Retro-Reflectors for Enhanced Hi-Vis
- Nov 14, 2012
One of the most important aspects of high-visibility safety apparel is the “Retro-reflective” tape. Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman of Mythbusters define the difference between reflectivity and retro-reflectivity while also debunking the myth that the moon landing was staged.
Wikipedia describes it this way: A retro-reflector (sometimes called a retroflector or cataphote) is a device or surface that reflects light back to its source with a minimum scattering of light. An electromagnetic wave front is reflected back along a vector that is parallel to but opposite in direction from the wave's source. The device or surface's angle of incidence is greater than zero. This is unlike a planar mirror, which does this only if the mirror is exactly perpendicular to the wave front, having a zero angle of incidence.
other applications and/or places you'll find retro-reflectors include:
- cat's eyes
- bicycles reflectors
- raised pavement markers
- traffic signs
- safety and emergency apparel and gear including lifeboats
3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material is recognized as the leading high performance retro-reflective material for enhancing worker visibility. You can find more information about this material at 3M.
Visit Hi Vis Supply for all of your hi visibility needs including all classes of safety vests with retro-reflective tape for superior safety.