EN TW

News

Home>News
Blog
31.Jul.2024

Exploring the Manufacturing Process and Technical Principles of Reflective Elastic Tapes and Textiles

Exploring the Manufacturing Process and Technical Principles of Reflective Elastic Tapes and Textiles

Reflective fabrics have revolutionized safety in apparel, sportswear, and footwear. First seen in the early 1900s when cyclists used reflective sashes to stay visible at night, the U.S. adopted high-visibility gear in the 1930s for railway workers. Today, reflective materials are used extensively across various industries, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions. They are designed to reflect light back to its source, making wearers visible to drivers and significantly reducing accidents, thereby saving lives.

In this blog, we'll dive into the manufacturing process and technical principles of reflective elastic tapes. We'll also highlight how we at ECI Elastic use these innovative materials in our products. From boosting safety in sportswear to adding functionality and style to footwear, reflective elastic tapes are key players. Let's explore this fascinating world and see how we lead the way in this important industry.



 

Overview of Reflective Fabrics in Apparel

Reflective fabrics are materials designed to reflect light back to its source, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions. Technically speaking, they are often made by embedding microscopic glass beads or other reflective elements into the fabric. These fabrics have become essential in various applications due to their ability to improve safety and add aesthetic appeal. Common uses of reflective fabrics in apparel include:
 

  • Enhancing visibility for safety in sportswear and outdoor clothing
  • Adding aesthetic appeal to fashion items
  • Applications in footwear and accessories
 

Overview of Reflective Fabrics in Apparel



 

Technical Aspects of Reflective Fabric Manufacturing

Reflective fabrics are crafted from a combination of specialized materials that enhance their ability to reflect light. The core components include reflective yarns, which possess unique properties that allow them to bounce light back to its source. Central to this process are optical-grade glass beads, which play a crucial role in reflection. These tiny beads, embedded within the fabric, are responsible for the retroreflective quality that makes the material so effective.

The manufacturing process of reflective fabrics involves embedding these glass beads into fabric substrates. This can be done through various techniques, including coating and laminating. During coating, the beads are applied to the surface of the fabric, while laminating involves layering the beads between fabric layers. Both methods ensure that the beads are securely attached and evenly distributed, providing consistent reflective properties across the material.

Key technical principles underpin the effectiveness of reflective fabrics. Retroreflection, where light is reflected directly back to its source, is fundamental to their function. This principle ensures maximum visibility for wearers in low-light conditions. Additionally, the durability and performance standards of reflective materials are critical. High-quality reflective fabrics must withstand environmental factors such as washing, abrasion, and exposure to the elements while maintaining their reflective properties. This ensures long-lasting safety and functionality in various applications.



 

 

ECI's Approach to Reflective Elastic Tapes

Outsourcing and Integration of Reflective Tape

We integrate reflective properties into our elastic tape products by sourcing high-quality reflective yarn. This reflective yarn is then incorporated into our tapes through various weaving systems, such as woven and knit methods. Additionally, we use finishing processes like reflective adhesive film and screen printing to enhance the reflective properties of our tapes. Our collection of reflective tapes includes piping tape, waistbands, and decorative tapes, all customizable to meet specific requirements.
 

Outsourcing and Integration of Reflective Tape


 

Quality Control Measures and Standards

We ensure our reflective materials meet strict luminance standards in candela per lux (CPL) for reflective yarn, adhesive films, and screen-printing inks. Strength tests are also conducted on reflective yarn to guarantee the elongation and stretch are suitable for specific elastic tapes. Internally, we inspect the physical properties, such as peel-off resistance, and adhere to international textile standards for trims, including washing, laundering, perspiration, water resistance, rubbing, and light exposure.


 

Examples of ECI Products Featuring Reflective Properties

Using ECI's reflective elastic tapes offers numerous benefits, particularly in enhancing visibility and safety during nighttime activities like running and walking. Our tapes are suitable for night runners of all ages, from teenagers to adults. For instance, our 40mm wide tape with reflective adhesive film is designed for safety reflective vests and is widely used in road safety, vehicle visibility, workplace safety, personal safety, and emergency situations.

ECI Elastic's reflective tapes are featured in various high-profile products. Notably, the Nike Wild Run Jacket and Nike Wild Run Hat utilize our tapes not only for decorative purposes but also to enhance safety in running apparel. Developed in 2018, these products showcase the versatility and effectiveness of our reflective materials in sportswear.

With these integrations and innovations, ECI Elastic continues to lead the way in the reflective elastic tape industry, providing products that combine safety, functionality, and style.

 

Examples of ECI Products Featuring Reflective Properties-Examples of ECI Products Featuring Reflective Properties


 

Shining a Light on Safety and Style

Reflective elastic tapes enhance safety and visibility in sportswear, footwear, and other industries by reflecting light back to its source, reducing accident risks. At ECI Elastic, we prioritize innovation and quality in our reflective materials to exceed performance expectations. Explore our range of reflective elastic tapes to see how they can enhance your products. For more information, visit our product pages or contact us with any questions. Let's make the world safer and more stylish with ECI's reflective elastic tapes.



 

Reference:
Nike Wild Run Jacket - Game Royal/Black/Volt/Reflective Silv - Mens Clothing | Pro:Direct Running (prodirectsport.com)
Nike Classic99 Wild Run Trucker Hat In Black/ Habanero Red | ModeSens