3M™ Reflective Elements
Ultimate Nighttime
Performance
Wet or Dry
3M™ Reflective Elements utilize the most advanced technologies to deliver
true reflected color and optimized visibility tailored to meet your needs.
Featuring unique 3M microcrystalline ceramic beads, 3M™ Reflective Elements
are tougher and more efficient than other glass-beaded optics sytems, so you
can expect superior performance in any condition.
Why use
3M Reflective Elements?
™
All-Weather
Element
Most Efficient Optics for Liquid-applied Markings
Each all-weather element is a complete pavement marking optical system
comprised of microcrystalline ceramic beads, binder and pigments.
Microcrystalline
Ceramic Beads
Factory Optimized
3M’s bonded core elements consist of microcrystalline ceramic beads
embedded on a center core to provide optimal performance in all
weather conditions.
Glass Bead
Easily Installed by Double-drop Systems
Binder/Pigment
As the first drop of a double-drop system, the elements
provide visibility to motorists in both wet and dry conditions.
They are effective as either new marking applications or as
part of a maintenance marking application.
All-Weather
Elements
It Starts with Unique
3M Microcrystalline Ceramic Beads
Microcrystalline
Toughness
Transmission Electron Micrograph (TEM)
of standard 1.9 index
3M’s microcrystalline ceramic
beads are engineered to
prevent cracks from starting
and propagating, resulting in
unprecedented toughness.
Scanning electron microscope (SEM)
photos of beads after sandblasting
Sandblast 1.9 Index
Glass Beads
0.2µm
Amorphous glass—no microstructure
Sandblast 1.9 Index
Effects of bead microstructure
on toughness as demonstrated
in the sandblast test
Microcrystalline
Ceramic Beads
0.2µm
Microcrystalline ceramic beads showing
microcrystalline structure
Standard glass beads are clear, putting all the
burden for color performance on the binder.
True Reflected Color,
Superior Visibility
Yellow elements feature yellow
microcrystalline ceramic beads
Yellow Elements—Yellow Beads
Standard glass beads are clear, putting the entire burden for color performance
on the binder. 3M incorporates yellow microcrystalline ceramic beads in its
yellow elements to improve reflected color.
Color Recognition Day and Night—Wet or Dry
Most pavement markings have acceptable daytime color. Conventional yellow
markings use clear glass beads which often result in a washed out appearance
at night. 3M’s yellow beads improve nighttime color, making the markings
conspicuous at any time of day or night.
Optimized Index for Wet and Dry
F or optimum performance under dry conditions, 3M elements feature
1.9 refractive index microcrystalline ceramic beads.
Tailored Performance to Meet Agency Needs
3 M’s all-weather optics include ultra-high, 2.4 refractive index microcrystalline
ceramic beads. The high refractive index results in good measurable wet
reflectivity, the highest practical level achieved to date. The 2.4 refractive index
microcrystalline ceramic bead has the same microcrystalline structure and
level of toughness found in lower index microcrystalline beads.
3M offers optics systems for both wet and dry climates, with each
system boasting superior performance in its intended conditions.
Typical White Retroreflective Values
for 3M Standard Reflective Elements
2500
A s a system, 3M’s all-weather optics have dry reflective beads at peak
efficiency, and wet reflective beads much higher in efficiency than any other
commercial beads.
Relative Efficiency
Key:
Air
Water
1.0
0.8
0.6
mcd (30 M geometry)
Theoretical Efficiency vs. Refractive Index
1.2
2000
1500
ASTM:
E1710
E2177 Spray Method
E2177 Bucket Method
E2832
1000
500
0.4
0.2
0
0
1.4
1.6
1.8
1.9
2.0
2.2
2.4
Refractive Index
2.6
2.8
3.0
3.2
Wet Blend
Balanced
Wet and Dry Blend
3M Reflective Element Type
Dry Elements
3M™ Reflective Elements
More Efficient Than The Rest
Comparative Dry Reflectivity
(same application rate on flat markings)
3000
3M’s 1.9 index microcrystalline ceramic dry elements out-perform
other commercial elements in comparative dry reflectivity.
Simply the Best
3M’s microcrystalline ceramic beads have visibility, efficiency and
toughness above and beyond other commercial marking systems.
Dry Reflectivity (mcd)
Compare Dry Reflectivity to Conventional Optics
High Efficiency Pigments Deliver the
Most Performance from the Beads
1500
0
1.5 Index
Large Glass
Beads
3M’s microcrystalline ceramic beads feature 3M’s high efficiency
pigments to deliver improved reflectivity.
1.9 Index
Glass Bead
Elements
Optics Options
Compatible Elements for All Binders
3M 1.9 Index
Microcrystalline
Ceramic
Dry Elements
Binder Compatibility
3M offers elements compatible with different liquid binder types.
Binder System
High Build Paint
Most
Efficient Optics
1.9 Index
Glass Beads
for Liquid-Applied
1
Target
Thickness
(0.001")
Element Blend
Optimized for
Wet Reflectivity
Element Blend
Optimized for
Dry Reflectivity
25
901
501
20
90S1,2
50S1,2
501
Thermoplastic
60 –120+
90
Polyurea
18 –30
70P1
1
50P1
Epoxy
18 –30
70E
50E
MMA
30 –150
70M
50M
3M Matched Component System available.
For 20mil High Build Paint, use only “S” Series elements standard or “S” Series elements
compatible with all other binder systems.
2
Markings
For technical information or to learn more about 3M™ Reflective Elements or 3M’s full line of traffic safety products
and services, visit 3M.com/roadwaysafety or contact your local 3M representative at 1-800-553-1380.
Traffic Safety and Security Division
3M Center, Building 0235-03-A-09
St. Paul, MN 55144-1000
USA
1-800-553-1380
www.3M.com/roadwaysafety
3M Canada Company
P.O. Box 5757
London, Ontario N6A 4T1
1-800-3MHELPS
3M México, S.A. de C.V.
Av. Santa Fe No. 55
Col. Santa Fe,
Del. Alvaro Obregón
México, D.F. 01210
3M is a trademark of 3M.
Used under license in Canada.
Please recycle. Printed in USA.
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