Description
Safe-Glo® incorporates a technically-superior, photo-chemical light source within a highly-flexible, pressure-sensitive, self-extinguishing PVC film. Safe-Glo® phosphorescent vinyl film emits a visually-dramatic, green/yellow glow, immediately after extinguishing all light. The dimensionally-stable Safe-Glo® resists abrasion, marring, and intermittent contact with water, gasoline, grease, mild alkalis and acids. Safe-Glo® is a cost-effective alternative for a wide array of decorative and functional applications. Some of these applications include:
• Signs, labels & decals;
• Exit & directional signage;
• Fail-safe instructional decals for closed compartments, such as freezers, elevators & storage vaults;
• Trim for bikes, toys, sporting goods, rainwear and novelties.
Physical Properties
A patented, non-toxic chemical compound, called inorganic zinc sulfide phosphor, generates the glow-in-the-dark, luminous characteristic of Safe-Glo® vinyl. Safe-Glo® is perfectly safe. It is neither radioactive, nor electrically charged. The way Safe-Glo® works, is that the phosphorescent compound absorbs energy from UV light sources, such as an incandescent or fluorescent light bulb or sunlight. In less than 2 minutes, Safe-Glo® absorbs enough energy to reach a full charge, to generate an two-hour glow. Longer exposure to a light source only increases the glow time slightly. This compound can be recharged an unlimited number of times.
In generating light, the performance of Safe-Glo® follows a two-phase curve. In phase one, Safe-Glo® emits a strong immediate glow, which registers a spectral peak of 5200 Angstroms. This bright glow, however, decreases at an accelerated rate to 20% of its initial brilliance within the first ½ hour. The decay of this phase of the curve remarkably parallels the natural ability of the human eye to adapt to darkness. The phase two of the curve, although much less brilliant, is visible after the human eye adjusts to the darkness. Because phase two decays at a much slower and gradual rate, it remains visible for up to 2 hours.
Product Life
Indoors: Indefinite
Outdoors: Depends on ambient atmospheric conditions.
Application Notes
SafeGlo® vinyl film conforms to current OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) regulations for exit and directional signage.
SafeGlo® meets MIL-L-3891 Military Specifications.
An independent lab has tested SafeGlo® vinyl film and has verified that, in the form of a 10” x 12” exit sign, it is visible to the “dark adapted” eye at a distance of 100 feet for a period not less than 8 hours after activation.
General Information
SafeGlo® is available in sheet, roll, tape or pre-die cut form up to 24” (61 cm) in width. This film can be fabricated using the following methods: computer plotter cutting, steel rule die-cutting, thermal die cutting, and rotary blade cutting. The perfectly smooth surface of Safe-Glo® is compatible with most printing methods: screen printing, offset lithography, flexography, thermal transfer, electrostatic and solvent-based ink jet. Prior to production, our recommendation is to test the printing method and ink system with CET vinyl for compatibility. The Safe-Glo® adhesive system provides excellent adhesion to most non-porous surfaces.
Patents & Trademark Information
SafeGlo® is manufactured and protected by one of the following U.S. Patents: 4,663,214 and 4.695,336. SafeGlo® is a Registered Trademark (#1,284,297) of CET Films.