Enclosed lens and encapsulated lens are two different methods of construction for glass bead technology reflective tape, each with its own characteristics and benefits. These two methods date back to the 1950’s yet are still very much in use today, especially engineer grade type 1 which is an enclosed lens tape.
Enclosed lens glass bead reflective tape, also known as engineer grade (type 1) or super engineer grade (type 2) reflective sheeting, is constructed using glass beads that provide reflectivity by bouncing light back to the source. In this type of tape, the glass beads are completely surrounded by a flexible polymer film, ensuring that nothing can reach the beads except light. This construction method creates a tape that is durable and weatherproof, with an outdoor rating of up to 10 years. Enclosed lens tape is commonly used for traffic control, bollards, boats, watercraft, cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more. It is available in more than 10 colors and in various widths. Graphics applications are common for this type of tape, given that it can be easily plotter cut, transfer taped, and applied to a variety of surfaces. This feature is why this technology has never been replaced.
On the other hand, encapsulated lens high intensity glass bead reflective tape is a more advanced type of reflective tape. It is constructed by condensing high index glass beads into honeycomb cells and backing them with a metallic surface. This construction method, known as encapsulated lens retroreflective film, results in a tape that is more than triple the brightness and efficiency of engineer grade tape and double the reflectiveness of super engineer grade tape. The encapsulated lens tape is also durable and weatherproof, with an outdoor rating of 10 years. It is commonly used for dynamic applications and is available in various colors and widths.
In summary, enclosed lens glass bead reflective tape and encapsulated lens high intensity glass bead reflective tape differ in their construction and performance characteristics. Enclosed lens tape is made with glass beads completely surrounded by a flexible polymer film, while encapsulated lens tape has high index glass beads condensed into honeycomb cells and backed with a metallic surface. The encapsulated lens tape offers higher brightness and reflectiveness compared to the enclosed lens tape. Both types of tapes are durable and weatherproof, with an outdoor rating of 7 years for Engineer Grade and 10 years for High Intensity Grade.
For more information on the differences between enclosed lens and encapsulated lens reflective tape, you can visit the following link: Enclosed Lens versus Encapsulated Lens Reflective Tape / Sheeting – Definition
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