ISO 24342:2024

Overview

ISO 24342:2024 specifies standardized methods to determine side length, edge straightness and squareness of square and rectangular resilient and textile floor coverings (tiles and planks). The fourth edition updates procedures to distinguish between tiles and planks and tightens dial-gauge uncertainty from 0.02 mm to 0.01 mm. The standard describes contact measurement principles and required apparatus to ensure consistent, repeatable dimensional testing for quality control and conformity assessment.

Key Topics and Requirements

• Scope: Measurement methods for side length, straightness of edges and squareness for modular tiles and planks.
• Measurement principle: Contact methods at defined positions; squareness assessed by fitting corners into a precision square and measuring the maximum gap; straightness by measuring maximum openings along the edge.
• Apparatus:
  • Reference (calibration) plate - made to target tile/plank dimensions (±0.01 mm) with perpendicular sides for zeroing.
  • Rigid metal/glass plate - reduced-size plate (~5–10 mm smaller) for certain tests.
  • Flat bedplate apparatus - L‑shaped steel device with 90° ± 0.01° tolerance for straightness and squareness checks.
  • Dial gauges, sliding calliper or thickness gauges - length accuracy 0.05 mm; dial gauges for movable apparatus must read 0.01 mm, stem travel >6 mm, contact foot 12.7–19.1 mm diameter, contact force ≤1.0 N.
  • Movable dial gauge apparatus - multi-gauge fixture with index strips for repeatable corner and edge measurement.
• Test methods: Gauge method, movable dial gauge method, sliding calliper method, thickness gauge method; separate procedures for tiles and for planks where applicable.
• Sampling and conditioning: Clauses define specimen selection and climate conditions for resilient and textile products prior to testing.
• Reporting: Defined calculation and expression of results for each apparatus and method.

Applications and Users

ISO 24342:2024 is used by:

• Flooring manufacturers for production quality control and product specification verification.
• Independent testing laboratories conducting conformity and performance testing.
• Architects, specifiers and procurement teams requiring validated dimensional tolerances for installation fit and visual appearance.
• Installers and flooring contractors to understand allowable deviations that affect seam alignment and finished appearance.

Practical benefits include reduced installation defects, consistent product acceptance criteria, and harmonized test methods for international trade.

Related Standards

• This document contains no normative references. For broader context consult ISO/TC 219 (Floor coverings) publications and the ISO Online Browsing Platform (OBP) for related ISO standards and terminology.