At Camp Manufacturing, we know that different industries need specialized flooring solutions. The hardness of the material is one of the factors that affect the performance of the flooring solution. In this article, we will discuss the range of hardness of PVC tiles, the methods of testing it like ASTM D 695-16, and what industrial applications can be supported by the differing levels of hardness.

Understanding Hardness in PVC Tiles

In Depth Look at Hardness in PVC Tiles

The hardness of a tile is a critical characteristic concerning indentation, indent durability, wear and slow degradation. Not only does this affect the tiles overall performance but also its comfort and safety aspects. For the orthopaedically susceptible, the hardness of PVC tiles is measured using the Shore A scale, where materials are categorized from soft to hard.

The Shore A Scale Explained

• Range: The Shore A scale is from 0 to 100. Higher numbers – more rigid materials.
• Measurement: The unit measures a material’s resistance to indentation. A durometer device presses a standardized indentation onto the tile and measures the depth of the indentation.
• Interpretation: A softer material is inferred for PVC tiles with a Shore A value of 70, while a value of 95 is a rigid material.

Hardness Range and Testing Methods

• Shore Hardness Range of PVC Tiles: The average hardness level of PVC tiles are within the 70 to 95 range on a Shore A scale. This range enables meeting particular requirements for diverse settings. 
• Testing with ASTM D 695-16: This approach is important for studying the compressive characteristics of PVC tiles because it applies compressive force to a material and gauges its resistance. This test demonstrates clearly how PVC tiles will perform under loads of differing magnitudes, which is vital for industrial use.

Tailoring Hardness to Industrial Applications

Heavy Industrial Environments: 

• Higher Hardness Tiles (90-95 Shore A): Indentation and wear from heavy foot and machinery contact is ideal for these high hardness tiles in heavy industrial settings where flooring undergoes frequent heavy use and abrasion. 

Light Industrial and Commercial Areas:

• Medium Hardness Tiles (80-90 Shore A): Workshop, retail store, or light foot traffic areas are most suitable for these medium hardness tiles because they provide greater durability while maintaining a good feel underfoot.

Residential and Light Commercial Spaces:

• Lower Hardness Tiles (70-80 Shore A): For places like home gyms and showrooms, where comfort is just as important as durability, lower hardness tiles provide a softer surface that can help reduce fatigue while offering a great aesthetic appeal.

Benefits of Different Hardness Levels

• Customisation for Specific Needs: Soft PVC floor tiles tailored with specific vibration dampening techniques make them ideal for office environments, assisting in providing a quiet working space.  
• Durability and Longevity: More detailed tiles are made for industrial settings. With these, there is less risk of damaging the flooring which also improves the lifespan of the flooring.  
• Comfort and Safety: To meet the unique requirements soft tiles provide a comfortable surface essential for people who stand or walk for extended periods of time. This adds a new level of safety since softer tiles reduce slip and fall incidents.

Conclusion

At Camp Manufacturing, we focus on the choice of the hardness level of PVC tiles for different applications and its relevance. Each environment has its own requirements which can further be analyzed through rigorous tests like ASTM D 695-16, and in relation to our clients’ needs pertaining to comfort, safety, and durability, they are optimally designed to provide all of these.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About PVC Tiles – Technical Insights by Camp Manufacturing

1. In what ways does the specific gravity of PVC tiles perform in an industrial setting?  

• Here at Camp Manufacturing, it is rather important to highlight that the specific gravity of PVC tiles serves as a crucial marker for determining their density as well as their gravimetric composition. Generally speaking, high specific gravity offers better durability as well as better mechanical stress resistance which would render these tiles suitable for heavy industrial traffic zones. On the other hand, lower specific gravity would work for tiles best suited for less demanding applications where comfort and flexibility are required.

2. What advantages do varying degrees of hardness in PVC tiles provide for different applications?  

• The hardness of PVC tiles, measured on a Shore A scale, determines how well they will serve specific requirements. Intricate tiles (90 – 95 Shore A) are even more resistant to wear and indentation, enabling them to suit heavy industrial use. Softer tiles (70 – 80 Shore A) offer comfort within residential spaces; hence, they balance with medium hardness tiles (80 – 90 Shore A) that serve light industrial to commercial settings. All of these grouped together represent the optimal performance as well as endurance. Choosing the appropriate hardness yields best results and prolongs durability.  

3. What are the procedures for maintaining the fire safety of the PVC tiles at Camp Manufacturing?  

• Safety regarding fire hazards is highly regarded at Camp Manufacturing. Our PVC tiles undergo testing for fire resistance and fulfill certain standards like the limiting oxygen index (LOI) test. Hence, ensuring the tiles possess the required characteristics vital to avert fire ignition and curtail flame propagation. Because of this, our tiles are safe for use in countless areas.

4. Can PVC tiles from Camp Manufacturing be customised for specific chemical resistance needs?

• We can customise PVC tiles to enhance their resistance to specific chemicals. This involves altering the composition and treatments of the tiles to ensure they can withstand exposure to various substances, which is particularly important in industrial settings where chemical spills are a risk.

5. What are the considerations and methodologies that Camp Manufacturing uses to determine the tensile strength of PVC tiles? Why is this important?

• For evaluating the tensile strength of our PVC tiles, we use recognized procedures like ASTM D638. It is important to determine if the tiles will be able to support tension or pulling forces, this type of stress is commonplace in numerous environments. With this type of testing, we are able to confirm that our PVC tiles will outlast the environments they are exposed to.