INFORMATION
A fine layer of micro glass beads is evenly applied to fabric or film, utilizing a reflective principle that redirects incident light straight back to its original source. This principle is inspired by the pupil of a cat, mimicking the function of the tapetum lucidum. To prevent light from passing through the glass beads, a reflective coating is applied to the back of the beads. The quality of this coating is a key factor in determining the performance of the reflective material. When light hits the surface of each glass bead, it refracts along the bead’s curvature and the rear reflective coating, ultimately reflecting the light back in a parallel direction to its original source.
Microprism-type reflective materials use triangular pyramid-shaped lenses to reflect light back to its source, similar to glass beads. When light enters the material, it is sequentially refracted along the sloped surfaces inside the triangular pyramid, ultimately returning in a direction parallel to the incoming light. This type of reflective material is also known as a corner cube (Corner Cube) reflector. While the basic shape is triangular, microprism reflectors are also available in square, diamond, and other geometric variations. Since the outer surface requires a smooth protective coating, these materials are inherently water-resistant. However, this also makes them thicker compared to other reflective materials.
