SEW-ON Industrial Wash | Top Quality | High Washing Performance | TC Material | Silver Color | Industrial Wash 75 cycles @ 85°C (ISO 15797) | OEKO-TEX 100 | EN ISO 20471 | ANSI/ISEA 107 | Dry-Cleaning 100 cycles (ISO 3175) | Non-Flame Resistant

V-REFLEX^TM Reflective Material Descriptions

V-REFLEX^TM Reflective Material - Industrial Wash Retro-Reflective Fabric/Tape (The above Product Code) is designed for use on safety garments requiring industrial laundry.

For those garment which require properties of flame resistance bonding to the reflective tape, please select our flame resistant and industrial wash series of retro-reflective tape.

When properly used, V-REFLEX^TM Reflective Material - Flame Resistant Industrial Wash Retro-Reflective Fabric/Tape help enhance the visibility of the wearer in nighttime or low-light conditions when illuminated by a light source such as headlights, by returning the light back toward the original source and reaching the automobile driver's eye.

V-REFLEX^TM Reflective Material - Reflective Fabric/Tape is composed of wide angle, exposed retro-reflective lenses bonded to a durable textile fabric.

The different level of industrial wash, light-weight, or heave-duty, may be applied to different garments. Harsher level of industrial wash will more significantely diminish the reflective intensity of retro-reflective tape each time of industrial wash cycle, and shorten its lifetime. Customers should choose the proper grade of flame resistance and industrial wash resistance of retro-reflective tape when they are evaluting the budget and life-span of garment.

V-REFLEX^TM Reflective Material - Industrial Wash Retro-Reflective Fabric/Tape is classified into several grades of industrial wash cycles resistance. Options of 30, 60, 75, 90 industrial wash cycles are available at present. 

Physical Performance

V-REFLEX^TM IW Reflective Material - Retro-Reflective Fabric/Tape meets or exceeds the following specifications as noted. All R_A values are over 100 cd/lux/m2 measured at +5.0° entrance angle and 0.2° observation angle after tests are carried out according to following test method

Retro-reflectivity (initial): ANSI/ISEA 107-2010 level 2 , EN ISO 20471

OEKO-TEX 100

Abrasion: 5000 cycles (EN 530 Method 2) | R_A  > 100 

Flexing: 7500 cycles (ISO 7854 Method A) | R_A  > 100 

Cold Fold: -20° (ISO 4675) | R_A  > 100 

Temperature Variation: 50 hours @ 50 °C and 20 hours @ -30 °C | R_A  > 100 

Home Wash: 100 cycles @ 60°C (ISO 6330) | R_A  > 100

Dry-Cleaning: 100 cycles (ISO 3175) | R_A  > 100

Wet Reflectivity: ANSI/ISEA 107-2010, EN ISO 20471 | R_A  >  100

Industrial Wash: 30 cycles @ 85°C (ISO 15797) | R_A >  100 | (Product code# RF-IW3085100)

Industrial Wash: 60 cycles @ 85°C (ISO 15797) | R_A  >  100 | (Product code# RF-IW6085100)

Industrial Wash: 75 cycles @ 85°C (ISO 15797) | R_A  > 100 | (Product code# RF-IW7585100)

Industrial Wash: 90 cycles @ 85°C (ISO 15797) | R_A  > 100 | (Product code# RF-IW9085104)

Flame Resistant and Fire Retardant:

• EN 469:2005; EN ISO 14116:2008; EN ISO 11611:2015; EN ISO 11612:2015;
• NFPA 1971:2013; NFPA 1977:2016; NFPA 2112:2012

Retro-reflective Performance

V-REFLEX^TM Reflective Material - Retro-Reflective Fabric/Tape exceeds the minimum reflectivity requirements of EN ISO 20471, ANSI/ISEA 107 Level 2, when tested at e = 0° or e = 90° in accordance with the procedures stated on standards. Minimum coefficients of retro-reflection required by standards are shown as below table.

