When marking different types of line markings, flat lines and convex lines are the most common choices in most road marking projects. Road marking machines can use various paint materials, such as thermoplastic, cold paint, cold plastic, etc. Depending on the material and the application technique, the road marking line thickness can vary from 1 mm to 4 mm or more. View this blog and check out how to adjust the line thickness for the best performance.
What is the Thermoplastic Road Line Markings Paint?
Thermoplastic road marking paint is made from Petroleum resin, titanium dioxide, glass beads and wax etc. This type of road paint requires specialized road marking machines to melt and apply to the road surface, creating long-lasting and apparent markings.
Thermoplastic Road Marking Paints Highlight
- Quick drying, minimizing road closure time after application.
- Highly durable and wear-resistant, it can withstand heavy traffic and bad weather
- Excellent visibility, ensuring clear markings even in low-light or nighttime conditions
- Excellent adhesion makes it not easy to peel off
Different Types of Thermoplastic Road Marking Lines
Thermoplastic road markings are a critical component of traffic safety, widely used to ensure clear visibility and safe driving. Here are some common types of road markings found on road surfaces:
Flane Road Markings: Reflective & Non Reflective
- Non-Reflective Pavement Marking: Standard markings without reflective glass beads in road marking paint. They are suitable for areas where night-time reflectivity is less critical and provide basic visual guidance.
- Reflective Road Markings: These markings incorporate reflective glass beads to enhance reflectivity. Reflective road line markings significantly improve nighttime visibility for drivers, enhancing overall road safety.
Thermoplastic Convex Marking: Tactile guidance with raised blocks
Profiled road line markings are typically used for speed bumps, blind curves, school perimeters, and other areas where special warnings are required. Convex thermoplastic road markings paint, which is a specialized paint used to create raised or textured markings on road surfaces, is more expensive than regular thermoplastic road marking materials. Additionally, specific road marking equipment and molds are needed for application. Common types of convex markings include dots, squares, and elongated strips.
According to our client’s feedback, the convex thermoplastic road marking method described above is uncommon in Vietnam. Instead, standard road markings are thickened to create tactile and speed-reducing effects. Regular road line markings are 1.5-2.5mm thick, but profiled road markings need to be 4-6mm thick. It is particularly significant to adjust the thickness of the line markings on regular road marking line equipment!
3 Essential Factors Affecting Road Marking Thickness
Understanding the factors that affect road marking thickness is crucial for achieving optimal results, as each element contributes to the overall appearance and functionality of the markings.
Screed Box or Die Opening Size
The screed box or die plays a crucial role in determining road marking line thickness. This component of the road marking machine shapes the material as it is extruded from the kettle or tank. The opening size in the screed box or die dictates the width and thickness of the line. Adjusting this opening allows for changes in line thickness; a smaller opening yields thinner, while a larger one produces thicker lines.
Line striper walking speed
Another key factor influencing the thickness of the lines is the walking speed of the line-marking personnel. The faster the walking speed, the thinner the coating on the road surface, while a slower speed leads to thicker coatings on the road surface.
Road Marking Paint Material Temperature
Temperature significantly influences the viscosity and flow of road marking paints. To achieve a smooth application, thermoplastic materials need to be heated to around 200°C to reach a molten state and flow smoothly through the screed box or the die. If the temperature is too low, the material becomes too thick, making it challenging to extrude and resulting in dense, uneven lines. On the other hand, excessive heat causes the coating to become too thin and flow poorly, leading to thinner and irregular lines. Maintaining the right temperature is crucial for optimal road marking performance.
3 factors mentioned above each vary on the thickness of road markings. And we offer specific methods to help you make effective adjustments!
Effective Way to Adjust the Road Marking Line Thickness
For flat and vibrating line markings, we offer two different solutions for adjusting the line thickness:
Flat Road Marking Line Thickness Changed Method
For flat lines, the thickness of the thermoplastic coating typically ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 mm, with an average application thickness of around 1.8 mm (approximately the thickness of a one-RMB coin). It’s essential to maintain a consistent paint thickness for optimal performance.
Lighten Traffic provides both a hand-push thermoplastic road marking machine and a driver-type thermoplastic striping machine, each capable of adjusting the rear blade position on the molded boot to control road marking line thickness. Bringing the rear blade closer to the road surface creates a thinner line while positioning it farther away results in a thicker line. Additionally, a steady machine speed is needed to maintain consistent line thickness.
Vibration Marking Thickness Adjustment Method
For vibration marking lines, the raised blocks are typically 3-8 mm in height. Marking these lines requires a specialized oscillating marking machine, such as an automatic thermoplastic profile vibration convex applicator. The line width is fixed, and the length and height can be adjusted via the computer control panel.
In Conclusion
Adjusting road marking line thickness is essential for ensuring optimal visibility and safety. By understanding the factors influencing thickness—such as screed box size, line striper speed, and paint temperature—you can achieve the desired results. Whether using flat or vibration markings, precise adjustments will enhance the effectiveness of your road markings. Lighten Traffic is a professional road marking machine manufacturer and supplier that can provide the right road marking solution for your project. Contact us at sales@roadmarkingsupplies.com!
