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Crystal Reflective Vinyl
A flexible, contour-cuttable vinyl film embedded with reflective microprismatic crystals, designed for creating detailed reflective decals and lettering.
Manufactured by Shanghai Hanker Industrial Co., Ltd.
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Product Overview
Crystal Reflective Vinyl is a pressure-sensitive adhesive film that incorporates a layer of microscopic retroreflective crystals within a durable, flexible PVC or cast vinyl face. Unlike traditional glass bead reflective vinyl, it utilizes a prismatic crystal technology that offers a distinctive, sparkling reflective appearance with high brightness.
This material is engineered for precision cutting and weeding, making it suitable for producing intricate logos, text, and graphics that require nighttime visibility. It is available in a range of colors where the reflective property is inherent to the colored film itself. The result is a decal that appears as a solid color by day and transforms into a bright, reflective graphic when illuminated at night, without the need for additional screen-printed overlays.
Face Material
Flexible PVC/Cast Vinyl with Embedded Crystals
Reflective Technology
Microprismatic Crystal Layer
Adhesive Type
Permanent Acrylic Pressure-Sensitive
Primary Format
Die-Cut Decals & Lettering
Product Parameters
Technical data outlining the fabrication properties, optical characteristics, and durability of Crystal Reflective Vinyl.
Physical & Fabrication Properties
| Total Thickness | 3 mil - 5 mil (75μm - 125μm) |
| Face Film Type | 2-3 mil Calendered or Cast Vinyl |
| Crystal Layer | Encapsulated microprismatic array |
| Adhesive & Liner | 1-2 mil acrylic, 60# release liner |
| Standard Roll Widths | 15", 24", 48" (38cm, 61cm, 122cm) |
| Roll Length | 10 yards, 25 yards, 50 yards |
| Surface Finish | Matte, Satin (minimizes daytime glare) |
| Conformability | Good to Excellent (cast vinyl grade highest) |
Performance & Optical Data
| Reflective Intensity | High (bright, sparkling return vs. diffuse bead glow) |
| Color Options | White, Silver, Red, Blue, Yellow, Green, Black |
| Daytime Color | Solid, opaque, non-metallic finish |
| Adhesion to Steel | ≥ 35 N/25mm (permanent grade) |
| Operating Temperature | -30°C to 70°C (-22°F to 158°F) |
| Outdoor Durability | 5-7 years (cast vinyl), 3-5 years (calendered) |
| Elongation at Break | Cast: Up to 180%; Calendered: Up to 130% |
Note: "Black" reflective vinyl appears dark grey/black in daylight and reflects a silver-white light at night. Cast vinyl grades offer superior conformability for complex curves and longer outdoor life. Calendered grades provide a cost-effective option for flat or simple curved surfaces.
About Shanghai Hanker Industrial Co., Ltd.
Shanghai Hanker Industrial Co., Ltd. is China Crystal Reflective Vinyl Manufacturers and Wholesale Crystal Reflective Vinyl Suppliers. With over 20 years of industry experience, we have grown into a fully-integrated enterprise capable of producing a complete range of products across the entire industrial chain.
2004-2005
Company Foundation
Shanghai Hanker Industrial Co., Ltd began preparations in 2004 and was officially registered and established in 2005. The DPI brand was founded in the same year, marking the beginning of our journey in the adhesive materials industry.
2012
Expansion of Production Base
To enhance the influence and market share of the DPI brand, we expanded our production base to Nanhuating Industrial Park in Fengxian District, Shanghai. The facility covers 25,000 square meters and employs over 160 people, equipped with modern production workshops and advanced equipment including silicone coating machines, laminating machines, and automated punching machines.
2016
New Manufacturing Facility in Jiangsu
We established Jiangsu DPI New Materials Co., Ltd. in Qidong, Jiangsu Province, covering 34,000 square meters. This facility is equipped with China's leading calendering machine, high-standard silicon coating machines, and PE coating machines, enabling independent production of raw materials like PVC calendering film and release paper.
Present
Industry Leadership and Innovation
Today, Hanker has developed into a fully-integrated enterprise with comprehensive capabilities across upstream, midstream, and downstream industrial chains. We hold over 65 invention and utility model patents, and our high-quality DPI products are sold to more than 80 countries worldwide.
Certifications & Quality Standards
National High-tech Enterprise
ISO9001 Quality Management
ISO14001 Environmental Management
Shanghai Contract-abiding Enterprise
Environmental Commitment
We actively uphold our environmental protection responsibilities by utilizing advanced RTO equipment, achieving a 99.9% waste gas treatment rate. We encourage full employee participation in environmental practices and support sustainable development through tangible actions.
Product Benefits
Crystal Reflective Vinyl provides specific advantages for fabricators and end-users focused on detailed graphics, aesthetic appeal, and nighttime functionality.
High-Intensity Sparkling Reflectivity
Produces a brighter, more defined reflective return compared to traditional glass bead films, creating a "diamond-grade" visual effect that enhances graphic impact.
Excellent for Fine Details
Engineered for clean cutting and weeding of small text, intricate logos, and complex shapes, maintaining crisp edges that are crucial for professional branding.
Integrated Colored Reflection
The reflective property is built into the colored vinyl itself. A red vinyl decal reflects red light, preserving brand color identity even at night.
Product Features
The defining features of Crystal Reflective Vinyl stem from its unique construction and material composition, tailored for sign-making and graphic applications.
