
Custom-tile's Floor Tiles (ceramic and porcelain) were rigorously tested by an independent, accredited testing facility using a variety of standard industry tests.
Results demonstrate that custom-tile's Floor Tiles meet or exceed industry standards, including recommendations of OSHA and UL. These tiles have superior chemical, wear, and slip resistance compared with standard flooring materials, and are well-suited for both commercial and residential indoor environments.
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Test Reports Below: |
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ASTM D3363 |
Hardness |
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ASTM D3359-95a |
Adhesion |
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Hoffman (ASTMD2197) |
Scratch Resistance |
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ASTM C1027, D4060 |
Abrasion Resistance |
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ASTM C1028-07 |
Slip Resistance (Wet/Dry Coefficient of Friction) |
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ASTM C650, D1308 & D 303 |
Chemical Resistance |
Note - None of the results herein described imply a warranty or guarantee of suitability of the specimens used for any purpose.
ASTM D3363 - Test Method for Hardness
Pencil hardness measurements have been used by the coatings industry for many years to determine the hardness of clear and pigmented organic coating films.
Methodology: The process is started with the hardest pencil and continued down the scale of hardness until reaching the pencil that will not cut into or gouge the film.
Results:
custom-tile's Floor Tiles far surpassed all other specimens tested. The
surface of the Floor Tiles was not affected using a 6H pencil. Test
pencils:
6B-5B-4B-3B-2B-B-HB-F-H-2H-3H-4H-4H-6H
Softer
Harder
ASTM D3363 Pencil Hardness Results
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Specimen |
Hardness Classification |
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Porcelain Floor Tile |
6H + (best) |
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Ceramic Floor Tile |
6H + (best) |
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High-Grade Linoleum Flooring |
H |
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Vinyl Flooring |
3B |
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High-Grade Pre-Finished Hardwood Flooring |
B |
ASTM D3359-95a - Adhesion by Tape Test
This test determines the strength of the bond between the coating and the substrate. If a coating is to fulfill its function of protecting or decorating a substrate, it must adhere to the substrate for the expected service life.
Methodology: Adhesion of a coating is assessed by cutting a lattice pattern (cross-hatch) with eleven (11) cuts in each direction to the substrate. Pressure-sensitive tape is applied over the lattice pattern and then removed.
ASTM D3359-95a Adhesion Test Results
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Specimen |
Classification |
Performance |
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Porcelain Floor Tile |
5A |
No Peeling or Removal |
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Ceramic Floor Tile |
5A |
No Peeling or Removal |
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High-Grade Linoleum Flooring |
5A |
No Peeling or Removal |
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Vinyl Flooring |
5A |
No Peeling or Removal |
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High-Grade Pre-Finished Hardwood Flooring |
4A |
<5% Peeling or Removal |
~ ASTM D2197 Scratch Resistance - Hoffman Scratch Tester
This test determines the resistance of surfaces to scratching, similar to ASTM D2197, but is generally regarded as a more precise apparatus.
Methodology: After curing, the surface is scraped or scratched with a Hoffman Scratch Tester with increasing weight amounts until the coating is scratched. Scratch resistance is then calculated as the amount of weight (in grams) causing a scratch (tear, rupture, or break).
Results: custom-tile's Ceramic and Porcelain Floor Tiles ranked very high on this test. A scratch-resistance weight of 500 gms is considered very good. Floor Tiles will sustain a weight of at least 700 gms.
Scratch Resistance Test Results
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Specimen |
Weight Required to Scratch Surface |
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Porcelain Floor Tile |
700 grams (higher is better) |
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Ceramic Floor Tile |
700 grams |
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Economy Linoleum Flooring |
300 grams |
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High-Grade Pre-Finished Hardwood Flooring |
700 grams |
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High-Grade Linoleum Flooring |
1200 grams |
ASTM C1027. D4060 - Abrasion Resistance by the Taber Abraser
Abrasion resistance is a function of flexibility and ability to absorb the energy caused by particles which rub against the surface.
Methodology: The abrasion resistance is determined by rotation of an abrasive load on the surface. Abrasion resistance is calculated as loss in weight at a specified number of abrasion cycles: 500 gm weight at 1,000 cycles.
Apparatus: Taber Abrader 5150 with Vacuum Pickup, CS-17 Abrasive Wheels, S-11 Resurfacing Wheel, 500 Gram Weight.
Results: custom-tile's Ceramic and Porcelain Floor Tiles surpassed all other specimens, demonstrating their superior strength and impact resistance over standard industry flooring materials.
Abrasion Resistance Test Results
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Specimen |
Weight Loss After 1000 Cycles |
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Porcelain Floor Tile |
0.12 grams (lower is better) |
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Ceramic Floor Tile |
0.18 grams |
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High-Grade Pre-Finished Hardwood Flooring |
3.1 grams |
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High-Grade Linoleum Flooring |
3.9 grams |
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Economy Linoleum Flooring |
12.4 grams |
ASTM C1028-07 - Static Coefficient of Friction by the Horizontal Dynamometer Pull-Meter Method (Slip-Resistance)
Coefficient of Friction (COF) is an important safety factor and many states require that flooring in schools, hospitals, and other public-use institutions meet OSHA requirements.
