ISO 24343-3:2018

Overview

ISO 24343-3:2018 specifies a laboratory method to determine the short-term indentation resistance of resilient semi-flexible / vinyl composition tiles (VCT) after the application of a constant load. The method measures thickness before and during static loading at controlled conditions and reports indentation values at defined dwell times for product characterization and quality control.

Key Topics

• Principle: Test pieces are subjected to static loading at room temperature; thickness is measured before loading and at specified intervals while the load is applied.
• Apparatus highlights:
  • Indenter: straight steel cylinder with hemispherical foot, diameter (6,35 ± 0,01) mm; weight (0,90 ± 0,05) kg.
  • Load application device capable of smoothly applying a mass of (13,60 ± 0,12) kg with frame rigidity limits.
  • Rigid horizontal platform (min. diameter 35 mm) and comparator capable of measuring indentation to ±0,01 mm.
  • Thickness measuring foot: diameter (3,50 ± 0,02) mm with applied mass (0,085 ± 0,003) kg.
  • Timing device accurate to ±0,2 s.
• Atmosphere and conditioning: Condition test pieces at (23 ± 2) °C and (50 ± 5) % relative humidity for at least 1 hour; a water bath may be used as an alternative.
• Sampling: Take a representative sample and prepare three test pieces (minimum 50 mm × 50 mm) from different tiles or planks.
• Procedure & timings:
  • Measure initial thickness at the specimen centre.
  • Apply the indenter and the specified mass; record indentation after (60 ± 1) s and after a total of (600 ± 3) s.
• Calculations: Report indentation at 60 s (I60) and at 600 s (I600) by subtracting the thickness under load from the initial thickness; calculate mean values for the three specimens to 0,01 mm.

Applications

• Quality control: Routine production checks to ensure VCT meets indentation resistance expectations.
• Specification compliance: Verifying conformance with purchaser or regulatory requirements for short-term loading performance.
• Product development & comparison: Comparing formulations, backing constructions, or manufacturing batches to optimize resistance to indentation.
• Procurement and tendering: Objective data for specifying materials in commercial and institutional flooring projects.

Related Standards

• ISO 24343 series (other parts covering indentation and residual indentation for resilient and laminate floor coverings).
• ASTM F1066 - Vinyl Composition Floor Tile (referenced as related material specification).
• ASTM F1914 - Test methods for short-term indentation and residual indentation of resilient floor covering.
• JIS A 1454 - Test methods for resilient floorcoverings.

Notes: Test reports should include complete product identification, sample history, individual and mean I60 and I600 values, and any deviations from the procedure. ISO 24343-3:2018 is the second edition and replaces ISO 24343-3:2011.