cell is not sealed using a clear coat. (only the cells on the edge would be affected) In other words, the beads are only protected within the cell. Because the beads are not completely surrounded by a polymer, they reflect more brightly. The top of the cell they are in is either clear or tinted to create a colored film. The bottom of the image above shows this type of construction. If you look at an encapsulated film you will be able to see the cells as either a honeycomb pattern or diamond pattern. If you look very close you will see the small beads. (If you see prisms within the cell then you are looking at a non metallized prismatic film which we will discuss in a different article.)

Steven Cole

Steven Cole (Economics, MBA – University of West Florida , Business & Innovation – Stanford University) 24 years of experience in the reflective safety business.  Specializing in vehicle accident and rear end collision reduction through increased visibility.

www.reflective-inc.com

Specifications for the Most Common Reflective Tapes – (www.tapedealer.com)

There are several types of reflective sheeting.  Engineer grade is the most common and is known as a type 1 film.  Super engineer grade is a type 2.  High intensity is the brightest glass bead film and is a type 3.  The first prismatic film is a type 5.  The brightest film is a type 8 and is often called crystal or diamond grade.  We have charts on each of the films below.  Exact intensities will vary by manufacturer but the charts below are a good guide.  Also, please note that the Type 3 High Intensity chart also defines observation and entrance angles.

Type 1 Engineer Grade Reflectivity Chart

Type 2 Super Engineer Grade Reflectivity Chart

Type 3 High Intensity Reflectivity Chart

Type 4 High Intensity Prismatic (HIP)

Type 5 V82 Prismatic Tape (thin tape)

V98 Oralite Conformable Prismatic (slightly thicker than V92/V82)

Type 8 Crystal / Diamond Grade Reflectivity Chart (thick stiff tape)

Steven Cole

Steven Cole (Economics, MBA – University of West Florida , Business & Innovation – Stanford University) 24 years of experience in the reflective safety business.  Specializing in vehicle accident and rear end collision reduction through increased visibility.

www.reflective-inc.com

Red / White DOT C2 Reflective Truck Tape Specifications – (www.tapedealer.com)

DOT Truck (Tractor Trailer) marking requirements were set up by the FMCSA to help improve visibility in low light conditions and reduce the probability of fatal motor vehicle crashes into the sides or back of stopped or parked trucks and tractor trailers at night or in poor visibility conditions.

On December 10, 1992, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA published a final ruling that required trailers manufactured on or after December 1, 1993 having an overall width of 80 inches or more and a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 10,000 pounds, be equipped on the sides and rear with a means for making them more visible on the road. The NHTSA ruling allows trailer manufacturers to install either red and white retro reflective tape or sheeting or reflex reflectors. This tape is commonly referred to as DOT C2 reflective tape and is thus marked for easy identification (Exemption – pole trailers and trailers designed exclusively for living or office use)

While the term “DOT C2” reflective tape is used quite often in regards to marking tractor trailer rigs 80 inches wide or wider and over 10,000 lbs GVWR, what the term “DOT C2” means is seldom discussed. Most people know that the letters DOT mean “Department of Transportation.  Also, some people know that the term C2, C3 or C4 refers to the width of the tape. (2″,3″ or 4”)  Most people do not know what it takes for a reflective tape to be certified as “DOT C2, C3, or C4”.  This article is meant to help you understand what these requirements are so that you can be sure that you are using the correct product on your vehicle.  In the event of an accident, having the proper markings is especially important.  We recommend Oralite (formerly Reflexite) DOT tapes.  They invented prismatic reflective tape and their products are respected and recognized around the world.  The downsides to using a cheap substitute are simply not worth it.

In order to be certified as DOT C2, C3 or C4 tape, certain requirements have to be met. These requirements involve the construction of the tape, the color, the width, the spacing of the alternating colors, the performance,  and the reflectivity. If a tape has been certified to meet these standards then the manufacturer is allowed to put DOT C2 certification on it. The specifics of the requirements are as follows. (Source – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration 393.11)

Construction – The requirements for the basic construction of the film are very straight forward.  This is how virtually all reflective tapes are constructed.  The regulation is as follows:

S5.7.1.1  Construction. Retroreflective sheeting shall consist of a smooth, flat, transparent exterior film with retroreflective elements embedded or suspended beneath the film so as to form a non-exposed retroreflective optical system.

Color – DOT tape must be made with white and red alternating colors.  The white color on prismatic tapes often looks silver but reflects white at night. The exact wording of the regulation is as follows:

(a) Retro-reflective sheeting shall be applied in a pattern of alternating white and red color segments to the sides and rear of each trailer, and to the rear of each truck tractor, and in white to the upper rear corners of each trailer and truck tractor, in the locations specified in S5.7.1.4, and Figures 30–1 through 30–4, or Figure 31, as appropriate.  (see this article for placement details)

Spacing -The red and white (silver) segments are required to be a minimum of 12 inches plus or minus 6 inches.   That would be between 6″ and 18″  There is an exception where the tape must be trimmed to avoid obstructions when installed.  Also, neither the red or white colors can exceed two thirds (2/3) of the total.