Methodology: This test covers the measurement of static coefficient of friction of surfaces under both wet and dry conditions, using Neolite heel assemblies.
Apparatus: Thwing-Albert Friction Peel Tester Model 225-1 V2.1, Speed = 6 inches/minutes; 15.2cm/min; Neolite Assemblies; Sled = 200 gm; Silicon Carbide Paper, 400 grit; Total seconds = 20.
Results: custom-tile's Ceramic and Porcelain Floor Tiles averaged .53-.54*, which meets or exceeds levels recommended by OSHA and UL, which recommend a minimum SCOF of 0.5.
ASTM C1028-07 Coefficient of Friction
|
Specimen |
Static Average Dry |
Static Average Wet |
|
Porcelain Floor Tile |
.54 (exceeds OSHA) |
.53 (exceeds OSHA) |
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Ceramic Floor Tile |
.54 (exceeds OSHA) |
.53 (exceeds OSHA) |
ASTM C650 D1308 & D3023 - Effect of Household Chemicals (Chemical Resistance)
This set of tests evaluates the effect of various household chemicals and substances, specifically alterations such as discoloration, change in gloss, blistering, softening, swelling, and/or loss of adhesion.
ASTM C650 - Test method is intended for food counters, lavatories, and similar residential, medical, and commercial installations, where they may come in contact with food, chemical, and waste substances and for tile in areas where they may be exposed to contact with strong cleaning agents. ASTM D1308 - This test method covers determination of the effect of household chemicals on clear and pigmented organic finishes, resulting in any objectionable alteration in the surface.
ASTM D3023 - This test provides a comprehensive evaluation of resistance to stains caused by chemical reagents and household chemicals.
Methodology: Each reagent was placed onto each specimen and allowed to set for 24 hours at 74°F. The test specimens were then examined for alterations to the surface.
Results: custom-tile's Ceramic and Porcelain Floor Tiles outperformed all other specimens and exceeded commercial durability requirements for resistance to chemicals.
Chemical Resistance Tests Results
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Reagent |
Ceramic Floor Tiles |
Porcelain Floor Tiles |
Vinyl Flooring |
Formica Countertop |
Pre-finished Hardwood Flooring |
High-Grade Linoleum Flooring |
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Acetone |
F |
F |
F |
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F |
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Ammonium Hydroxide (Lye) |
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F |
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Ball-Point Ink |
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F |
F |
F |
F |
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Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite) |
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F |
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F |
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Boiling Water |
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Butter |
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Candle Wax |
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F |
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Catsup |
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F |
F |
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Coffee |
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F |
F |
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Cola (Coke®) |
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F |
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Cologne |
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F |
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Crayons |
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Deodorant |
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F |
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Detergent Solution |
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Distilled Water |
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Ethyl Alcohol |
F |
F |
F |
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Food Color |
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F |
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F |
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Grape Juice |
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F |
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Iodine |
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F |
F |
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Kool Aid® |
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F |
F |
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Lemon Juice/Lime Juice |
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F |
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Lighter Fluid |
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F |
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F |
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Lipstick |
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F |
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Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) |
F |
F |
F |
F |
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F |
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Mineral Spirits |
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F |
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F |
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Mustard |
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F |
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F |
F |
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Perfume |
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F |
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Permanent Ink |
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F |
F |
F |
F |
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Red Wine* |
F* |
F* |
F |
F |
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Red Wine Vinegar |
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F |
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Shaving Cream |
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Shoe Polish |
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F |
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Soap Solution |
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Sodium Hydroxide |
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F |
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Tabasco Sauce |
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F |
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Tap Water |
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Tea |
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F |
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Tomato Sauce |
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F |
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F |
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Toothpaste |
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Vegetable Oil |
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White Vinegar |
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F |
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Worcestershire Sauce |
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F |
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Ceramic Floor Tiles |
Porcelain Floor Tiles |
Vinyl Flooring |
Formica Countertop |
Pre-finished Hardwood Flooring |
High-Grade Linoleum Flooring |
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Total # Failures: |
4 |
4 |
31 |
9 |
6 |
7 |
*Staining could be
cleaned with brand-name cleaner, such as Oxy-CleanR.
Note:
custom-tile's
Ceramic and Porcelain Floor Tiles can be
damaged by aggressive, flammable solvents, e.g., acetone, MEK, lacquer thinner,
and butyl acetate. Do not use any solvent stronger than Mineral Spirits for
removing paint, if spilled on Floor Tiles.
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434-660-7170
Clerical - Debbie Bernard
Shipping/Receiving - Barrett
Johnson
Fax 434-369-7179
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VA 24517-1009
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