Coefficient of Retro-reflection * (R' or R_A ) cd/lux/m²

Measured on new product at +5.0° entrance and 0.2° observation angles, V-REFLEX^TM Reflective Material -  Retro-Reflective Fabric/Tape typically has retro reflective performance as below table.

Product Application Guideline

We recommend that all customers, in accordance with good manufacturing practices, establish an ongoing quality system which includes maintaining lot/roll identification throughout the garment production process.

Customer should also store input materials and final products in accordance with manufacturer recommendations, as well as implement continuous testing throughout their production and on their finished garments that reflects their garment needs.

Cutting

Die-cutting is recommended, although it can also be hand-cut or guillotined.

Note: Use very sharp cutting knives only and cut from the reflective side.

Sewing

For the best results, sew in place using a lockstitch and with no more than 12 stitches per inch (2.54 cm), and not less than 5/64'' (2 mm) from the edge of the reflective fabric. Recommend for applying to light and medium weight fabrics.

Printing

Prior to printing, wiping the surface with a soft cloth lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol may help ink adhesion

Printed areas will not be retro-reflective.

• Screen Printing - Images may be printed on the surface of V-REFLEX^TM Reflective Material - Reflective Fabric. All inks should be continuously tested to ensure acceptable adhesion in the event of change occurring in the manufacturing process or composition of the ink. Prior to printing, wiping the surface with a soft cloth lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol may help ink adhesion. Printed areas will not be retro-reflective. 
• Sublimation Printing - This printing method is applicable to V-REFLEX^TM Reflective Material - Reflective Fabric.

IMPORTANT

Images may be printed on the surface of reflective material - fabrics. All inks should be continuously tested to ensure acceptable adhesion in the event of changes occurring in the manufacturing process or composition of the ink.

Test each application according to appropriate care instructions required for the finished product.

Actual life of V-REFLEX^TM Reflective Material - Retro-Reflective Fabric/Tape depends on cleaning methods and wear conditions.

Industrial Wash Guidelines

Industrial laundering means regularly washing large amounts of clothing in a relatively short amount of time, with large machines (>25 kg loads), aggressive detergent chemistry (pH10.5-12), and high wash temperatures (up to 85^oC, 185^oF).

Garment finishing (tumble dry or tunnel finish) can limit garment life and should be considered as part of the cleaning process. Using harsher cleaning condition than those recommended may significantly reduce product performance.

Washing

• Wash chemistry: Do not use detergents that contain free sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide.
• Maximum wash temperature: 75 °C (165 °F)
• Break/suds cycles: less than 15 minutes total

Drying

• Tunnel dry: Maximum inlet temperature 120 °C (250 °F)
  • For some items, maximum temperature could be as high as 155 °C 
• Tumble dry: Maximum exhaust temperature 90 °C (195 °F)

Special Remarks for Industrial Wash (Industrial Laundry)

ISO 15797 Textiles - Industrial washing and finishing procedures for testing of workwear

V-REFLEX^TM Reflective Material - (Flame Resistant) Industrial Wash Retro-Reflective Tapes were tested to ISO 15797, and classified into several quality levels according to their test results. The higher industrial wash cycles means longer time of durability when retro-reflective tape is sewn on or ironed on to safety garment.

Safety garments producers could choose the proper quality level of retro-reflective tape for sewing on their garments for specific purposes, such as, brand up-lifting, input cost cutting, quality level improving , extra value adding, ......

The industrial cleaning of protective clothing is very different from domestic or small commercial cleaning. The scale, the use of special washing and drying equipment and the use of special detergents all have a different effect on clothing and textiles.

The effects which occur as a result of the cleaning are dependent on the type of clothing, the fabric composition and the selected washing and drying process.

For different types of protective clothing, the following remarks are important but always follow the cleaning instructions of the manufacturer.

Clothing made from predominantly cotton

In many cases protective clothing are flame retardant products e.g. comply with EN ISO 11611 or 11612. These predominantly cotton clothing features a washable flame resistant finish.