There are two types of DOT tape available.  A 7″ white / 11″ red and a 6″ white / 6″ red.  If you run the numbers you will see that both meet the spacing requirement.  On 7/11 tape the 7″ white would represent 39% of the aggregate and the 11″ red would represent 61%.  The 6/6 would be 50% each.  To the best of my knowledge all 50 states allow you to use either the 7/11 or 6/6 type DOT tape.  The regulation is quoted below:

(b) Except for a segment that is trimmed to clear obstructions, or lengthened to provide red sheeting near red lamps, each white or red segment shall have a length of 300 mm ±150 mm.

(c) Neither white nor red sheeting shall represent more than two thirds of the aggregate of any continuous strip marking the width of a trailer, or any continuous or broken strip marking its length.

Width – DOT certified tape can be 2″ wide, 3″ wide or 4″ wide. The most popular and cost efficient size is 2 inches but for larger trucks many users prefer the 3 and 4 inch widths in either the 6/6 or 7/11. The more visible the truck the better. Also, in the event of an accident it is important to be able to show due diligence when it comes to vehicle conspicuity.  The specific regulation is as follows:

(d) Retroreflective sheeting shall have a width of not less than 50 mm (Grade DOT-C2), 75 mm (Grade DOT-C3), or 100 mm (Grade DOT-C4).

Reflectivity & Performance – This is one of the most important aspects of this tape.  A bright tape can be seen from longer distances.  For highway applications this is very important.  To meet the DOT C2,3,4 requirements a tape must meet all the requirements for ASTM D4956-90 Type V Sheeting EXCEPT for the reflectivity.  These requirements would include things like adhesion, colorfastness, flexibility, shrinkage,  weathering, etc… Reflectivity requirements are basically equal to Type III or High Intensity Glass Bead tape.  To be safe, a Prismatic DOT tape is recommended.  This will assure that the reflectivity far exceeds the minimum requirements.  The exact wording of the regulation and a reflectivity chart are included below:

S5.7.1.2 Performance requirements. Retroreflective sheeting shall meet the requirements of ASTM D 4956–90, Standard Specification for Retroreflective Sheeting for Traffic Control, for Type V Sheeting, except for the photometric requirements, and shall meet the minimum photometric performance requirements specified in Figure 29.

(e) The coefficients for retroreflection of each segment of red or white sheeting shall be not less than the minimum values specified in Figure 29 of this standard for grades DOT-C2, DOT-C3, and DOT-C4.

Figure 29—Minimum Photometric Performance of Retroflective Sheeting in Candela/Lux/Square Meter

DOT Certification Logo – The DOT-C2 designation is to appear on the tape at least every 12 inches.  The characters should be at least 3 mm tall and stamped in indelible ink or an equivalent.  The exact wording is below:

S5.7.1.5 Certification. The letters DOT-C2, DOT-C3, or DOT-C4, as appropriate, constituting a certification that the retroreflective sheeting conforms to the requirements of S5.7.1.2, shall appear at least once on the exposed surface of each white or red segment of retroreflective sheeting, and at least once every 300 mm on retroreflective sheeting that is white only. The characters shall be not less than 3 mm high, and shall be permanently stamped, etched, molded, or printed in indelible ink.

Steven Cole

Steven Cole (Economics, MBA – University of West Florida , Business & Innovation – Stanford University) 24 years of experience in the reflective safety business.  Specializing in vehicle accident and rear end collision reduction through increased visibility.

www.reflective-inc.com

Flexible Stretchable High Intensity – Alternative to SOLAS Reflective Tape – (www.tapedealer.com)

Flexible high intensity reflective tape is a glass bead product that utilizes a polyester topcoat to allow the tape to stretch and conform to flexible surfaces. Some examples of these surfaces would be a traffic cone, a road barrel or a kayak. Also, rain suits and zodiacs.

The flexible high intensity tape is a type 3 or otherwise know as an ASTM 4956 -03 tape.  It uses high index beads that are encapsulated in a honey comb pattern.  This renders the tape about 3 times more reflective than standard engineer grade or type 1.

The best feature of the flexible high intensity type 3 tape is its ability to stretch.  If a traffic cone or road barrel is hit by a car the tape will rebound with the object it is on.  Thence its other name “reboundable reflective tape”.  There are a variety of application where this ability to stretch comes is desirable.  Curves surfaces such as a helmet can be striped with this material since it will stretch and lay down.  Other stiff tapes will not work on complex curves.

We call this a SOLAS alternative because there are some manufacturers who use this type of tape as SOLAS tape.   It is very bright for a glass bead tape and will flex in marine applications.   It would be just like a SOLAS glass bead tape but without the SOLAS logo on it.

We have more information on this tape – Solas Alternative Reflective Tape .