- Embedded Crystal Technology: Microprismatic crystals are laminated within the vinyl structure, protected from abrasion and environmental exposure.
- Precision Cutting Matrix: Consistent thickness and material engineering allow for sharp, clean cuts with minimal fraying on both flatbed and contour cutting plotters.
- Color-Fast Reflection: Unlike overlaid films, the crystal layer is matched to the vinyl color, ensuring the reflected light corresponds to the daytime color.
- Conformable Cast Vinyl Options: High-grade cast vinyl versions offer exceptional stretch and memory for application over rivets, corrugations, and compound vehicle curves.
- Air-Egress Adhesive: Permanent adhesive with micro-dot or channel pattern enables bubble-free application on smooth substrates.
- UV & Chemical Resistance:UV inhibitors and stable pigments resist fading; surface resists common fuels, oils, and cleaning agents.
- Removable Variants: Available with a low-tack adhesive system for short-term promotions or applications on leased vehicles.
- Kiss-Cut Compatible: Ideal for producing sheets of individual decals or letters on a common carrier sheet for easy distribution and application.
Product Applications
Crystal Reflective Vinyl is the material of choice for creating premium, detailed reflective graphics where brand aesthetics, precision, and nighttime visibility converge.
Premium Vehicle Graphics & Branding
Used for high-end fleet markings, emergency vehicle lettering, and commercial branding where detail and day/night impact are critical.
- Corporate Fleet Logos: Detailed company logos and wordmarks on executive and service vehicles.
- Police & Fire Department Markings: Badge replicas, unit numbers, and agency names on patrol cars and fire trucks.
- Ambulance & EMS Graphics: Highly visible "Star of Life" symbols and critical identification text.
- Motorcycle & Specialty Vehicle Decals: Custom reflective graphics for motorcycles, boats, and RVs.
Industrial & Safety Identification
Provides clear, durable identification for assets, hazards, and personnel in environments where visibility reduces risk.
- High-Visibility Equipment Marking: Reflective numbering and warning labels on forklifts, cranes, and construction machinery.
- Pipe & Valve Marking: Color-coded reflective labels for rapid identification in low-light industrial plants.
- Safety Helmet Decals: Company logos and identifiers on safety helmets for worker visibility.
- Warehouse Location Marking: Reflective aisle, rack, and bin labels for efficient nighttime operations.
Commercial Signage & Architectural Graphics
Enhances storefronts, architectural features, and interior spaces with reflective elements that add nighttime visibility and style.
- Channel Letters & Cabinetry: Reflective vinyl faces or returns for illuminated and non-illuminated signage.
- Dimensional Letters & Logos: Cut-out reflective letters mounted directly to walls or windows.
- Decorative Interior Accents: Reflective stripes, patterns, or logos in retail environments, bars, or entertainment venues.
- Window & Door Graphics: Business hours, logos, or promotional messages that remain visible after dark.
Fabrication & Application Tips
Plotter Blade Setup
Use a 45° or 60° blade. Perform a test cut to adjust pressure and speed. The material may require a slightly higher force than standard calendered vinyl but less than thick rigid films.
Weeding Technique
The reflective layer can make weeding slightly more resistant. Weed at a low, consistent angle. Warming the sheet slightly with a low-heat gun can ease weeding of intricate areas.
Application on Curves
For complex curves, use a cast vinyl grade. Apply with medium heat from a heat gun, stretching the material gently to conform without over-stressing the adhesive.
Post-Application Care
Allow 24 hours for the adhesive to achieve full bond strength before washing or waxing. Wash gently with a soft cloth and mild automotive soap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common queries regarding the capabilities, selection, and use of Crystal Reflective Vinyl are addressed here.
What's the difference between Calendered and Cast Crystal Reflective Vinyl?
Calendered vinyl is cost-effective, suitable for flat/simple curves, and has a typical outdoor life of 3-5 years. Cast vinyl is more expensive, offers superior conformability for complex 3D surfaces, better long-term dimensional stability, and a lifespan of 5-7+ years outdoors.
Can I print on this vinyl?
No, it is not designed for direct digital printing. The matte/satin surface is not ink-receptive. For multi-color reflective graphics, you would digitally print onto a separate media and then apply cut reflective vinyl elements as an accent, or use the Crystal Reflective Banner material.
How does "black" reflective vinyl work?
Black reflective vinyl contains a layer of grey/black film over the crystals. In daylight, it absorbs most light, appearing dark. At night, when light enters at a specific angle, it passes through the dark layer, reflects off the crystals, and returns, appearing as bright silver-white. It does not reflect black light.
Is it suitable for long-term outdoor use on vehicles?
Yes, especially the cast vinyl grade. It is designed to withstand car washes, UV exposure, road chemicals, and temperature cycles. Properly applied, it should last for the typical service life of a vehicle graphic (5-7 years).
Can it be removed without damaging paint?
The permanent adhesive is designed for long-term bonds. Removal requires heating the graphic to soften the adhesive, then slow, careful peeling. On factory automotive paint in good condition, removal is usually clean, but older or repainted surfaces carry a risk. A removable adhesive variant is available for temporary applications.
Interested in DPI Color Cutting Vinyl?
As a direct manufacturer with over 20 years of experience, Shanghai Hanker Industrial offers competitive pricing, flexible order quantities, and comprehensive technical support for our DPI brand products.
