Thermoplastic line markings are one of the most common types of applications used to mark travel lanes in parking lots and roadways.
Line striping and pavement markings applied using thermoplastic create wear and crack-resistant road signage. Even with asphalt pavement that experiences high traffic volumes, thermoplastic markings are very durable. Additionally, the highly reflective quality of thermoplastic markings makes for an excellent choice for road marking especially for nighttime visibility.
You can also opt for thermoplastic traffic calming road surface markings at Pavement Surface Coatings
What is Thermoplastic?
Thermoplastic is a road surface coating that consists of binders such as waxes, resins, anti-settling agents and plasticizers. The mixture also includes glass beads, pigments and filler material such as calcined flint, calcium carbonate, or silica.
Thermoplastic markings are applied using a specially designed vehicle at temperatures ranging from 180 to 200 degrees. Immediately following the application of the thermoplastic to the surface of the road, additional glass beads are embedded into the hot material before the plastic hardens. These beads, aided by the pigment, provide the thermoplastic with its reflective qualities. As the marking wears during regular traffic use, beads are lost; however, the beads mixed within the binder are then uncovered providing long-term reflectivity.
Discover the Benefits of Thermoplastic Marking
Thermoplastic line markings have many benefits:
Safety Considerations – Traffic and pedestrian safety is at the top of the list of factors to use thermoplastic line-markings. Adding a level of safety, especially at night and in wet conditions, the glass beads offer reflectivity for night-time visibility as well as skid and slip resistance for pedestrian safety.
Image Quality – There are few, if any, problems with chip marks, cracking or impact shattering of the image or line.