Chatfield’s of Leicester, part of the Pendragon group is the local Ford and Iveco commercial vehicle dealer to the East midlands.
Following the Launch of the new Ford Fiesta van they saw an opportunity to further promote the vehicle for use within the public sector and local authorities’ throughout the United Kingdom by adopting the recently modified Chapter 8 Regulations on to the Fiesta van in order to offer a complete Chapter 8 demonstration vehicle.

Chapter 8 is a new regulation introduced by the Highways Agency for attachment to road vehicles working on the highway that may cause other road users to reduce speed, alter course or direction. It’s a series of bright rear chevrons and side fluorescent stripes that must be made from a micro-prismatic material that reflects most of the light back that shines on it day or night.
Reflexite VC312 Daybright is the material of choice due to its excellent retro-reflective conspicuity properties, and this material combined with the very latest designed Ford Fiesta van make them an unbeatable partnership for cost effectiveness of running costs and product durability incorporating a genuine residual value.

The approximate cost of a chapter 8 kit can be as little £110.00 for small vehicles up to £225.00 for larger types.

The NEC chose Reflex Design to complete their latest security vehicle, a Ford Fiesta.
They travel from Birmingham to Leicester as a result of the quality of workmanship, Reflexite material, and the value for money demonstrated by Reflex.
Reflexite Vc312 Daybright provides them with a cost effective solution, reliabilty with product and a long term performance without the need to repair or replace.

FDS Security of Liverpool came all the way down to our workshops in Oadby, to have the above graphics fitted. They have used the Reflexite Fl/Lime VC312 and Reflexite Blue VC312 in a battenburg sytle for maximum awareness when they are travelling along the motorway.

We have recently supplied & fitted the graphics above for Alpha K9 of Liverpool, he wanted a professional look for his Company vehicles, we have also got three more Astra vans coming to be fitted out later on in the month. He has combined using Fl/Lime VC312 and a blue engineering grade reflective for his markings.

Be safe… Be seen….

As seen in the photo above, we have recently supplied and fitted rear chevrons for Croft Council, using Reflexite Fl/Lime VC312 & Reflexite Red VC312 @ a 45 degree angle

Medway (Kent Area) Raynet group have added a further vehicle to their fleet.

The vehicle, an ex Kent Constabulary vehicle has been re-liveried in the group’s corporate livery style to provide identification on incidents it may be involved with supporting the existing Emergency Services with communications expertise on special projects or search and rescue.

                                       INNOVATION.

 

T3 Motion in conjunction with Reflex Design Int Ltd are exhibiting the very latest in mobile policing techniques, using equipment compliant with carbon reduction and green energy guide lines.

The exhibition takes place at the Cheltenham race course and is intended for police fleet specifiers from across the world.

The T3 Motion has been liveried in a police format and is usable in enclosed areas, such as airfield security, and shopping mall/centres along with large hospital type complexes.

It is completely carbon free and uses rechargeable energy from a standard 230/240 volt supply.

 

The livery made up from Reflexite VC312 microprismatic conspicuity film offers a compliant material that fits curves very well and offers a comprehensive warranty against fade and pressure washing.

 

 

POLARIS OFF ROAD.

 

Polaris, the American based quad manufacturer are experimenting with their product in the UK law enforcement market.

They will be attending the NAPFM (police) trade exhibition at Cheltenham racecourse on the 1st and 2nd of September.

They will have two vehicles on show, A two seat quad and a six seat, six wheel drive pick up type off roader.

 

 The quad has had the graphics supplied and manufactured by Reflex Design Int Ltd who came up with a workable kit formed from Reflexite VC312 Daybright,the worlds most conformable microprismatic conspicuety material.

 

Reflexite warrants for a period of 7 (seven) years from date of invoice that the product will be free from defects in material and workmanship and will remain effective for its intended use as described below; provided, however, that this warranty will not apply to any product which has been abused or misused or where care and application instructions or Reflexite recommendations have not been followed.

