Reflexite company does not have a factory in China producing high quality reflective vinyl at present.  Some companies in China tell the cusotmer that the products are for EN13356 with the material from Reflexite, that’s totally wrong.

The soft reflector is made of reflective vinyl (PVC).  but when you put the silver reflective item like slapwrap, hanger, sticker etc together with the lime color reflectors,  the silver ones will have some yellow color on the surface after some days, weeks , sometimes even some hours.

it is the character of the PVC material for the color transfer.  it is almost not possible to change it. The best way is to have a packing like polybag for each items when you have different colors items need to be packed together.

here we have some comments for this problem.

1, do not put different colors reflectors together, even different colors material like fabric, color paper etc , because the ink or dying material will effect the reflective pvc.

2, for slapwrap with white pvc backing,  should have a polybag packing for each item, or have a small paper to devide them.

3, keep the reflectors in a cool and dry condition,  the hot temp. will fast the color tranfer a lot.

4, have a white paper on the back of the reflector when you have a blinster packing for it. (only it is not necessary when the cardboard is in white color where the reflector touches)

Normally the ink of printing will cover the reflective area, then the printed area will not have reflective effect.

But with transparent ink, we can see that the printed area is still in reflective.

The above sample is based on CMYK full color printing by machine. The transparent ink also workable for silk printing.

but for this kind of printing,  we should note that 1,  the color will not be 100% match the color code like Pantone due to the transparent material mixed in the ink.   2,  the printed area is reflective but will not be so strong reflective as unprinted ones.

This printing solution is useful in some special application for the reflectors.

by Yolite.com
reflective@reflective.cn

When you check the some of reflective items carefully, you will find there is a line on the surface of these slap warp or badge etc. sometimes it is a very thick one and sometimes it is a very thin line. like the above photo. The left is a 3M one and the right is a Reflexite material.

Reflective vinyl raw material come in different size, like USA material comes in a roll (for example, 3M material is in size of 45.7cmX100meter) while China made material comes in a sheet (45X45cm). But it is the same that Every 23cm on the surface for the raw material, there will be a line.  This is not the quality problem. Because the size of the moulding which produce the reflective vinyl is in about 23X23cm. So it will not possible to avoid this line when you produce the items with size more than 23cm.

So almost 99% of the client will accept it.  because I think we mainly want to use its safety function instead of its looking.

If you want to sell it as a ‘Reflective’ item for traffic safety, strictly speaking, the reflective items should meet CE EN13356 in Europe. Let’s call it Professional Reflector.

But if you want to sell it as a slapwrap or hangers only,  only need EN71 which is for toys. Let’s call it Promotional Reflector. For example, the reflective hanger, if you sell it as a ‘PVC hanger’ or ‘PVC keychain’ , so there is no EN13356 needed of course. 

For EN13356 materials. the price will be about 2 to 2.5 times than normal items made of China made material.  No material made in China can pass the EN13356 testing  at present.

so consider this question for Promotional Reflector or Professional Reflector when you want to make a reflector project. Normally, the EN13356 is much important than the EN71, since reflectors are for safety use.  the user of reflector will be in danger if taking with a weak reflective reflector.

采购商在做反光产品的项目的时候，首先应该和客人沟通好产品需要符合的欧洲标准，客人是需要玩具的化学检测要求EN71，重金属测试，邻苯测试等等，还是产品的反光方面的功能指标EN13356强烈的反射效果。

反光产品在欧洲的是EN13356，属于个人防护产品PPE的标准里面的；因为反光产品的反光功能，很多是用来生产赠品，礼品的。很多时候这里有很多的概念会不清楚。

EN71是一个产品的化学指标以及其使用的安全性，比如产品的有毒成分是否超标；产品是否会伤人。这个是礼品类的基本要求；作为反光的礼品赠品，有2个情况，1，需要便宜的价格，有反光的功能；这类的产品一般采用国产的反光片生产，价位比较低；但是这样的产品是不允许在欧洲超市出售的，因为欧标EN13356需要高反射 （至少560逆反射系数） 2，需要合适的价格，具有很好的反光功能来符合安全的需要；这些一般北欧国家都是这样的需求；

从专业角度来看，反光的产品最好符合欧洲标准EN13356，因为作为一个安全的产品，个人在使用这个产品的时候，微弱的反光效果可能会带来潜在的事故隐患；当然那些要很便宜的价格的赠品的项目，只能用国产的材料做做了，但是做好写上一句‘this is not a professional reflector’（这个不是专业的反射器）。

2, please note the reflective toy is only availabe in gray color which will have highest reflection.  of course there are other colors like red, blue, green etc. but the reflection is not OK. suppose the gray reflective fabric is in 450 Coefficient of Retroflection R’ (cd/lx·m2), but other color is in 20 to 80 Coefficient of Retroflection R’ (cd/lx·m2), big different.  my opnion is that you can use other fabric for plush toys to make the reflective toys nice.  the typical design is the snowman like here http://www.yolite.com/sft29-reflective-plush-toy-reflective-snowman-toy-p-303.html?zenid=82e0ffee9611b947353b40c3f0841f34

3, please also pay attention to the EN71 standard for toy. it is for kids safety for toys.

