Differences in Reflective Sheeting

Reflective Sheeting makes traffic signs more visible with a thin flexible retroreflective material that increases both daytime visibility and nighttime brightness of signs. Just as all of our traffic signs are fabricated in accordance with MUTCD and DOT standards, or local jurisdiction’s specifications, the reflective sheeting we use also adheres to standards. Universal Signs and Accessories is an authorized 3M distributor, and you should know the differences in the three varieties of 3M reflective sheeting we offer:

Engineer Grade for commercial or informational signage – non-critical road signs like parking signs.

High-Intensity Prismatic suitable for many traffic sign applications.

Diamond Grade Cubed suitable for ALL traffic sign applications.

High Intensity Prismatic (HIP)

Suitable for many traffic sign applications.

HIP reflective sheeting consists of two layers: an outer translucent pigmented layer and an inner reflective layer with glass beads. The two layers are connected by a ‘lattice,’ which gives the sheeting its distinctive honeycomb appearance. When a light beam lands on a sign with this sheeting, the light hits the sides of the prismatic cells and reflects back at a wider angle than it came. This means more light is reflected back towards the source of the light.

Drivers need visible signs at all hours and in all conditions. 3M™ High Intensity Prismatic Reflective Sheeting (series 3930) is durable and bright to help your traffic signs perform well when and where they are needed most.

• Meets ASTM D4956 Type IV standard
• Available in standard traffic colors
• Is suitable for many traffic sign applications: Construction work zones, Non-critical traffic signs, Non-regulated & Commercial Signs, Regulated Rigid Traffic Signs, Traffic Signs
• Meets most common middle grade performance standards.
• Has 3M™ MCS™ warranted performance for up to 10 years

Built strong to take daily wear and tear.
A tough topcoat helps signs resist scuffs, scratches and gouges, so your sign is effective for longer, even in extreme climates. That means fewer replacements and associated costs.

Diamond Grade Cubed (DG3)

Suitable for ALL traffic sign applications.

DG3 is the “Cadillac” of reflective sheeting, offering superior reflectivity at short and long distances. It also meets today’s highest published performance specifications.

DG3 returns 60% of the light sent its way and is designed to be used on traffic control signs.

It uses full-cube retroreflective technology to increase sign performance at all hours for all drivers. According to a 3M study, over a three to six-year period, crash numbers dropped by 25 to 46 percent where brighter signs were installed. Source

• Meets ASTM D4956 Type IX standard
• Disadvantaged sign placement locations such as overhead or left shoulder
• 3M™ Diamond Grade™ Reflective Sheeting offers industry-leading retroreflectivity, conspicuity and legibility because of its highly efficient retroreflective optics. It helps improve safety by providing higher luminance values at distances most critical to drivers.
• Durability: 12 years 

The difference between High Intensity Prismatic and Diamond Grade™ reflective sheeting

From 3M:

Brighter Signs, Safer Roads. During the day, and especially at night, 3M Diamond Grade DG³ Reflective Sheeting can make a difference by making signage brighter and more visible, giving drivers more time to react. Let’s compare.

High Intensity Prismatic Sheeting meets middle grade performance standards and ASTM D4956 Type IV. This reflective sheeting uses polycarbonate cube corner technology and is often used for reflective traffic and road signs.

Diamond Grade reflective sheeting (DG3) meets ASTM D4956 Type XI. This highly reflective sheeting uses 100% efficient full-cube prismatic technology that reflects, almost twice the amount of light back to its source as High Intensity Prismatic sheeting.