In general, for the washing and drying of clothing made from predominantly cotton, the following applies:

• Do not "over dry" the clothing. This may lead to excessive shrinkage.
• The maximum number of washes is sometimes indicated in the care label and or the user instruction. If this is not specified then the clothing is tested to five times washing In practice the clothing will last longer but this must be sought from the supplier or manufacturer.

High visibility clothing

Protective clothing that complies with EN ISO 20471 has fluorescent fabric and retroreflective stiping. In general, for the washing and drying of these garments the following applies:

• Do not wash together with other (dark) coloured garments due to potential colour bleeding on the fluorescent colour.
• Never bleach or wash with white wash detergents (containing optical white).
• Irremovable soilling can reduce visibility.
• Excessive mechanical washing action can promote wear of the retroreflective striping.

Protective clothing against splashes of liquid chemicals

This clothing is usually characterized by that the protective properties are obtained by applying a fluorcarbon finish. These finishes are in some extent washable. Nevertheless, it is advisable to restore the finish after every washing cycle.
In general, for the washing and drying of this type of clothing the following applies:

• Use for washing an anionic detergent. (Non-ionic detergents have better washing action but are more difficult to remove in the rinsing process. Not removed detergent impede the water repellency action).
• After each washing cycle, apply a suitable fluorcarbon product to restore the repellency.
• Dry at sufficiently high temperature to activate the fluorcarbon finish but avoid excessive shrinkage.
• Check the effectiveness of the post-treatment at regular intervals.

Parkas and other multi-layer clothing

Characteristic for this type of garment is that they often contain a water vapour-permeable layer. However, this layer is also watertight and provided with tape on the seams.

This kind of clothing can be washed best in an open-end machine where special attention is needed to the dewatering (spin drying). This must be done in a way that this layer will not be damaged.

Multinorm clothing

Because multinorm clothing combines many of the above-mentioned types, to determine the most suitable industrial laundry process, all of the above mentioned recommendations will apply.

Labelling regarding the industrial laundry and drying of workwear and protective wear

ISO 30023 shows how industrial washable clothing can be labeled so that it is clear to the industrial laundry what washing and drying process is applicable.

The numbers 1 to 8 represent the number of the washing and drying procedures as specified in ISO 15797.
Furthermore, two symbols can be used which indicate whether the clothing can be dried in a tunnel finisher, or a drum dryer. If not applicable, this symbol is omitted from the label.

Home Wash (Domestic Laundry) Guidelines

A colored clothing wash program without pre-wash should be used. Follow below recommendation could maintain the duability of retro-reflective to its maxium lifespan.

Recommendation:

1. Detergent: Brand powdered household detergents should be used.
   • Refer to the detergent manufacturer's recommendations for dosage in areas of high water hardness and for various degrees of garment soiling.
2. Wash temperature range: 15°C to 60°C
   • Some items could be extended to be home-washed with a wider range of washing temperature than above.
   • Some items could be applicable to wash temperature ranging from 0°C to 90°C for those garment requiring harsher cleaning. Read the physical performance of each reflective tape for the details.
3. Max. Wash time at highest wash temperature: 12 minutes
4. Max. Program time: 50 minutes
5. Use of temperatures lower than 60°C will increase the lifetime of the reflective material.
6. Actual lifetime will be dependent upon the detergent system and list dosage level.
7. Load factor higher than 65% might lead to enhanced abrasion of the retro-reflective material

Drying Conditions

Tumble Dry: Tumble drying should be performed in a commercially available household dryer

Air Drying: Line drying is recommended where possible.

Hang-Up Drying: on line or rack

Tumble drying and tunnel/air drying are both recommended and applicable to this series of retro-reflective tape. Follow below recommendation will prolong the durability of product.

• • Using the medium dry setting.
  • Exhaust temperature should not exceed 90°C.
  • Do not overdry.

Dry Cleaning Conditions

Cleaning process should be based on a pre- and main-bath only.

