Road signs may look the same, but their makeup can vary. A brief overview of traffic sign materials will prepare you for your options when ordering.
Ordering signage doesn’t have to be complicated, but depending on your needs you have some options. A brief overview of traffic sign materials can give you some background on what to choose.
Surface Sheeting
The face of the sign is crucial. Traffic signs provide guidance and warning, and drivers need to see them in all conditions. Recent advances in technology have led to products that are brighter and longer lasting than engineer-grade sheeting.
High-Intensity Prismatic
3M’s innovation with this sheeting was to use prisms instead of beads to reflect light back at drivers. The prisms make signs five times as retro-reflective as engineer-grade sheeting.
DG3 Diamond-Grade Cube
Improving on their formula, 3M’s latest development surpassed Prismatic sheeting with the highest retro- reflectivity yet. Diamond-Grade is effective at any light level and at farther distances than other brands. They’re the best selection for visibility at night.
Protective Overlay
To prolong the life of your custom traffic signs, 3M’s Graffiti Premium Protective Overlay Film Series 1160 is an extra measure to thwart damage from graffiti and stickers.
Sign Posts
The shape of a post will affect how signs are mounted and their stability.
U-Channel
Most common in areas with maintenance and light construction, U-channels are easy to assemble and install.
Round
These steel tubes can mount signs at any angle.
Punched Square
Square poles have perforations at one-inch intervals and can be strengthened with another tube inside.
Breakaway Systems
Without a breakaway system, a traffic sign could potentially become hazardous for out-of-control cars. With this method, the post will give way when it’s struck on the highway, flying over the colliding vehicle to prevent excessive injuries. A few of the best brands are:
- Safety Splice System
- Lap Splice System
- POZ-LOC Socket System
Mounting Supports
A brief overview of traffic sign materials isn’t complete without the smaller elements that keep them together. These parts and equipment include:
- Sign savers
- Couplers
- Anchor plates
- Surface mounts
- Breakaway anchors
- Surface mount breakaway bases
At Custom Products Corporation, we’ve been working with all kinds of materials since 1985. We can guide you through the best options for your custom signs and keep you in compliance with up-to-date regulations. Contact us for a consultation or any questions.
