AUGUST 2007
Kestrel Thermoplastics continues in their drive for improved performance road markings that are whiter, brighter, more visible during the day and night.
The R&D programmes that have recently seen the introduction of Accelerated Weathering Testing can now utilise on-site “Road trials” to assess how a product will perform when exposed to live traffic conditions. This site will allow continual performance assessment of new and improved road marking technology in order to profile the “wear characteristics” of road markings.
As Ian Gilpin, their Lab Manager comments, “Road Markings used in the UK must be Certified in accordance with DfT requirements. This does not at present allow interim measurements to be taken between initial application and final measurements after 1 year. These interim measurements are critical to understanding the wear mechanisms and performance profile of a road marking over its functional life. Thus it was very important for us to be given the opportunity to develop a local trial site simulating the requirements of the BS EN 1824 Road Trials Standard. This has enabled us to apply and monitor new formulations in order that we can continue to develop superior performance products to deliver better visibility and thus improved road safety for the road user.”
Kestrel Thermoplastics would like to thank the DRD Road Service for its continuing help and support in developing a local Road Marking Trial Site and look forward to working closely with their Engineers as the project unfolds.
MARCH 2007
Kestrel has chosen to add to its already impressive array of thermoplastic marking lab equipment with the recent purchase of a new, state of the art Accelerated Weathering Test Machine.
Their new Accelerated Weathering Test Chamber will allow the company to test in a matter of weeks what normally takes years naturally – the damaging effects of long term sunlight and weathering on road markings. In combination to this, it can also be set on different moisture cycles to reliably reflect the negative weathering effect rain or dew has on the functional life of a thermoplastic road marking. Symptoms of which can include cracking, chalking, colour fading, binder breakdown or yellowing.
Put simply, it should allow the firm to predict with more confidence the surface wear life of its new and developing thermoplastic formulations – both domestically and for overseas markets.
As Alan Brady, their Sales Manager comments, “This sophisticated piece of equipment will help keep us at the forefront in development of newer and safer Thermoplastic Road Marking Products. We are committed to ensuring our clients get the very best, not only in terms of the service but also in the range and type of thermoplastic products we offer. This recent investment is just another example of our continual commitment to achieving this and reflects why we are commonly respected as one of the leading manufacturers of thermoplastic road markings in the world”.