Range Retro-reflective vinyl
Retro-reflective vinyl
Yellow microprismatic retro-reflective film RA2. Durability 7 to 10 years. Road signage.
Learn more about Retro-reflective vinyl
Microprismatic retro-reflective films: 3 solid colors and 2 hatched
Our retro-reflective range includes three solid-color films (grey, yellow, orange) and two hatched films (white/red and yellow/black), all class RA2. Their microprismatic structure sends incident light straight back to its source, for night-time visibility with no electrical power. The level of retro-reflection varies with color: orange < yellow < grey. They are supplied with a pressure-sensitive adhesive, on rolls of 1.22 m × 45.7 m.
Each film can be cut to shape: contact us. Product tested on our UV printing machines: order a sample to check compatibility with your own machines.
Characteristics
- Structure: microprismatic, class RA2, pressure-sensitive adhesive face.
- Format: 1.22 m × 45.7 m roll.
- Hatched films: oblique stripes, 5 cm spacing.
- Thickness: 0.34 mm (film), 0.085 mm (protective liner).
- Temperature resistance: from -40 to +60 °C once applied.
- Outdoor durability: 7 to 10 years for solid-color films, 2 years for hatched films.
- Application substrates: aluminum, stainless steel. Apply between 18 and 28 °C, relative humidity below 50%.
Processing tips
- Cutting: microprismatic film is stiffer than standard vinyl. On a digital cutting table, use an oscillating or tangential blade at a steep angle, at moderate speed so as not to chip the prismatic cells. On a roll-fed plotter, use a 60° blade at high pressure. On a guillotine, straight cuts are easy with a well-sharpened blade. For permanent outdoor installation, we recommend sealing the edges.
- Printing: inks act as an optical mask: printed areas lose part of their retro-reflection. Favor translucent inks and keep the retro-reflective areas unprinted to maintain the expected level of performance.
- Lamination: choose an ultra-clear cast lamination film specifically suited to retro-reflective media. A standard non-transparent lamination degrades retro-reflection.
What is it used for?
- Industrial safety marking: identification of obstacles, equipment and risk areas.
- Vehicle graphics: markings and visibility strips.
- Road signage: traffic and warning signs.
All the specifications of the range Retro-reflective vinyl
| Reference | Type | Options | Specification | Thickness | Format | Indicative price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [RRPJ2] | roll | Printable - Yellow PVC | RA2 | 0.30 mm | 1220 mm x 45700 mm | 42.6 €/m² |
| [RRPO2] | roll | Printable - Orange PVC | RA2 | 0.30 mm | 1220 mm x 45700 mm | 42.6 €/m² |
| [RRPG2] | roll | Printable - Grey PVC | RA2 | 0.30 mm | 1220 mm x 45700 mm | 42.6 €/m² |
| [RRHJN] | roll | Printable - Yellow and black hatched PVC | RA2 | 0.30 mm | 1220 mm x 45700 mm | 28.64 €/m² |
| [RRHRB] | roll | Printable - Red and white hatched PVC | RA2 | 0.30 mm | 1220 mm x 45700 mm | 28.64 €/m² |
Frequently asked questions
A retro-reflective film bounces incident light directly back to its emitting source (vehicle headlights or flashlights), providing nighttime visibility without an independent electrical power supply.
Two manufacturing technologies coexist:
- Glass beads (class RA1)
- Sealed microprisms (classes RA2 and RA3)
The range we offer is microprismatic (RA2).
- Glass bead technology (RA1): Microscopic glass spheres dispersed in a resin. Moderate reflectivity (~50 to 70 cd/lx/m²), high flexibility, attractive cost, ideal for advertising stickers and low-speed urban signage.
- Microprismatic technology (RA2/RA3): Geometric structure of total reflection micro-pyramids. Light yield greater than 180 cd/lx/m², long-range visibility (> 250 m), increased outdoor durability, and mandatory legal compliance on road networks.
The European standard EN 12899-1 classifies films according to their coefficient of retro-reflection. The values below are the minimums required for white, at 0.33° observation and 5° entrance angle; they are lower for other colors:
- Class RA1 (Class 1): Standard retroreflection (50 cd/lx/m²). Suitable for parking lots, private roads, and well-lit urban areas.
- Class RA2 (Class 2): High-performance microprismatic (180 cd/lx/m²). Mandatory on regional and national roads, highways, and service vehicles. This is the standard of our offer.
- Class RA3 (Class 3): Very high intensity (300 cd/lx/m²) for highly accident-prone areas and overhead gantries.
Yes, direct printing is feasible, particularly in UV ink technology or screen printing with approved translucent inks.
Please note: Opaque inks mask the underlying optical prisms. To maintain the reflection level required by standards, keep retro-reflective areas as an unprinted/white background or apply calibrated translucent inks.
Yes, our class RA2 microprismatic vinyls are certified for these uses:
- Marking of security and emergency vehicles: Red and white chevrons (TPESC homologation / ministerial decree).
- Marking of commercial fleets and heavy goods vehicles: Side and rear safety strips compliant with ECE 104 regulation.
- Permanent and temporary road signage compliant with NF EN 12899-1 standard requirements.
Since microprismatic film is more rigid and structured than standard vinyl, apply these workshop settings:
- Digital flatbed (Zünd, Kongsberg): Use an oscillating or steep-angle tangential blade with moderate machining speed to avoid chipping the prismatic cells.
- Roll plotter: 60° blade with high pressure (thick/flock material type).
- Print shop guillotine: Straight cuts without difficulty using a well-sharpened blade.
Sealing: Recommended on the edges for permanent outdoor applications.
To preserve the geometric integrity of the sealed microprisms:
- Suspend the rolls horizontally on a rack by their 76 mm core or store them vertically in their original box with holding flanges.
- Never place a roll directly on the floor or loose: linear pressure crushes the prisms and creates irreparable dead bands.
- Store in a heated workshop (18 to 22 °C), shielded from direct UV rays.
You must apply an ultra-transparent cast lamination film specifically validated for retro-reflective media. A standard, non-transparent lamination would degrade the refraction angle and compromise the RA2 photometric certification.
Our class RA2 microprismatic retro-reflective films are designed for outdoor use. Durability depends on the reference:
- Solid colors (grey, yellow, orange): 7 to 10 years depending on exposure.
- Hatched films (white/red, yellow/black): 2 years.
Influencing factors:
- Climate and direct sunlight (accelerated degradation in strong southern exposure).
- Application angle: Vertical application is ideal; a tilted application retains water and accelerates soiling.
- Finishing: Applying an anti-UV lamination and sealing the edges guarantees maximum durability.