Steven Cole

Steven Cole (Economics, MBA – University of West Florida , Business & Innovation – Stanford University) 24 years of experience in the reflective safety business.  Specializing in vehicle accident and rear end collision reduction through increased visibility.

www.reflective-inc.com

Reflective Tape Brightness Chart – (www.tapedealer.com)

There are several types of reflective tape with each varying in brightness, flexibility and conform ability. Some have a type rating like “Type 1 or 3” and some do not.  Generally, tapes that are used as sign sheeting on DOT roads are known by a Type 1, 2, 3, 5 or 8 designation.  Tapes used in other applications are not rated by type.  SOLAS marine tape is an example of this.  The different reflective tapes vary in brightness but also have some other characteristics that should be considered.  The tape you choose will depend on your application, the surface, and how far away the tape needs to be seen.

The chart below lists the major types of reflective tape along with each tapes brightness and any special characteristics.

• The reflectivity factors below are in candelas and are measured at a -4 degree entrance angle.  The factors are approximate and meant to be used as a comparison.  The factors below are for white tape.
• To be CAD cut means that the material can or cannot be cut with a computer controlled vinyl cutter for the creation of letter, numbers, symbols, etc.
• Flexible means that the tape bends easily.  Thin, flexible tape will bend around a radius easier.
• Stretchable means it will stretch to conform around complex curves. Only the flexible engineer grade and flexible high intensity will do this.

Specialty Reflective Tapes-
V97 Reflexite Fluorescent Yellow Tape – thicker than a V92 tape but still CAD cuttable. Reflects at about 325 candelas which is excellent for a yellow colored film.  Used for the backs of fire trucks as Chevron Striping.
R99 Railcar Tape – Schoolbus yellow color (golden yellow) or White. White reflects at 600 candelas and the yellow reflects at 400. Flexible but will not stretch. Used to mark rail cars.  Also known as FRA tape.

Steven Cole

Steven Cole (Economics, MBA – University of West Florida , Business & Innovation – Stanford University) 24 years of experience in the reflective safety business.  Specializing in vehicle accident and rear end collision reduction through increased visibility.

www.reflective-inc.com

Reflective Tapes for Snowy Weather – (www.tapedealer.com)

Each year, as the weather turns colder, people in Northern States and Canada begin to gear up for snowy conditions.  Snow plow companies begin making snow poles to mark roads and driveways and snow mobile enthusiasts begin to prepare their trails and snowmobiles.  There are also a variety of other types of vehicles and objects that need to be seen at night and in the daytime in snowy conditions.  (i.e. dumpsters, roll off containers, fire hydrants, utility boxes, gates, fences, etc..)

Creating visibility in the snow is always a matter of CONTRAST.  The words in this article are only visible because they are black and the background is off white.  In northern states contrast in the summer time is going to be different than contrast in the snow for obvious reasons.  Also, you have to consider visibility in the daytime and at night.  You can see how this can be a bit of a challenge.

To keep this article simple I am going to list the different colors of prismatic tape along with their pros and cons for snow visibility.  Prismatic tapes are the brightest class of tape and are excellent for snow conditions.  I have a picture of the different tapes above.

White -This is the brightest tape by far.  White prismatic reflects any where from 500 for DOT white to  1000 candelas for SOLAS.  Against a dark background this is great but against a white background visibility drops.  In the daytime white is not very noticeable.

Fluorescent Lime Yellow – This tape is visible day and night.  It is also very bright although not as bright as white.  Roughly 325 candelas which is excellent.  It can be seen against almost any background.  The advantage to this film over white is that it reflects a color which is important when white is your background.

School Bus Yellow – This film reflects at about 310 candelas which is very good.  It is about as bright as the fluorescent yellow.  At night they look similar but in the daytime the fluorescent yellow is more visible. This tape reflects yellow making it visible against other colors.

Orange – This film reflects at 185 candelas.  This is actually very good for an orange tape.  Orange against other colors really stands out.  It normally designates a work zone so it is a good color for snow poles.  The darker shade stands out against white quite well.

Red – This film reflects at 75 candelas.  Don’t let the low number fool you.  Keep in mind you are sending out 75 candelas of a red color which really gets peoples attention and stands out against snow very well.  It is also very visible in the daytime.  Good film for snow poles.

Green – This reflects at the same rate as red.  Good color to mark areas that are ok to go into.  Green is a universal “GO” color.  Stands out well.  Use it where green is needed.

Blue –  This tape reflects at 35 candelas.  For blue that is very good.  Goes well mixed with other colors.  Good against light colored backgrounds.  35 candelas is plenty of light to see the film from several hundred feet away.

Keep in mind that you can mix colors to create any effect you wish.  You could do two stripes of red with white in between to get a good contrast.  You can use green to mark areas that are ok to enter and red to mark do not enter zones.  Blue is commonly used for fire hydrants.  Yellow is a work zone color and signifies caution.   As I stated before, I recommend the prismatic tapes over other types of reflective tapes because of the higher reflectivity.

If you are just doing snow poles, and if they are thin, you may want to consider our Flexible High Intensity” reflective tape.  It is stretchable, flexible and will wrap around even the tightest radiuses.  Available in white, orange and yellow.

Steven Cole

Steven Cole (Economics, MBA – University of West Florida , Business & Innovation – Stanford University) 24 years of experience in the reflective safety business.  Specializing in vehicle accident and rear end collision reduction through increased visibility.

www.reflective-inc.com