4 Common Queries You May Have about the Use of Reflective Sheeting Traffic Signs

Posted by GNA eMarketing on October 25th, 2017

Over the last few years, traffic sign technology has undergone some phenomenal breakthroughs, especially with regard to retroreflective science. And many of the government agencies from different corners of the world have adopted this technique to ensure better road safety for the commuters and pedestrians alike.

So, if you are interested in this kind of technology, you might have a few pertinent questions in mind before purchasing any sort of reflective sheeting materials. Therefore, we have enlisted a few common queries you might have about the use of this technology in traffic signs. Take a look.

1. What is Prismatic Reflective Sheeting?

The High-Intensity Prismatic (HIP) retroreflective sheeting, also referred to as ‘encapsulated lens’ sheeting, basically, comprises two layers- 1. A translucent, pigmented outer layer, 2. A reflective inner layer with glass beads. These two layers are joined together with a ‘lattice’ that provides the sheeting its characteristic appearance of a honeycomb. Majorly used for highway and roadway signs, these can last up to 12 years if applied properly. One can get a view of the HIP sheeting from 800 to 1,200 feet away.

2. How does a reflective sheeting material work?

Retroreflection technology is the reflection of a huge amount of directed beam of light back to its source. Retroreflective materials appear brightest to the onlookers who are closest to the source of light. The brightness level will depend on the intensity of the light on the object and the materials with which the object is made of. The HIP sheeting is composed of prismatic cells. So, when a light beam falls on a HIP sheeting sign, the light strikes the sides of the cells and reflects back at a wider angle. This indicated reflection of greater light towards the source.

3. Are reflective sheeting signs a requisite investment for road safety?

Now you must be wondering whether this kind of a modern technology a substantial and feasible investment for road safety. In order to understand whether this is a cost-effective and fruitful solution, you must first take a look at the principle of retroreflection and how it operates with the advanced technologies, thereby making our roads safer for all commuters. Upon striking a traffic sign, the light beam from the headlights is reflected back in a cone-shaped pattern. It is this cone of reflectivity which enables the driver to see the sign. The brighter the sign will become, the closer the driver moves to the center of the cone. The drivers who are on the edge or outside the cone, the signs will appear dimmer and therefore, lower the level of visibility at night. So, it is definitely a crucial investment that will have a beneficial impact on our safety on the roads.

4. Why should you opt for high-efficiency sign sheeting over the low one?

The basic difference between the high efficiency and low sign sheeting technologies is the amount of light they reflect back to its source. With the help of a higher efficiency technology, one can expand the cone of reflexivity, both in terms of reflecting greater light to the source as well as directing it in a huger cone of reflexivity, which further suggests that vehicles such as semi-trucks, Pickups, or SUVs with higher observation angles, can now see brighter, more clearly legible roadway signs. These signs made with higher efficiency prismatic sheeting can last longer, thereby decreasing your maintenance cost.

So, quickly look for one of the best manufacturers of such reflective sheeting materials and make your roads safer and your lives better.

Author bio: Jim Hill is a regular blogger on the reflective sheeting. Here, he writes about a few common queries about using the reflective sheeting technology in traffic signs.