4, please have a CE EN13356 lable at least sewn on the toys.

the silk printing is with a silk sheet and the ink come across to the other side. I will take some photos soon to show how silk printing works.

the set up charge for silk printing is cheap, normally it is $10 for each color.

we have been tried the CMYK printing for complicate photos which need “color layer change ” , the follow photo is by CMYK printing,

Silk Printing on Reflector by Photo

CMYK Printing on Reflector by Photo

According to the photo, they looks very similar looking. but in fact the printing on the surface is in very different way.

Here is the image by scanning for the silk printing, as you can see it is by dots

the change of light color to dark color is effected by dots, you can see very clearly if put it very close to your eyes.

but the CYMK is nice for the color change.

we are not sure if CMYK process will effect the reflective material but I think it will.  I have not been tested with 3M material and then measure the Coefficient of Retroflection R’ (cd/lx·m2).  I think we will do such testing in the near further.

So when we design a reflector, we should pay attention to the size.  1, for a circle, the Min. diameter is about 4.4cm, but normally the size will be 5cm like most of the circle reflectors  ,  2 for the square shape, it can be 3X5cm, or  3.9X3.9cm (4X4cm).   Better the area >15cm2,  because  the printing will also effect the reflector because if you have too much area for printing. the ink will cover the reflective area and will not pass the testing. That means: you should have 15cm2 Min.  for the reflective material area which can not be covered with any printing.

For a soft reflector, if you have too many or too big area printing, you will have to print it on the 2nd layer of the reflector, that’s under the reflective vinyl.  since the reflective vinyl is half transparent, you will not see the logo very clearly like the printing on the surface, but I think it is still acceptable. 

The inside printing will have a special looking for the printing in different angle.

Head Protection:
EN397, EN812
Eye Protection:
EN169, EN175
Hearing Protection:
EN352
Respiratory Protection:
EN136, EN140, EN141, EN149, EN405
Waterproof Garments
EN343
High Visability Garments:
EN471
Gloves:
EN374-2/3, EN388, EN407, EN420, EN511, EN10819
Fall Arrest Equipment:
EN361, EN363, EN364, EN365
Foot Protection:
EN344, EN345 Head Protection EN397
Covers protective helmets for industry, where falling objects may do damage. EN812
Covers bump / shock proof caps where protection is required for the wearer against bumping into objects that are liable to cause minor cuts or superficial injuries.
THEY ARE NOT TO BE WORN FOR PROTECTION AGAINST FALLING OBJECTS, eg: onbuilding sites.. Eye Protection EN166
This standard is applicable to all types of protective eyewear but does exclude protection against x-rays and lasers.
The eyewear has to be marked with several different numbers or letter which indicate the level of protection against ultraviolet, infra red and mechincal resistance etc. EN166 1 Optical Class
EN166 F Low Energy Impact
EN166 B Medium Energy Impact
EN166 3 Filters for personal eye protection equipment for welding and related tasks – Scale number 3
EN166 8 Protection against Short Circuit Electric Arc
EN166 9 Non Adherence of molten and resistance to penetration of hot solids
EN169 5 Applies to occular filters for welding and related techniques
EN169 8 Filters for personal eye protection equipment for welding and related tasks – Scale Number 8
EN175 This is the standard for equipment when welding

Prescription Safety Spectacles
We can offer a full prescription service
Please contact our sales department for full details Hearing Protection EN352
EN352-1 Safety regulations for Ear Protection – Ear Muffs
EN352-2 Safety regulations for Ear protection – Ear plugs
EN352-3 Safety regulations for Ear protection – Ear muff attched to a helmet Respiratory Protection Control of Substances Hazardous to health (COSHH) was established to meet the requiements of EC DIrective 80/1107/EEC and its aim is to control the use of substances that can be potentially damaging to health.
It is an employers duty to carry out a comprehensive risk assessment of the work environment, if it is belived to be hazardous. An HSE agent can do this and provide a written report detailing respiratory occupational exsposure limits (OEL) for workers. This report provides figures for the correct selection of suitable respiratory protection.

Before selecting a mask or filters please ensure that they are suitable protection against the perceived hazard. If in any doubt please consult our office for advice.

B
Steaming Resistance
This is the garments breathability level (0 – 3)
0 – No Protection
3 – Highest level of protection

Application field
The present standard specifies the protective garments characteristics against the influence of atmospheric exposures, wind and cold above -5c
The first number on the right of the pictogram indicates the class of resistance to water penetration, the second one the class of streaming resistance.

GORT3279 – Railway Group Standard for High Visibility Clothing
ES510 – Quick Release fasteners for railways vests and waistcoats
EN531 – Flame Retardant
EN533 – Flame Spread
EN470 – Molten Metal (Welding) High Visability Clothing EN471
High Visability Specifications
There are three levels of protection.   Class 1
Class 1 defines the lowest visibility level
E.G. High Visibility trousers with two 5cm reflective bands around each leg. These become Class 3 when worn with a Class 3 jacket.

