You can see reflective sheeting on most roads in Australia. It is also found in all traffic areas. Class 1W reflective sheeting is special because it has a wide-angle prismatic design. This design makes it brighter than normal Class 1. The table below explains how each class is used for traffic reflective signs:
| Reflective Class | Beschreibung | Use on STOP Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Klasse 1 | High-intensity prismatic or glass bead | Must be used on public roads |
| Class 1W | Wide-angle prismatic reflective material, extra brightness | Used for more brightness and must be used with Class 1 |
| Klasse 2 | Lower reflectivity | Not allowed on STOP signs |
Reflective signs are very important for road safety. If you pick reflective sheeting that follows AS/NZS 1906.1, your signs will be easy to see. They will also last a long time and work well on roads and signs.
OPTRAFFIC supplies high-quality reflective signs made with trusted materials from 3M Und Avery Dennison. Our sheeting meets or exceeds AS/NZS 1906.1 Standards, ensuring visibility in all weather conditions, Tag oder Nacht. Whether you need Class 1W for highways or Class 2 for urban zones, we offer long-lasting, compliant solutions that help keep every road user safe.
Key Takeaways
- Class 1W reflective sheeting uses wide-angle microprism technology. This makes signs brighter and easier to see from many directions. It is very helpful on busy or fast roads.
- Klasse 1 sheeting is thinner and bends more easily. It works well for city streets and roads that are not very busy. Class 1W is thicker and stronger. It lasts longer in bad weather.
- Picking the right reflective sheeting class keeps road signs clear and safe. It also makes sure signs follow Australian rules like AS/NZS 1906.1.
- Class 1W is best for important signs, like STOP signs on highways. It is also good for overhead gantries and places that need extra brightness and strength.
- Cleaning and checking signs often helps them last longer. Using Class 1W means you do not need to replace signs as often. It also makes roads safer.
Class 1W Overview
What Is Class 1W?
Class 1W reflective sheeting is easy to spot. It has a wide-angle prismatic design. This special design uses prisms to reflect light from many directions. Nachts, this technology makes signs look brighter. Class 1W is brighter than regular reflective sheeting. It helps you see signs clearly, even from sharp angles or in bad weather. The diamond pattern inside helps bounce light back. This makes it a good choice for busy roads.
Wide-Angle Microprism Technology
Wide-angle microprism technology is the main feature of Class 1W. Each prism acts like a tiny mirror and sends light back. This means signs stay bright, even if headlights come from the side. The diamond-shaped prisms make the sheeting shine more. This technology works well on busy roads and at curved intersections. It is also good for overhead signs. The prismatic structure makes the sheeting strong. It lasts longer outside, Auch bei hartem Wetter.
Tipp: Wide-angle prismatic sheeting helps you see signs better at night and in the rain. This keeps roads safer for everyone.
Uses of Class 1W
Class 1W reflective sheeting is used in many places. Here are some examples:
- Regulatory traffic signs like STOPPEN and GIVE WAY
- Warning signs on highways and busy intersections
- Guide signs on big roads and overhead gantries
- Temporary construction signs that must be seen easily
- Warehouse and loading dock signs that need clear marking
Class 1W is often used for diamond-shaped warning signs. It works well for both permanent and temporary signs. The prismatic and diamond design keeps signs bright and easy to see. This is true even from far away. When you need reflective sheeting for important traffic signs, Class 1W is a good choice. It helps your signs work well in all kinds of weather.
Klasse 1 Reflektierende Bleche
What Is Class 1?
You can find class 1 reflective sheeting on many roads. It is made for traffic signs that must be seen day and night. This sheeting uses special prismatic technology to reflect light back to drivers. Klasse 1 sheeting helps people see signs clearly, Auch bei schlechtem Wetter oder nachts. Councils and road authorities pick this type for important signs. It meets strict safety rules.
Glass Bead and Prism Features
Klasse 1 reflective sheeting uses glass bead and prismatic technology. Each one helps make signs bright and strong. The table below shows how these work:
| Feature Category | Glass Bead Technology | Prism Technology | Additional Features of Class 1 Blatt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reflective Element | Glass beads send light back to where it came from | Micro-prisms send light to drivers | Both give strong retro-reflective power |
| Arrangement | Beads are set up for best reflection | Prisms help signs shine from many angles | Good design makes it last longer |
| Material | Flexibel, tough vinyl | N / A | Stays strong in bad weather |
| Adhesive Backing | Easy to stick on and take off | N / A | Strong glue keeps it in place |
| Protective Coatings | Scratch-proof layer protects the beads | N / A | Stops dirt, Wasser, und Verschmutzung |
| Wetterwiderstand | Waterproof to stop rain damage | N / A | Keeps reflecting well in all weather |
| UV -Widerstand | Stops sun from fading the sheeting | N / A | Colours stay bright for a long time |
Prismatic sheeting uses tiny prisms to reflect more light than old types. Glass bead technology is still good for many signs.
