Road traffic signs are visual symbols, markings, and devices on roadways and streets to convey information, guide traffic, and promote road safety. These signs are an essential part of the transportation infrastructure, helping drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users navigate and understand the rules and conditions of the road. Road traffic signs come in many materials, and choosing the suitable material is critical to the overall effectiveness of road signs in terms of cost-effectiveness, longevity, functionality, safety, visibility, compliance with regulations, and in conveying important information to road users.

Material of road traffic signs

The following are road traffic signs materials: Aluminum, Steel, Acrylic and fiberglass, Plywood, Polycarbonate – Shatter-resistant plastic, Recycled Plastic, Corrugated Plastic, Wood, Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP), and Porcelain Enamel.

1. Aluminum – This is Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easily fabricated, the most common material for road signs today. Aluminum is the most cost-effective material for blank street sign blanks and common regulatory/warning signs; if you need to customize, the price will be higher, but acrylic material is 2-3 times more expensive than aluminum. Due to its corrosion resistance, aluminum alloy has high durability and long service life, especially outdoors; you can use it for 10-15 years. Aluminum traffic signs are usually used with reflective film for excellent visibility, especially at night; if not damaged, it can maintain good reflectivity. Among the many materials, aluminum is the most minor maintenance, mainly cleaning and replacing signs of damage.
2. Steel – Moderate initial cost, high strength, but corrosion-resistant without proper coatings. With sufficient anti-corrosion measures, the service life is long, and you can use it for 10-15 years. Reflective coatings can improve the visibility of steel signs but are less effective than aluminum signs with reflective sheeting. It is used primarily for signposts and supports.
3. Acrylic & Fiberglass – Moderate to high initial cost, depending on the type. It has good durability, especially when treated against UV exposure, and you can use it for 10-15 years. Low to moderate maintenance, depending on UV protection measures.
4. Plywood – Low to average initial cost. Limited durability, especially in outdoor conditions, short to middle service life, poor reflective properties, impacting visibility at night, and requires frequent replacement due to weather-related damage; applying it to temporary signs is recommended.
5. Polycarbonate (Shatter-resistant plastic) – Moderate initial cost, more expensive than aluminum.Good impact resistance and weather resistance, moderate service life with proper care. They can paired with reflective materials for visibility and low maintenance but are susceptible to scratching over time.
6. Recycled Plastic – Moderate initial cost, saving 15-30% compared to aluminum. Good durability and resistance to weather, moderate service life, suitable for various environments. They can paired with reflective materials for visibility, are low maintenance, and are environmentally friendly. There are recycled plastic sign substrates made from HDPE or LDPE plastics, an excellent environmental protection substitute for aluminum road traffic signs.
7. Corrugated Plastic – Low initial cost, but limited durability and short service life, suitable for short-term or temporary signs. Poor reflective properties, impacting nighttime visibility, require frequent replacement due to wear and tear.
8. Wood – Is the cheapest material, but it has limited durability, is prone to rot and weathering, has a short life span of 2-3 years at most, is only suitable for very temporary signs, does not have reflective properties, needs to be replaced and repainted frequently due to aging /repaint.
9. Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) – This means a composite of glass or carbon fibers embedded in a polymer resin. Moderate to high initial cost, a higher price than aluminum, solid but lightweight, good durability, corrosion and weather resistance, low maintenance, and long service life, especially in harsh environments, can be used for 10-15 years, used with reflective material can improve visibility. Available for unique high-durability signs.
10. Porcelain Enamel – The glass fused onto metal at high temperatures provides a durable, reflective sign face. High initial cost, durable and resistant to weathering, extremely long service life, can be used for 10-15 years, suitable for historic or decorative signs. It can be effective with reflective coatings and low maintenance but susceptible to chipping or cracking. Porcelain Enamel requires a metal substrate, so it has higher fabrication complexity.

Analysis of Market Share Percentage:

• Aluminum is one of the most widely used materials for road traffic signs due to its durability, lightweightness, and corrosion resistance. It has a vast market share, especially permanent outdoor signs, occupying 60% of the market share.
• Steel is commonly used in road traffic signs, especially where strength and sturdiness are critical, accounting for 15% of the market. While its market share may not be as high as aluminum, steel signs are still popular, especially in areas where durability is a priority and vandalism is a problem.
• Acrylic use in some custom signage requires lighter weight and durability, especially for some professional regions with significant impact resistance, transparency, and aesthetic considerations, accounting for 5% of the market.
• Polycarbonate is used in custom signage, requiring shatter resistance and transparency, accounting for 3% of the market.
• Recycled plastic, as an emerging environmentally friendly alternative to aluminum signage blanks, has the advantage of reducing costs by 15-30%, accounting for 2% of the market share.
• Corrugated plastic, an inexpensive option for temporary and low-velocity signage applications, captured a 2% market share.
• Fiberglass is mainly used in highly specialized signage and is costly, accounting for 1% of the market.
• Wood is mainly temporary or non-critical signage due to lack of service life. Wood material held a 1% market share.
• The market share of FRP and Porcelain enamel is less than 1%. Due to the high cost of materials and production, they are very niche.

It’s important to note that market share can vary by region, regulations, industry trends, and technological advancements. If you need up-to-date and accurate market share data, I recommend consulting industry reports, market research firms, trade associations, and government transportation departments for the latest insights and statistics.

Suggestions for the selection of road traffic sign materials

1. Durability and Longevity:

Longevity should be the priority for long-lasting, permanent outdoor, and vital regulatory signs. Choose aluminum or steel due to their corrosion resistance and durability.

Consider fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) for their strength and resilience in harsh environments with high impact potential.

For temporary or low-speed signage, options for cheaper alternatives like recycled plastic, corrugated plastic, or wood. These don’t need longevity.

Use steel for overhead signs, gantries, and structural supports where strength and wind resistance are critical.

Choose polycarbonate or acrylic for custom signs where lighter weight is essential, and durability is still needed.

2. Visibility and Safety:

For signs that require excellent visibility, especially at night: Option for aluminum signs with high-quality reflective sheeting for optimal visibility in low-light conditions.

3. Cost-effectiveness:

If budget constraints are a concern, Plywood and corrugated plastic are cost-effective options for temporary or short-term signs.

Recycled plastic and some types of acrylic can also provide a good balance between cost and durability.

4. Environmental Considerations:

For sustainability and eco-friendliness, the option for recycled plastic offers durability and is a great eco-friendly choice as an alternative to aluminum while also helping the environment and saving costs.

5. Specific Applications:

For decorative or historic signs: Porcelain enamel might be suitable due to its durability and classic appearance.

You can use High-density polyethylene (HDPE) or chemical-resistant materials in areas with chemical exposure or industrial settings.

You can choose fiberglass, porcelain enamel, and FRP for highly specialized decorative or branding signage where the budget allows.

6. Aesthetic Appeal:

If visual aesthetics are essential, acrylic and fiberglass can provide transparency and a modern appearance, making them suitable for specific applications.

7. Maintenance and Upkeep:

Low-maintenance options: Aluminum, steel, and some plastic materials (like HDPE) require minimal maintenance over their service life.

Remember that the selection of materials for road traffic signs involves a careful evaluation of multiple factors. It’s often beneficial to consult with experts in the field, including engineers, manufacturers, and regulatory authorities, to make informed decisions that align with your project’s goals and requirements.