3M Reflective Elements

Ultimate Nighttime
Performance
Wet or Dry
3M Reflective Elements utilize the most advanced technologies to deliver
true reflected color and optimized visibility tailored to meet your needs.
Featuring unique 3M microcrystalline ceramic beads, 3M Reflective Elements
are tougher and more efficient than other glass-beaded optics sytems, so you
can expect superior performance in any condition.
 Why use
3M Reflective Elements?

All-Weather
Most Efficient Optics for Liquid-applied Markings Element

Each all-weather element is a complete pavement marking optical system

comprised of microcrystalline ceramic beads, binder and pigments.
Microcrystalline
Ceramic Beads
Factory Optimized
3Ms bonded core elements consist of microcrystalline ceramic beads
embedded on a center core to provide optimal performance in all Glass Bead
weather conditions.

Easily Installed by Double-drop Systems

Binder/Pigment
As the first drop of a double-drop system, the elements
provide visibility to motorists in both wet and dry conditions.
They are effective as either new marking applications or as
All-Weather
part of a maintenance marking application. Elements

It Starts with Unique

3M Microcrystalline Ceramic Beads
Microcrystalline
Toughness
3Ms microcrystalline ceramic
beads are engineered to
prevent cracks from starting
and propagating, resulting in
unprecedented toughness.
Transmission Electron Micrograph (TEM)
of standard 1.9 index
Scanning electron microscope (SEM)
photos of beads after sandblasting
Sandblast 1.9 Index
Glass Beads
0.2m
Amorphous glassno microstructure

Effects of bead microstructure

Sandblast 1.9 Index
on toughness as demonstrated Microcrystalline
in the sandblast test
Ceramic Beads
0.2m
Microcrystalline ceramic beads showing
microcrystalline structure
 Standard glass beads are clear, putting all the

True Reflected Color, burden for color performance on the binder.

Superior Visibility Yellow elements feature yellow

microcrystalline ceramic beads

Yellow ElementsYellow Beads

Standard glass beads are clear, putting the entire burden for color performance
on the binder. 3M incorporates yellow microcrystalline ceramic beads in its
yellow elements to improve reflected color.

Color Recognition Day and NightWet or Dry

Most pavement markings have acceptable daytime color. Conventional yellow
markings use clear glass beads which often result in a washed out appearance
at night. 3Ms yellow beads improve nighttime color, making the markings
conspicuous at any time of day or night.

Optimized Index for Wet and Dry

F or optimum performance under dry conditions, 3M elements feature
1.9 refractive index microcrystalline ceramic beads. Tailored Performance to Meet Agency Needs
3 Ms all-weather optics include ultra-high, 2.4 refractive index microcrystalline 3M offers optics systems for both wet and dry climates, with each
ceramic beads. The high refractive index results in good measurable wet system boasting superior performance in its intended conditions.
reflectivity, the highest practical level achieved to date. The 2.4 refractive index
Typical White Retroreflective Values
microcrystalline ceramic bead has the same microcrystalline structure and
for 3M Standard Reflective Elements
level of toughness found in lower index microcrystalline beads.
2500
A s a system, 3Ms all-weather optics have dry reflective beads at peak ASTM:
efficiency, and wet reflective beads much higher in efficiency than any other E1710
2000
commercial beads. E2177 Spray Method
E2177 Bucket Method
mcd (30 M geometry)

Theoretical Efficiency vs. Refractive Index

1500 E2832
1.2

1.0 Key:
Relative Efficiency

Air 1000
0.8 Water
0.6
500
0.4

0.2
0 0
1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.2 2.6 2.8 3.0 3.2 Wet Blend Balanced Dry Elements
1.9 2.4 Wet and Dry Blend
Refractive Index 3M Reflective Element Type
3M Reflective Elements Comparative Dry Reflectivity
(same application rate on flat markings)

More Efficient Than The Rest 3000

Compare Dry Reflectivity to Conventional Optics

3Ms 1.9 index microcrystalline ceramic dry elements out-perform

Dry Reflectivity (mcd)

other commercial elements in comparative dry reflectivity.
1500

Simply the Best

3Ms microcrystalline ceramic beads have visibility, efficiency and
toughness above and beyond other commercial marking systems.

High Efficiency Pigments Deliver the 0

Most Performance from the Beads 1.5 Index
Large Glass
1.9 Index
Glass Beads
1.9 Index
Glass Bead
3M 1.9 Index
Microcrystalline
3Ms microcrystalline ceramic beads feature 3Ms high efficiency Beads Elements Ceramic
Dry Elements
pigments to deliver improved reflectivity. Optics Options

Compatible Elements for All Binders Binder Compatibility

Target Element Blend Element Blend
3M offers elements compatible with different liquid binder types. Thickness Optimized for Optimized for
Binder System (0.001") Wet Reflectivity Dry Reflectivity
25 901 501
High Build Paint
20 90S1,2 50S1,2

Most
Thermoplastic 60 120+ 90 1
501
Polyurea 18 30 70P1 50P1

Efficient Optics
Epoxy 18 30 70E 50E
MMA 30 150 70M 50M

for Liquid-Applied
1
3M Matched Component System available.
2
For 20mil High Build Paint, use only S Series elements standard or S Series elements
compatible with all other binder systems.

Markings
For technical information or to learn more about 3M Reflective Elements or 3Ms full line of traffic safety products
and services, visit 3M.com/roadwaysafety or contact your local 3M representative at 1-800-553-1380.

Traffic Safety and Security Division 3M Canada Company 3M Mxico, S.A. de C.V.
3M Center, Building 0235-03-A-09 P.O. Box 5757 Av. Santa Fe No. 55 3M is a trademark of 3M.
St. Paul, MN 55144-1000 London, Ontario N6A 4T1 Col. Santa Fe, Used under license in Canada.
USA 1-800-3MHELPS Del. Alvaro Obregn Please recycle. Printed in USA.
1-800-553-1380 Mxico, D.F. 01210 3M 2013. All rights reserved.
www.3M.com/roadwaysafety 75-0302-4002-4