Reflexite will be liable under this warranty period only if the Purchaser requests written return authorization within the warranty period. In no event will Reflexite be liable for any amount in excess of the net price of the products found to be defective. This warranty will be invalidated if the user delays more than 14 days in notifying a claim after the user becomes aware of any defect or failure and including batch numbers linked to vehicle identification. This warranty is also conditional on Reflexite having been paid in full on all outstanding invoices by the purchaser at the date of any claim.

Effective for intended use means that the material will retain 50% of reflective values in Regulation ECE104 Class C, after 7 years normal outdoor exposure in a vertical manner 90c +/- 10c when read as specified in ASIM Test Method E-810 (average of 0 and 90 degree orientation readings). Decision as to whether a product failure falls within this warranty shall be that of Reflexite.

Where it can be shown that the material did not perform in accordance with the above warranty period, Reflexite will provide the user will full replacement sheeting if failure occurs between 0 to 84 months after the purchase

THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES WHETHER WRITTEN, ORAL EXPRESS OR IMPLIED (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITING THE GENERALITY OF THE FOREGOING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE). I NO EVENT WILL REFLEXITE BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES CONNECTED WITH THE APPLICATION OF THE PRODUCT.

Limitation of Liability

Reflexite does not assume liability for any additional cost such as labour for removal or re-application of material or replacement of non-Reflexite material. Reflexite will not be liable for damages of any kind including without limitation, non-specified direct, indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages (including but not limited to loss of profits, revenue or business) resulting from or in any way related to the material or to this warranty.

This limitation applies regardless of whether the damages are sought based on breach of warranty, breach of contract, negligence, strict liability in tort of any other legal theory. User agrees to assume full responsibility for all liability loss, cost and expense arising out of or in connection with different warranties or remedies offered by users (if any).

Reflexite VC104 Curtain grade HA can be applied to trucks and trailers with new curtains.

Tools required
Clean cloths
Craft knife
Squeegee covered with a clean cloth to avoid scratching the material
Cleaner – Isopropyl alcohol
Hot air gun Travelling rig or high frequency welding equipment

Application Temperature
To ensure proper adhesion between the tape and the cleaned curtain,
bonding materials must be applied when both curtain and tape temperature is between 15 degrees C and 38 degrees C. The temperature needs to be consistant for at least one hour after application. NB! It is recommended that reflexite VC104 curtain grade HA is stored at room temperature.

Where To Apply

It is recommended to position the tape minimum 15cm above the buckles. Use the guidelines provided in regulation of ECE 104 to ensure that the tape is general positioned correctly on the vehicle.

Step 1 – Initial Preperation

The tape should be applied on a flat surface, and lightly tensioned at either end ensuring that the curtain surface is flat. It is recommended that the curtain is not over-tensioned during application.

Step 2 – Surface Cleaning

The purpose of cleaning the curtain so to remove any dirt or contamination. It is very important that the surface must be free of dust and grease, and ideally the surface should be smooth. Use a clean cloth with isopropyl alcohol to wipe the surface in one direction only to avoid spreading contamination. With a dry clean cloth wipe away the cleaner before evaporation. Repeat this proccess untill the surface is clean, i.e. when there is now visual dirt or contamination transfer onto the cloth. Ensure the surface is dry and the isopropyl alcohol has completely evaporated before commencing application.

Step 3 – Alignment

A pencil line can be used if a straight line guide is required.

Step 4 – Application

See sections A and B for machine set up guide lines for hot air gun equipment and high frequency welding equipment respectively.

A) Hot air application instructions

Always adhere to manufacturer’s operating instructions when using hot air application equipment. Reflexite recommended the hot air gun travelling rig as the prefered method of application method for Reflexite VC104 Curtain Grade HA, and Reflexite dose not recommend the use of handheld hot air guns for application of Reflexite VC104 curtain grade HA.

