Does anyone know the physical construction differences between the silver (3M)
reflective tape and the grey slightly less reflective tape that seems to be
produced by many manufacturers?

I tried Google but couldn't find any diagrams or electron microscope pictures.
What key words should I be searching for?

Mike

On May 19, 4:56 am, Mike B <someone at (no spam) noplace9> wrote:
Does anyone know the physical construction differences between the
silver (3M) reflective tape and the grey slightly less reflective tape
that seems to be produced by many manufacturers?

I tried Google but couldn't find any diagrams or electron microscope
pictures. What key words should I be searching for?

Mike


Hi Mike,
You might look at the patent data base.

A couple of things that could do this--using higher index glass beads,
lower index plastic.

best regards
mark

You might look at the patent data base.

A couple of things that could do this--using higher index glass beads,
lower index plastic.

On Sat, 24 May 2008 10:07:04 -0700, Mark W. Lund wrote:

I work at a company that uses more 3m reflective sheeting than just about
any other. I can't get into specific details a) because I'm not entirely
certain and don't want to mis-inform, and b) because there are some
things that I don't think I should tell. Having said that, I CAN tell you
that the 3m products are built up in layers, and that at least one of
those layers seems to be prismatic in its physical construction, sort of
like a diffraction grating.

You might also want to take note, 3m and their competitors produce
several different grades of retroreflective material, and one of the key
differences between grades happens to be how reflective it is.