Type 5 (Metallized Micro Prismatic) – Traffic Delineators and Channelizer Retro Reflective Tape
(Enclosed Lens Prismatic)
Type 5 Retro Reflective Prismatic Film – A super-high intensity prismatic retro reflective sheeting and the brightest of all retro reflective films. This film is a metallized micro-prismatic retro-reflective element material, and is commonly used for traffic delineators, channelizers, DOT C2 tape, Rail Gate Arm Tape, FRA tape, and a variety of other applications where a thin, very bright tape is needed. Although the term Enclosed lens was originally used for glass bead tapes, Type 5 metallized films also enclose the reflective elements completely, which in this case are prisms. And just like enclosed lens glass bead films, Type 5 films can be plotter cut with no need to seal the edges. Due to the polymer that surrounds and protects the prisms, when cut, there is no adverse effect or decrease in film life at the edges. Note – Type 5 is the only prismatic tape constructed in a single layer.
The term metallized refers to a silver aluminized mirror finish that is applied to the backs of the prisms. (versus a white backing for non metallized air backed films) This mirror backing allows the tape to reflect very brightly and maintain an ultra thin construction. It is the closest tape to pure mirror reflectivity. Oralite AP1000 by Orafol is the only known Type 5 film, and tests out at well above 1000 candelas. This is brighter than any other known retro reflective tape. Type 5 is the only metallized prismatic film in the list of Type 1 – 11 films listed in this article, and is only manufactured by Orafol. It is often used in non sign applications due to its brightness, ability to be CAD cut, and its ultra thin rugged design.
Photometrics for Type 5 Sheeting (minimum coefficient of reflection in candelas)
Observation Angle : positive .2 degrees / Entrance Angle : negative .4 degrees
- White – 700
- Yellow – 470
- Orange – 280
- Green – 120
- Red – 120
- Blue – 56
Steven Cole (Economics, MBA – University of West Florida , Business & Innovation – Stanford University) 25 years of experience in the reflective safety business. Specializing in vehicle accident and rear end collision reduction through increased visibility.