Position the Reflexite VC104 Curtain Grade HA in the Hot Air Gun Travelling Rig, as per manufacturers instructions, ensuring the adhesive is in contact with the curtain.
Heat the Hot Air Gun for one minute, before introducing the heat to the exposed adhesive.
On a spare piece of curtain ensure the gun setup of temperature and speed is giving the desired adhesion to the surface. Test the strength of the bond after it has cooled down (approximately 5 minutes), and alter machine parameters if necessary to achieve a permanent bond. It is the applicators’s responsibility to ensure the correct parameters are set to achieve a permanent bond between the tape and the curtain.

Guide line parameters

The width of the nozzle on the hot air gun should be greater than or equal to the width of the material being applied. The heat nozzle should be set up so that the hot air is blown towards the curtain material and the adhesive side of the tape.
The typical temperature range, running speed, and distance of heat nozzle from material will vary from machine to machine, but the following can be used as guide line parameters:
Tyoical heat of hot air may range from 100 degrees C to 160 degrees C.
Typical running speed may range from 2-4 metres per minute
A roller can apply pressure if the rig or set up has one.
Distance of nozzle can vary from 5mm to 30mm.

Position the hot air gun travelling rig 20mm from the edge of the curtain at the recommended height and commence application down the length of the curtain using the previously set parameters.

After sealing the length of tape onto the curtain, the clear polyester carrier film can be removed. When the sealing process is finished, care should be taken when rolling the curtain to ensure that no sharp folds or bends are present.

NB! All corners of the tape should be rounded using a pair of scissors or sharp blade. It is recommended that this is done before the tape is applied to the curtain.

B. High frequency welding application instructions

Always adhere to manafacture’s operating and safety instructions when using high frequncy welding equipment. Position the Reflexite VC104 HA tape over the area to be sealed reflective side up and adhesive side contacting the curtain and cut to length leaving 20mm at either end. Fix the ends of the tape to the curtain by taping place temporarily using a piece of masking tape.

On a spare piece of curtain ensure the machine parameter setup is giving the desired weld strength to ensure a permenant bend. Test the strength of the weld, and alter the machine parameters if necessary to achieve a permanant bond. It is the applicators responsibilty to ensure the correct parameters are set to achieve a permanent bond between the tape and the curtain.

Guide line parameters

Avoid using high levels of HF power at the initial welding stage. Where possible (if the sealing machine has the capability) use pre-programmed welding stages increasing in:
HF power applied
Welding time
Pressure applied

During the sealing process, small flashes / arcs can appear in the tape itself, as current from the sealing machine will be transmitted along the metallized layer in the product construction.

The actual welding set-up will vary from machine to machine. The tooling used will also vary from set-up to set-up, but it should ideally be of brass or aluminium, and the width of the tool should match the width of the tape.

Move the head of the HF unit along the length of the tape to start the weld. When welding use an overlap of 5mm at each index joint until the length of the tape is fully sealed.

After sealing the length of the tape onto the curtain the clear polyester carrier film is to be removed. When the sealing process is finished care should be taken when rolling the curtain to ensure there are no sharp folds or bends present.

NB! All corners of the tape should be rounded using a pair of scissors or sharp blade. It is recommended that this is done before the tape is applied to the curtain.

Step 5 – Bonding time

The bond is at full strength immediately, however care should be taken when rolling the curtain to ensure no sharpe folds or bends are present. The curtain should be folded in such a way, that the tape is on the outside and not folded in.