Class 2
The class 2 defines an intermediary visibility level. Example: vests. Two 5cm bands of reflective around body or on one 5cm band around body and braces to both shoulders.

Class 3
The class 3 defines the highest level of visibility. Example jacket with long sleeves, jacket and trouser suit. Two 5cm bands of reflective tape around the body, arms and braces over both shoulders. Gloves EN407:2004
Protective gloves against thermal risks (heat and/or fire).
Protective gloves, Protective clothing, Occupational safety, Insulating gloves, Gloves, Thermal protection, Heat protection, Fire safety, Fire resistance, Thermal resistance, Thermal stability, Fire-resistant materials, Flameproof materials, Performance.
EN420
Safety regulations for working gloves – sizing,
composition, packing & user information
EN388
Protective gloves for mechanical risks – 4 levels
This covers the physical and mechanical stresses that can applied to a glove and the levels of resistance on a grading from 1 to 5, where 1 is the lowest
EN374-2
Protective for micro organisms
EN374-3
Protective for chemicals
This covers chemical risks where the first number if the performance level and the second the requirement. 1 being the lowest. If in any doubt whatsoever please contact the office for advice. If a gloves is described as chemically resistant, it does not mean it is resistant to ALL chemicals
EN511
Protective for cold working hazards – 3 levels
The first is resitance to convective (0-4), the second is contact (0-5), the third water penetration (0 or 1)
EN10819
This standard deals with protection against vibration and impacts of mechanical origin. For full details please contact our office for advice
EN381-7
Protective Clothing – A and B protection regulations for anti-cut gloves Fall Arrest Equipment The single biggest risk in life and safety of people working in the construction industry is falling from height. It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that employees are properly protected – legislation insists upon it. Tractel manufactures a wide range of temporary and permenant personal fall arrest equipment to suit a variety of working aplications that conform with these standards

EN358
Personal protective equipment for work positioning and prevention of falls from a height. Belts for work positioning and restraint and work positioning lanyards
EN361
Personal protective equipment against falls from a height.
Full body harnesses
EN363
Protection against falls from heights
Fall arrest systems which must include a harness and a fall arrester
EN364
Protection against falls from heights – test methods
EN365
Protection against falls from heights – general
requirements for use and marking

There are various other standards that apply to each part of a full system. A full range of Tractel materials handling, safety, access and fall arrest equipment to suit a variety of applications is available on request. If you require any further information please contact our office for further advice Foot Protection All safety footwear is manufactured to EN345 and has been designed with fashion, style and safety put together to make it a pleasure for the user to wear them. It is essentail that a full risk assessment is first carried out so that style and material to compliment the working envionment can be selected. EN344
Standards for professional safety footwear
This standard defines the gneral requirements and test methods for safety footwear and should only be used in conjunction with EN345
EN345
Standards for professional safety footwear
This standard defines, in reference to the EN344 standards, the basic and additional (optional) requirements on safety shoes for
proffseional use. This shoes include devices to protect the user against injuries caused by accidents liable to occur in the industrial environment for which the shoes had been designed. These
products are fitted with safety toe caps intended to deliver a protection against impacts with an energy level equal to 200 joules
Class 1
All material except natural and synthetic polymers
The properties represent the combinations of the most widespread requirements.
SB
Safety Footwear – Standard with leather upper & steel toe cap
S1
Safety Footwear – Standard safety properties plus antistatic with shock absorbent sole
S2
Safety Footwear – Standard safety properties plus antistatic with shock absorbent sole with water resistant upper
S3
Safety footwear – Standard safety properties plus antistatic with shock absorbent sole with water resistant upper with steel midsole
Class 2
Natural and synthetic polymers
S4
Safety Footwear – Standard safety properties plus antistatic with shock absorbent sole
S5
Safety footwear – Standard safety properties plus antistatic with shock absorbent sole with water resistant upper with steel midsole
P
Anti Puncture Sole
HI
Insulation against heat
CI
Insulation against cold
HRO
Heat resistant sole to 300°C
C
Electrical Resistance ]]> http://www.reflectortalks.com/2008/10/eu-protection-standards/feed/ 3 http://www.reflectortalks.com/2008/10/a-reflector-or-not-the-fake-micro-prism-reflector/ http://www.reflectortalks.com/2008/10/a-reflector-or-not-the-fake-micro-prism-reflector/#comments Wed, 22 Oct 2008 03:59:03 +0000 admin http://www.reflectortalks.com/?p=89 most of the importers do not know how it comes for the fake reflector item, mainly for the hard style.

the MICRO-PRISM reflector works like this:

a fake reflector by a non-reflector moulding , will looks the same like the real reflector, but in very different reflective effect.

many years ago, a client sent me a big moulding, which they produced in other company, I can see the moulding is almost the same like we have. but after injection, the product almost have no reflection.

so reflector moulding is a very different and special moulding. normally the moulding should from Japan,or Canada etc. I donot think China companies have the technology to produce it now.