Pressed plates fitting

Dis86 · 29 Oct 2019 at 18:15

arfoll said:
You can coat metal with a lot of things that will give it the correct reflective properties.... Also the bsi "
Specification for retroreflecting numberplates" states "
Retroreflecting number plates can be manufactured from any material which performs satisfactorily in
service, providing the requirements of this British Standard are met."

You can but read the words. It must be made from. Not coated in.

[TW]Fox · 29 Oct 2019 at 18:20

Dis86 said:
First point fails them. Must be made of a reflective material. One of the standards expands to state reflex-reflecting which pressed metals aren't.

Some of the major leasing companies use metal plates with some sort of vinyl coating.

Dis86 · 29 Oct 2019 at 18:28

arfoll said:
You're being obtuse. There is no naturally occuring material reflective plastic I see no difference with assembling a reflective coating with some acrylic to spraying reflective stuff on a metal plate...

Are you a materials scientist?

The difference is fairly straightforward. Coatings can come off. Polymers stay together.

Dis86 · 29 Oct 2019 at 18:32

[TW]Fox said:
Some of the major leasing companies use metal plates with some sort of vinyl coating.

Which is totally different to a pressed plate. Some do come with an aluminium backing plate.

Dis86 · 29 Oct 2019 at 18:45

arfoll said:
Tbh I've had a British plate get water marks between the plastic and the reflective material I suspect they are just glued rather than synthesised into a polymer. But you're right I'm no material scientist. We should all show our credentials before doing internet debate

On another note the way they press the plates as you wait in Germany is very cool.

The polymer at the back is the reflective component with a clear acrylic on the front to protect it.

Dis86 · 29 Oct 2019 at 19:06

arfoll said:
You're agreeing it's two materials making up the plate... So why not metal + a coating just as Fox said a bunch of companies seem to be doing?

Because a metal backing plate is different from a pressed plate. What don't you understand about that?

Dis86 · 29 Oct 2019 at 19:22

arfoll said:
Why can't it be pressed metal with a reflective coating? Honestly I don't get the argument here.

I go back to my cave, I give up with the internet today...

I've already explained that to you. The plate itself, as stated in the standard, has to be made of a reflective material.