Common Applications
Klasse 1 reflective sheeting is used for many traffic signs. Here are some examples:
- Regulatory signs like STOP, VORFAHRT BEACHTEN, and speed limits
- Warning signs on busy roads or sharp turns
- Directional and guide signs on highways
- School zone and pedestrian crossing signs
Klasse 1 prismatic sheeting is good for both permanent and temporary signs. You will see it on overhead gantries and in construction zones. It is also used where safety is very important. This sheeting helps drivers see signs clearly. It keeps everyone safe on the road.
Schlüsselunterschiede
Brightness and Visibility
It is important for signs to be easy to see, sogar nachts oder bei schlechtem Wetter. Class 1W reflective sheeting uses special microprism technology. This makes signs much brighter than normal Class 1. The diamond pattern inside helps reflect more light back to drivers. Signs with Class 1W are easier to notice from more directions. This extra brightness helps people see signs on busy roads and at hard intersections. If you pick Class 1W, your signs will stay clear and easy to spot, Auch von weit weg.
Notiz: Brighter signs help drivers see faster and keep roads safe.
Material and Thickness
Reflective sheeting is made from different materials and comes in different thicknesses. Class 1W has a microprismatic layer with a diamond shape. This makes it a bit thicker than Class 1. You can feel that Class 1W is more solid because of the prism layer. Klasse 1 usually uses glass beads or simple prism technology, so it is thinner and bends more easily. The diamond design in Class 1W makes it work better and last longer. You can trust this material for important signs that must stay bright and strong.
| Besonderheit | Klasse 1 Blatt | Class 1W Sheeting |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Glass bead/prism | Microprismatic diamond |
| Thickness | Thinner (~0.2–0.3 mm) | Thicker (~0.35–0.5 mm) |
| Structure | Flexibel | Stiffer, more solid |
Haltbarkeit
Signs need to last a long time without fading or peeling. Class 1W reflective sheeting is very strong. The diamond microprism layer stops damage from sun, Regen, and dirt. This sheeting can handle tough weather and lots of use. Class 1W stays bright and reflective for more than ten years. Klasse 1 is also strong, but Class 1W works even better in harsh places. If you use Class 1W, you will not need to replace signs as often. This saves both time and money.
- Class 1W sheeting: 10–12+ years of service life
- Klasse 1 Blatt: 7–10 years of service life
Tipp: Pick strong sheeting for signs in busy or open places.
Flexibilität
Flexibility is important when putting sheeting on different surfaces. Klasse 1 sheeting bends easily and fits curved or bumpy signs. You can use it for many sign types. Class 1W, with its diamond prism layer, feels a bit stiffer. This extra strength helps it stay flat and smooth on big or overhead signs. It still bends well, but it also gives more support for large signs. When you need to cover wide panels or gantries, Class 1W gives a good mix of bending and strength.
Erinnern: The right sheeting makes signs easier to put up and keeps them looking neat.
Reflective Sheeting Standards
AS/NZS 1906.1 Criteria
You need to know that AS/NZS 1906.1 sets the rules for reflective sheeting used on traffic reflective signs in Australia. This standard helps you choose the right sheeting for each road and sign type. Here are the main points you should remember:
- Klasse 1 reflective sheeting is best for signs in low to medium traffic areas.
- Class 1W sheeting, also called Class 400, is made for large or critical signs, such as those on highways or overhead gantries.
- The standard checks the brightness, colour, and durability of each type of sheeting.
- School zone signs use Class 1W with a bright yellow-green background to keep children safe.
- You must match the sheeting class to the road speed, sign size, and how important the sign is for safety.
Tipp: Always check the AS/NZS 1906.1 label before you buy reflective sheeting for your project.
