What are the 11 Different Types of Reflective Tape or Sheeting?

ASTM D4956 is a standard specification for retroreflective sheeting used in traffic control and safety applications. It defines various types of reflective tape based on their retroreflective performance, color, and durability requirements. Here are the different types of reflective tape defined by ASTM D4956:

  1. Type I – Engineering Grade (Glass Bead Technology): This type of reflective tape offers moderate reflectivity and is commonly used for non-critical traffic signs and delineators.
  2. Type II – Super Engineer Grade (Glass Bead Technology): Type II reflective tape provides higher reflectivity than Type I and is suitable for more demanding traffic control applications.
  3. Type III – High-Intensity Glass Bead: This type of reflective tape offers even higher reflectivity than Type II and is commonly used for traffic signs, barricades, and other high-visibility applications.
  4. Type IV – High-Intensity Micro-Prismatic: Type IV reflective tape utilizes micro-prismatic technology to provide superior reflectivity, making it ideal for high-visibility safety applications.
  5. Type V – Super High Intensity Sheeting for Delineators: Type V reflective tape is typically a thin metalized film that offers exceptional brightness and durability. It is commonly used for delineators and other applications requiring maximum visibility.
  6. Type VI – Roll Up/Temporary Retroreflective Signs: This type of reflective tape is designed for temporary signage and offers good reflectivity for short-term applications.
  7. Type VII – Highway Signs, Construction Zones, Delineators (discontinued): Type VII reflective tape has been discontinued and is no longer available.
  8. Type VIII – Traffic Sheeting, Construction Zone Devices, Delineators: Type VIII reflective tape is specifically designed for use in construction zones and offers high visibility and durability.
  9. Type IX – Wide Observation Angle Retroreflective Sheeting: Type IX reflective tape provides wide-angle reflectivity, making it suitable for applications where visibility from various angles is important.
  10. Type X – Highway Signage, Construction Zone, Delineators (discontinued): Type X reflective tape has been discontinued and is no longer available.
  11. Type XI – Super High Intensity Wide Observation Angle Highway Signage: Type XI reflective tape offers exceptional brightness and wide-angle reflectivity, making it ideal for highway signage and other critical safety applications.

Each type of reflective tape has its own specific characteristics and is designed for different applications. It’s important to choose the right type of reflective tape based on the specific requirements of your project. For more information on the ASTM D4956 types of reflective tape, you can visit this link: ASTM D4956 Reflective Tape Types. For more information, go to www.tapefinder.com and click on the contact link at the top of the page.