ATSSA Signal July/August 2019

American Traffic Safety Services Association 16 Product 101 Product 101 How Orafol’s prismatic technology increases visibility through retroreflectivity Global traffic safety product manufacturer developed concept in 1966 Retroreflectivity. It’s an element in a number of traffic control safety devic- es including marking tapes, traffic signs, barricades, delineators, and other work zone safety products. Retroreflectivity greatly increases visibility of devices on our nation’s roadways, helping to keep road users safe. ATSSA and organizations such as the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) have initiatives to promote the impor- tance of retroreflectivity on roadways. The standards and use for retroreflec- tive devices are spelled out in the Man- ual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) for maintenance, along with its impact on improving nighttime visi- bility. Companies like Orafol Americas are working to innovate with their ret- roreflective products—increasing visi- bility and safety for all. “We are proud to work hard every day to manufacture all of our traffic control safety products,” said Orafol Americas Traffic Solutions Market Manager Scott Seeley. “Retroreflectivity is something we take very seriously, so we ensure our products are up to MUTCD stan- dards. We have a specialized process that we developed that sets our reflec- tive products apart.” Orafol Americas’ prism prototype, orig- inally made from manila construction paper, is used in the design of the com- pany’s products and reflects all of the light back to its source, thereby increas- ing visibility. The prism design is the original cube corner prism concept and was first developed by the founder of Reflecite, later acquired by Orafol, Bill Rowland in 1966. “It took two years to find the company that could take the prism design and put it into practice—ultimately becom- ing our Orafol Americas,” Seeley said. Seeley said one interesting fact is that when the original tool was made and tested, the product’s developers were discouraged when they did not not see any returned light. Co-founder and broth- er of Bill Hugh Rowland, who was a pipe smoker, dropped a match and upon bending over to pick it up, when he had his head next to the headlight, Rowland realized what they had developed. “This was the ‘aha’ moment that gave them the passion that today we call ‘prism fever,’” Seeley said. “We have a long history and tradition of making in- novations within the roadway safety industry and will continue tomake these technological advancements in order to make roads in the United States as safe as possible.” Orafol’s prism design, developed in 1966, is used to create the company’s retroreflective products, which improve visibility and roadway safety. The original prototype was on display at ATSSA’s 2019 Annual Convention and Traffic Expo.