Glass bead for road line painting

Glass beads are small, spherical or near-spherical particles made from glass that are commonly used in road line paint to enhance visibility and improve road safety. When mixed with the paint, these beads are applied to the surface of road markings such as lane dividers, crosswalks, or stop lines.

The primary purpose of glass beads in road line paint is to provide retroreflectivity. Retroreflection is the ability of a material to reflect light back to its source. The glass beads act as tiny reflectors, redirecting light from vehicle headlights back to the driver’s eyes, making the road markings more visible, especially during low-light conditions or at night.

The glass beads used for road line paint are specifically designed and coated to optimize their retroreflective properties. The beads are typically made from high-quality glass with a refractive index that allows for efficient reflection. They are often embedded into the paint while it is still wet or sprinkled on top of the freshly applied paint to ensure proper adhesion.

When a vehicle’s headlights shine on road markings containing glass beads, the light is reflected back towards the driver, creating a bright, visible effect known as a “cat’s eye” or “road stud effect.” This effect provides drivers with clear guidance, increasing their ability to discern road boundaries and navigate safely.

In summary, glass beads incorporated into road line paint enhance visibility by reflecting light from vehicle headlights back to the driver, improving road safety and aiding navigation, especially in low-light conditions.

The classification of glass beads into Type I and Type II typically refers to the gradation or size distribution of the glass beads. While the specific requirements may vary depending on the governing specifications or standards, below is general understanding of the differences between Glass Beads Type I and Type II.

1. Size Distribution: Glass Beads Type I typically have a larger size distribution compared to Type II beads. Type I beads may include a broader range of sizes, allowing for a more significant variance in the diameter of the beads. In contrast, Type II beads have a narrower size distribution, with more consistent bead diameters.
2. Retroreflectivity: Type II beads are often designed to provide higher retroreflective performance compared to Type I beads. The narrower size distribution and more uniform bead sizes of Type II beads allow for more efficient light reflection, resulting in improved visibility and reflectivity.
3. Application: Glass Beads Type II are commonly used for road line markings, where high visibility and durability are essential. They are often specified for highways, major roadways, and other areas with heavy traffic. Type I beads may find application in less demanding environments or for specific purposes where retroreflectivity requirements are not as stringent.

welcome to contact us for more details of the quotation and shipping cost of our glass bead, we’ll calculate the best price based on the order quantity / tons, and package type, and payment terms.

We have full range of line painting machines include the Piston pump and diaphragm pump, hydraulic pump, powered by gasoline engine or Lithium battery.

All these road line painting machines could be attached with the Glass Bead dispenser system with extra cost.

The glass bead dispenser system contains the bead hopper, bead valve, and bead dispenser.

There are two common methods of feeding the glass beads to the dispensing mechanism: Air feed and Gravity feed.

• Air Feed: In an air feed system, compressed air is used to propel the glass beads from the hopper to the dispensing mechanism. The air pressure forces the beads through a tube or hose and out through a nozzle or a series of nozzles onto the painted surface.
• Gravity Feed: In a gravity feed system, the glass beads flow down under gravity from the hopper to the dispensing mechanism. The flow rate is controlled by the bead valve, ensuring a consistent distribution of beads onto the painted surface