Innovative Practices for Greener Roads - IRF | International Road ...

3M Diamond Grade DG³Reflective SheetingNext to the manufacturing advantages offered by microprismatic sheeting ingeneral, this product offers additional benefits to road authorities in reducinginvestment and maintenance costs for certain traffic signs, as well as reducedoperational energy cost. This is achieved without compromising road safety inany way. Traditional reflective sheeting processes are based on a multi-layercoating process. Lower molecular weight polymers are dissolved in varioussolvents, coated and dried, where the solvent needs recycling by condensationand cleaning, or is simply incinerated or released.3M is a global diversified technologycompany. Fundamentally a science-basedentity, it produces thousands of individualproducts and is a leader in its markets -from health care and highway safety tooffice products and optical products forLCD displays. It applies its technologies,often in combination, to a large array ofreal-world customer needs. The companyhad worldwide sales of USD 24.5 billion in2007 of which USD 15.5 billion wereinternational. It has companies in morethan 60 countries, sells in nearly 200countries and employs more than 75,000peoplewww.mmm.comA microprismatic manufacturing process uses higher molecular weight polymerswhich are extruded on specially embossed cylinders. No solvents are required.The ability to use high molecular weight polymers during the manufacturingprocess provides a better UV and weather resistant retro-reflective filmconstruction. This results in traffic signs than offer a longer effective life cycle.Warranties have increased from a maximum of seven years to ten years or more.In addition to the benefits attributed to standard microprismatic sheeting,Diamond Grade DG³ sheeting allows the replacement of illuminated signs withno negative impact on driver behaviour. Replacing illuminated signs by highperformance retro-reflective signs enables authorities to reduce investment andmaintenance costs, and energy consumption.Environmental BenefitsMicroprismatic retro-reflective sheeting manufacturing uses an innovative processthat minimizes environmental impacts. It reduces VOC emissions by 97%,consumes 77% less energy, and generates 46% less solid waste compared to atraditional, beaded reflective sheeting manufacturing process.International Road Federation Innovative Practices for Greener Roads Back to Table of Contents I 01