Performance Benchmarks
When you look at reflective sheeting, you want to know how well it works over time. AS/NZS 1906.1 gives you clear benchmarks for performance. These help you trust that your reflective signs will stay bright and safe.
| Benchmark | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Retroreflectivity | Measures how much light the sheeting sends back to drivers. Class 1W gives higher reflectivity, so signs stay visible at night and in rain. |
| Colour Stability | Makes sure colours stay bright and clear, even after years in the sun. |
| Wet Performance | Checks that the sheeting still reflects well when wet. |
| Adhesion | Tests if the sheeting sticks firmly to metal or other sign panels. |
You will see that Class 1W sheeting often uses strong backing materials, like aluminium, to last longer in harsh weather. The performance of your reflective signs depends on these benchmarks. Good sheeting keeps its colour, sticks well, and shines bright for many years. You can trust signs with high performance to keep drivers safe, Auch unter schwierigen Bedingungen.
Reflective Signs: Choosing the Right Material
Regulatory and Safety Needs
When you choose reflective signs for your project, you must follow strict rules. In Australien, you need to check that your signs meet AS/NZS 1906.1 and AS 1742 Standards. These rules make sure your traffic signs stay bright and clear, Auch bei schlechtem Wetter oder nachts. You must use the right class of reflective sheeting for each road and sign type. Zum Beispiel, highways and busy roads need Class 1W or higher. These classes help drivers see signs from far away and at sharp angles. You also need to label your signs with the correct size and reflectivity grade. This helps you prove your signs meet the law and keep everyone safe.
| Requirement Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Standards to Follow | AS/NZS 1906.1, ALS 1742 |
| Reflective Classes | Klasse 1, Class 1W, Klasse 3 |
| Typical Usage | Class 1W for highways, Klasse 1 for city roads, Klasse 2 for private roads |
| Minimum Sign Sizes | STOP sign: 750 mm (city), 900 mm (country) |
| Labeling Requirements | Show size and grade on the back or in documents |
If you want to understand more about which reflective sheeting classes apply to your project and how to stay compliant, read our full guide here: Overview of Reflective Traffic Signs Sheeting Standards in Australia.
Cost and Longevity
You want your reflective signs to last as long as possible. Both Class 1 and Class 1W reflective self adhesive vinyl can last 5–7 years outdoors. They keep most of their brightness, even after sun, Regen, and dust. You can make your signs last longer by cleaning them and checking them often. If you use signs in busy traffic areas, you may need to replace them sooner. Class 1W gives you extra brightness, which helps in places with lots of cars or poor weather. This makes it a good choice for safer roads and long-term savings.
- Klasse 1 and Class 1W: 5–7 years of outdoor use
- Both types need regular cleaning and checks
- Class 1W offers better visibility for the same lifespan
Application Recommendations
You should match your reflective signs to the needs of each site. On highways or roads with fast traffic, use Class 1W reflective sheeting. This type works best for overhead signs, Warnzeichen, and places where drivers need to see from far away. In city streets or low-speed areas, Klasse 1 is often enough. For private roads or car parks, you can use Class 2. Always think about the weather, Verkehrsgeschwindigkeit, and how far away drivers need to see your signs. If you want your signage to stand out in all conditions, choose reflective self adhesive vinyl with the right grade. This helps you keep your traffic signs clear and your roads safe.
Notiz: The right reflective signs help you meet legal rules and protect everyone on the road.
You now know that Class 1W reflective sheeting is much brighter. It helps people see signs better in busy places. Klasse 1 is good for roads that are not as busy. Picking the right grade for your signs is important. It helps you save money and keeps roads safe. It also makes sure you follow the rules. If you use the wrong grade, signs can be hard to see. This can make accidents more likely, especially where lots of cars go by. For fast or busy roads, use Class 1W to meet the rules and keep everyone safe. Always check AS/NZS 1906.1 or ask experts for the best advice.
FAQ
What does “Class 1W” mean on a road sign?
Class 1W means the traffic sign uses wide-angle prismatic reflective sheeting. You will see brighter signs that stay visible from more directions. This helps drivers spot signs quickly, sogar nachts oder bei schlechtem Wetter.
Can you use Class 1W sheeting for all traffic reflective signs?
You can use Class 1W for most traffic signs, especially on highways and busy roads. It works best where you need extra brightness and wide-angle visibility. Always check local rules before you choose.
How do you tell the difference between Class 1 and Class 1W?
You can check the label or ask your supplier. Class 1W feels thicker and stiffer. It also looks brighter when you shine a torch at it from the side.
Does Class 1W last longer than Class 1?
Ja, Class 1W usually lasts longer. You can expect it to stay bright and strong for over ten years. This makes it a good choice for signs in tough outdoor spots.
Why should you follow AS/NZS 1906.1 when picking reflective sheeting?
You must follow AS/NZS 1906.1 to meet safety laws. This standard checks that your signs stay bright, klar, and safe for drivers. It helps you avoid mistakes and keeps your project legal.