GREEN FARMING TECHNOLOGY
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Local farmer and farming development engineer Steve Heard of Three Gates Farming takes the fields in his latest giant tractor, A John Deere built monster that demonstrates Steve’s latest invention for recycling exhaust gases back into the land.
The front mounted gadget takes the engine exhaust gases, feeds them through a series of cooling fans in a specially designed cooling box located on the front of the tractor.
The cooled gases are then propelled to the rear of the ploughing device through a series of hoses which then disperse the cooled gases into the soil prior to the the plough returning the earth over the top of the gases,dispelling the nitrates and carbons directly into the soil instead of the atmosphere. This is doing the job the same job as fertilising but without having to drive the area again and also preventing the exhaust gases into the air.
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Steve enlisted the help of Reflex Design International Ltd to assist in assuring the carbon neutral monster could be seen in inclement weather,failing light and darkness by introducing high conspicuity microprismatic VC312 Reflexite Daybright, A retro-reflective film that shines back more than 90% of all light directed at it.
The benefits of this are that the John Deere works mainly in rural area’s where road space is restricted and on coming vehicles need advance warning of the approaching “GROUND BREAKING TECHNOLOGY”
Reflex Design can assist with all types of vehicle graphics or advance warning signage and would be pleased to offer advice and quotations on request.

One more model to show at exhibitions.
The articulated model truck has been contoured to demonstrate the impending ECE 104 regulation which is likely to be implemented by November 2009.
The regulation which has already been implemented in some EU countries provides extra visual safety measures for commercial vehicles travelling in inclement weather, failing light or darkness. The ECE104 compliant material, product coded VC 104 reflects back more than 90% of light shone on to it providing oncoming traffic early warning of restricted carriageways ahead.
This works especially well when the vehicle is crossing a main road or duel carriageway where their is little side illumination on commercial vehicles. It also protects the vehicle in the situation of a complete electrical failure with no power to run lights.
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Reflex Design International Ltd along with Reflexite Europe can supply all types of VC312, Daybright VC310, VC309, VC104, ECE104, all of which are manufactured using retroreflective micro prismatic technology. 

As shown in the photo above, we make Reflexite chequer tape to order, by the metre and whatever width you require.

Please contact us on 08700 111511 for prices and delivery.

CHAPTER 8
Sandicliffe’s, one of Leicester’s Ford commercial vehicle distributers has chosen Reflex Design Int Ltd to manufacture and install the Highways Agency Chapter 8 regulation using high intensity microprismatic retro reflective chevrons.
Reflexite VC 312 daybright Fluorescent and standard colour highly reflective conspicuity film are compliant with the regulation.
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The standard states that all vehicle’s that work on the highways and obstruct the free flow of traffic should be marked with these chevrons in order to provide the maximum amount of advanced warning for oncoming vehicles of possible obstructions and restrictions ahead.
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Other products available for safety use are ECE104 reflective vinyl, VC309 printable Reflexite, VC 104  contour conspicuity markings, and many others with the REFLEXITE name.

Font Livery
The word POLICE shall be posistioned back to front on the bonnet of the vehicle using Reflexite VC312 Daybright Blue. The front pillar of the cab will be highlighted using Reflexite VC312 Daybright Silver/White. The Daybright material should be cut leaving a 6mm gap from the edges of the pillar.

Side livery

The side livery will consist of two rows of altering colour panels of Reflexite VC312 Daybright Fluorescent Yellow and Reflexite VC312 Daybright Blue.

The pattern should start in the centre of the vehicle with a panle using Reflexite VC312 Blue.

VC312 Daybright Flouresent Yellow panels should be fitted to either side of this pannel.

The panel should be extended horizontally with alternating colours to the front and rear of the vehicle ending with fluorescent yellow panels.

The patteren should then extend horizontally with altering colours to the front and rear of the vehicle.

The lowest row may be of any height to fill the side of the vehicle. The panels should be cut leaving a 6mm gap araound the edges of the doors, sills, wheel arches, bumpers. Door handles, fuel filler cap and windows.

The door edges and centre pillar and roof line should be outlined using Reflexite VC312 Daybright Fluorescent Yellow.

The Daybright material needs to be cut leaving a 6mm gap at the edges.

The horizontal length of the panels should be 600mm or greater and of equal length for all panels, exept for the front most and rear most panels.

The vertical height of the panels should be 300mm or greater and of equal height, except for the lowest row.

