Retro reflective films that are typed by ASTM D4956 Standards are specified that way because they are used as sign sheeting. (backgrounds for highway and road signs) These include ASTM D4956 Type I – XI. There are some crossovers such as V82 School Bus tape that can be used as Type 5 sign sheeting, or on a bus. Also, RGA Rail Gate Arm tape is rated as a Type 5 film. But for the most part, retro reflective tape for Non Sign Applications is not typed. Examples are outlined below.
FRA 224 R99 Rail Car Tape – This film is used to mark rail cars. It comes in a school bus Yellow and white color, in 4 inch widths. It would be the equivalent of a Type 5 film.
RGA (Rail Gate Arm Tape) – This red and white (silver) alternating block style tape is specifically made for gate arms, control arms, and other such devices. It alternates at 16″ of each color. It is a crossover film and is actually specified as a Type 5. It is made using AP1000 film, which is what V82 is made from.
SOLAS Marine Tape – SOLAS, which stands for safety of life at sea, is a very special type of reflective tape. It is the brightest of all reflective films with a candela rating far exceeding 1000. There is not a brighter film that I know of on the market. The only thing that would reflect brighter would be an actual mirror. Since it is for ships, boats and marine lifesaving gear, it is not ASTM typed. However, it is closest to a Type 5.
DOT C2 Conspicuity Truck Tape – DOT tape comes in several types. It is always red and white (silver), and comes in both a 7/11 and 6/6 pattern. The five types that Oralite manufacturers would be the V42, V52 (diamond plate pattern), V92 Daybright Pattern, V82, and V59. V42, V52 (diamond plate pattern), V92 (daybright) are all equivalent to a Type 4 film in brightness. V59 is a Type 4 film, and V82 is a Type 5.
V92 Daybright – V92 conspicuity in colors is used for graphics applications on vehicles. It is equivalent to a Type 4 in brightness. But much thinner.
V98 Conformable Graphics Film – V98 graphics film is a conformable, flexible film used for graphics on vehicles just like V92 is used. The difference is that V98 stretches a little and V92 does not. V98 is equivalent to a Type 4 sheeting in brightness. V98 pre-striped red and lime is the same.
P82 Photo Electric Tape – P82 is a photo electric film used for sensors in automated environments. It is a non polarized metallized film. It is equivalent to a Type 5 film.
V99 School Bus Tape – This film is an OEM retro reflective tape used by bus manufacturers. It features a unique hexagon pattern. It is equivalent to a Type 5 film.
V59 School Bus Tape – This is an air backed more vivid school bus tape and is another crossover film. It is a Type 4.
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.