Range Photoluminescent
Photoluminescent
Photoluminescent adhesive vinyl class C. Luminance 160 mcd/m² at 10 min. ISO 17398 standard.
Learn more about Photoluminescent
Photoluminescent media: class C vinyl, class D vinyl and PVC board
Our photoluminescent media absorb ambient light, then release it on their own in total darkness, gradually, for several hours: evacuation signage that stays visible with no electrical power. Recharging is quick (10 to 15 minutes under standard indoor lighting).
Our 2 ranges comply with the ISO 17398 standard governing evacuation signage. Each media can be cut to shape and is printable on our UV machines: order a sample to test compatibility with your own machines.
The 3 references
- Class C vinyl: luminance of 160 mcd/m² after 10 minutes and 20 mcd/m² after 1 h, for a total glow time of 6 h. 0.25 mm thickness, 1.24 m × 47.5 m roll, 17.5 kg.
- Class D vinyl: luminance of 260 mcd/m² after 10 minutes and 35 mcd/m² after 1 h, for a total glow time of 10 h. 0.25 mm thickness, 1.24 m × 47.5 m roll, 17.5 kg.
- Class C calendered PVC board: same performance as the class C vinyl, on a rigid substrate. 0.85 mm thickness, 1.22 m × 1.02 m board, approximately 1.5 kg.
Which class should you choose?
- Class C: the standard for indoor evacuation in public-access buildings (ERP) and professional premises.
- Class D: higher luminance and longer glow time, recommended for marine use (IMO/SOLAS standards), tunnels and highly demanding industrial sites.
Processing tips
- Printing: be careful, ink acts as an optical mask and reduces, or even eliminates, the luminescence of the material. The denser and darker the ink, the more it hides the luminescence: pure black blocks 100% of the radiation, a translucent tint reduces it by 50 to 70%. Leave unprinted areas, and use the photoluminescent background as a reserve to highlight your messages and symbols.
- Cutting the vinyls: vinyl plotter with a 60° blade and increased pressure, or guillotine.
- Cutting the PVC boards: digital table with oscillating knife or router, straight guillotine or workshop shear.
- Tool care: because the mineral filler is abrasive, regularly check the sharpness of your blades.
What is it used for?
- Marking and evacuation routes: floor marking, arrows, emergency exit pictograms.
- Safety signage: signs and boards for public-access buildings, professional premises and industrial sites.
All the specifications of the range Photoluminescent
| Reference | Type | Options | Specification | Thickness | Format | Indicative price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [RPHC] | roll | Printable - PVC vinyl | Class C | 0.25 mm | 1240 mm x 47500 mm | 39 €/m² |
| [PPHV] | sheet | Printable – PVC board | Class C | 0.85 mm | 1220 mm x 1020 mm | 77.15 €/m² |
| [RPHG] | roll | Printable - PVC vinyl | Class D | 0.25 mm | 1240 mm x 47500 mm | 77.81 €/m² |
Frequently asked questions
Instant-curing UV and UV LED inks perfectly preserve the optical structure of the media. Solvent, eco-solvent, and Latex inks are also compatible with our photoluminescent vinyls.
Ask us for a sample to verify compatibility if in doubt.
Warning: the ink acts as an optical mask, printed areas will lose their photoluminescent capacity.
These are three distinct optical principles:
- Phosphorescent (photoluminescent): Stores ambient light energy and autonomously releases it gradually in total darkness for several hours (safety/evacuation).
- Fluorescent: Transforms UV rays into bright visible light only during exposure; the effect stops instantly when the source goes out.
- Retro-reflective: Instantly bounces light back to the emitting source (headlights, flashlights) via geometric reflection.
Activation time depends on light intensity and spectrum:
- Standard indoor lighting (office, workshop, 300 to 500 lux): Full charge reached in 10 to 15 minutes.
- Optimal sources: Daylight and cool sources rich in UV/blue (LED 4000-6500 K, fluorescent tubes).
- Warm sources (halogens, yellow LED < 3000 K): Slower charge requiring longer exposure to reach full saturation.
Once in darkness, the media releases this energy on a declining curve perceptible for about 6 hours (Class C) and about 10 hours (Class D).
This duration varies depending on the photoluminescent material's class. We offer 2 photoluminescent ranges:
- Class C: 6 h of maximum glow. Luminance: 160 mcd/m² after 10 minutes, 20 mcd/m² after 1 h. Ideal standard for indoor evacuation in public buildings and professional premises.
- Class D: 10 h of maximum glow. Luminance: 260 mcd/m² after 10 minutes, 35 mcd/m² after 1 h. Recommended for marine use (IMO/SOLAS standards), tunnels, and high-demand industrial sites.
Luminance is an indicator of the visual sensation of a surface's brightness. It is measured in microcandela/m² (mcd/m²).
Our 2 ranges meet the international ISO 17398 standard, which dictates minimum brightness performance for photoluminescent signage.
No, absolutely not. Chemistry has evolved: modern formulations use inorganic strontium aluminate crystals doped with rare earths (europium, dysprosium). These components are totally stable, non-toxic, contain no dangerous heavy metals, no pure phosphorus, and are strictly non-radioactive (REACH and RoHS compliant). They offer a luminance 10 times more intense than the old zinc sulfides.
The physical phenomenon of crystalline charge/discharge is inexhaustible: strontium aluminate pigments do not degrade over time.
The lifespan therefore depends on the base material holding the coating:
- Indoors: Our vinyls and PVC sheets retain their usability properties for over 15 to 20 years.
- Outdoors: 5 to 7 years depending on climate exposure, extendable with a suitable anti-UV lamination and edge sealing.
Yes, any pigment layer applied to the surface forms a screen that blocks photon absorption and reduces nighttime light emission. The denser and darker the ink, the more it blocks the luminescence. A pure black blocks 100% of the radiation, while a translucent tint reduces it by 50 to 70%.
Printer recommendation: Design your layouts by utilizing the phosphorescent background as unprinted negative space to highlight messages and symbols. Order our sample kit to test real contrast in a dark room.
Our photoluminescent media are easily processed depending on their nature:
- Flexible adhesive vinyls (250 µm in classes C and D): Vinyl plotter with a 60° blade and increased pressure, or guillotine.
- Rigid PVC boards (850 µm): Digital flatbed with oscillating knife or router, straight guillotine, or workshop shear.
Workshop tip: Because the mineral filler is abrasive, regularly check the sharpness of your cutting blades.
To preserve flatness and the adhesive complex:
- Store rolls on their core (76 mm) vertically or suspended on racks in their hermetic protective film.
- Recommended workshop temperature: 15 to 25 °C with 50% relative humidity.
- Avoid storing rolls stacked flat without protective spacers to prevent any marking or crushing of the material.