Rear Livery

The rear of the vehcle should have a chevron pattern using Reflexite VC312 Daybright Fluoresent Yellow and Reflexite VC312 Daybright Fluoresent Orange.

PLEASE NOTE Reflexite VC312 Daybright Red can be used to replace the Fluoresent Orange, however the PSDB recommend the Fluorescent Orange.

The centre point of the rear window should be located and a line drawn from this point to the corners of the rear of the vehcle. A strip of Reflexite VC312 Daybright Fluoresent Orange should be applied, below and to the edge of the line starting at the window level. Reflexite VC312 Daybright Fluoresent Yellow strips are laid above and below the Fluoresent Orange strip. As much of the aera as possible should be filled with additional strips, in an alternating patteren. The rear window and roof line should be outlined with Reflexite VC312 Daybright Fluorescent Yellow.
The strips of Daybright material used for the chevrons should be a minimum width of 150mm.
The Daybright material used for the rear window and roof line should be a minimum width of 25mm.

The Daybright material should be cut to leave a 6mm gap at the edges of the boot, lights and any fittings.

The word POLICE shall be positioned on either the rear window or the bumper using Reflexite VC312 Daybright Red.

PLEASE NOTE: The Daybright material conforms to shallow curved surfaces, however the material should be cut to allow for complx curves.

Reflexite VC104 Rigid Grade can be applied to new and used trucks and trailers with painted rigid sides. For unpainted surfaces e.g. stainless steel please contact us.

Tools Required

Clean cloths

Craft knife

Squeegee covered with a clean cloth to avoid scratching the material

Old vehicles only : Abrasive pad

Solvent Cleaner : Isopropyl alcohol (IPA)

Application Temperature

To ensure proper adhesion between the tape and the cleaned substrate, bonding materials must be applied when both the substrate and tape temperature is between 15 degrees C and 38 degrees C. The temperature needs to be consistent for at least one hour after application. NB! It is recommended that Reflexite VC104 Rigid Grade is stored at room temperature.

Where to apply

Use the guidelines provided in Regulation ECE 104 to ensure that the tape is in general postioned correctly on the vehicle.

Step 1 – Initial Preparation

USED VEHICLES – Survey the vehicle for suitability of application. Avoid application of the tape over holes, rivets, rust and flaking surface. NB! It is the applicator’s responsibiltity to ensure that the substrate is suitable for application.

Step 2 – Surface Cleaning

The purpose of cleaning the substrate is to remove any dirt or contamination. It is very important that the surface must be free of dust and grease, and ideally the surface should be smooth. Use a clean cloth with isopropyl alcohol to wipe the surface in one direction only to avoid spreading contamination. With a dry clean cloth wipe away the cleaner before evaporation. Repeat this process until the surface is clean, i.e. when there is no visual dirt or contamination transfer onto the cloth. Ensure the surface is dry and the isopropyl alcohol has completely evaporated before commencing application.

USED VEHICLES – An additional step is required for used vehicles: After completing the above cleaning process, abrade the area with an abrasive pad, and clean again with isopropyl alcohol with a clean cloth.

Step 3 – Alignment

Mark out a pencil line guide, or alternatively apply a strip of masking tape.

Step 4 – Application

Tack the end of the tape onto the surface ( 20mm from the edge ), peel back approximately 1 metre of the release liner and tack the tape in place using the squeegee. Repeat the process for the length of the vehicle. Avoid touching the adhesive side of the tape. After completing this process, apply pressure using a squeegee along the length of the tape, to remove any trapped air or wrinkles.

It is important to ensure that the edges of the tape have been properly adhered to the curtain.

Upon inspection of the application there should be no visual air bubbles. Prick out any bubbles with a pin or sharp blade and press down.

NB! All corners of the tape should be rounded using a pair of scissors or sharp blade. It is recommended that this is done before the tape is applied to the vehicle to avoid damage to the curtain. If a full contour marking is done, the corners of the tape can be overlapped.

Step 5 – Bonding Time

It is recommended that the vehicle is not move for one hour after application.