For P it is recommended to only use pure perchloroethylene.

Adjust load and solvent level to give a moderate mechanical action.

• Max. solvent temperature: 30°C
• Recommended drying temperature: 48°C

Care and Maintenance Instructions 

Washing/cleaning conditions harsher than those recommended below could significantly diminish the brilliance of the retro-reflective performance and shorten the product?s lifetime. Therefore, the instructions must be strictly followed.

• No pre-soaking. 
• No application of high alkaline products (e.g. heavy duty products or stain removal products).
• No application of solvent detergents or micro-emulsions.
• No additional bleaches.
• Do not over-dry. Reflective material temperature should not exceed 90°C at any time during drying.

Special Cleaning Instructions  

• For application on rainwear, a regular fluorocarbon treatment of the garment is recommended.
• Chemical splashes should be removed with a soft, dry cloth. Cleaning the garment the same day is recommended.
• Splashes of strong acids or alkalis should immediately be neutralized with plenty of water.
• Contamination with toxic or poisonous substances or biocontamination will require the application of a specific decontamination process.
• Application of high alkaline products, high pH-products, bleaches etc. is not recommended.
• Do not over-dry. The temperature of the material should not exceed 90°C at any time during drying.

Don't Use Additional Bleach

• No chlorine bleach.
• No bleaches on oxygenic basis (e.g. sodium perborate bleaches).
• Do not store a wash batch even in a low concentration of bleach.

Handling Precautions

V-REFLEX^TM  Reflective Material - Retro-Reflective Fabric/Tape contains an aluminum layer as part of their construction. Blemishing of this aluminum layer can occur if surface of the product has direct contact from hands during application and is then exposed to hot and humid conditions, greater than 26.7 °C (80 °F) and greater than 70% relative humidity, for a period of weeks. These blemishes do not affect performance of the product. But potential blemishes should be carefully considered as an important risk in marketing of end-use products.

V-REFLEX^TM  Reflective Material - Retro-Reflective Fabric/Tape contains an sand-feeling reflective layer which is bonded to a textile fabric via an eco-friendly adhesive. Chemical moisture, liquid, oil, or other chemical elements may lead to a series of chemical reactions for a certain period of time, then result in a series unexpected subsequence on the reflective layer of fabric. Any remains of chemical elements happen to direct contacting to surface of fabric should be cleaned immediately.

We recommend that all customers, in accordance with good manufacturing practices, establish an ongoing quality system which includes maintaining lot/roll identification throughout the garment production process.

Customer should also store input materials and final products in accordance with manufacturer recommendations, as well as implement continuous testing throughout their production and on their finished garments that reflects their garment needs.

For lamination operations, customers should periodically check their equipment to ensure that the temperature set point matches the platen or roll temperature and that the temperature is uniform across the lamination area.

Specific Safety Information

Various environmental factors, like line of sight, rain, fog, smoke, dust and visual noise can influence retroreflectivity.

• The reflective intentsity of retro-reflective tape can also be diminished in extreme weather conditions.
• Fog, mist, smoke and dust can scatter the light from headlights, the wearer must be aware that detection distance will be severely reduced.
• Visual noise (contrast variations in the visual field) decreases the contrast of the reflective material with the background and affects the visibility in low-light conditions.  

V-REFLEX^TM Reflective Material - Industrial Wash Reflective Fabric/Tape exceeds the retro-reflective performance requirements in rainfall conditions as defined in EN ISO 20471 and ANSI/ISEA 107.

Initial brightness levels return as the material dries.

Maintenance Misuse

No harsh mechanical treatment, e.g. abrasion with wire brushes or sand paper.

No uniform coating or spraying of oils, protective waxes, inks or paint.

No application of products such as leather spray or shoe shine.   

Product Storage

Store in a cool, dry area and use within 1 year of receipt.

Rolls should be stored in their original cartons, whilst partially used rolls should be returned to their carton or suspended horizontally from the core via a rod or pipe.

Cut sheets should be stored flat.