ASTM F3261-20

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it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F3261 − 17 F3261 − 20
Standard Specification for
Resilient Flooring in Modular Format with Rigid Polymeric
Core
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3261; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers resilient flooring, typically in tiles or planks format, or both, that are surface decorated or printed
and protected by a clear wear layer.
1.2 This type of floor covering utilizes a polymeric rigid core as part of the product structure.
1.3 This type of floor covering may utilize an attached underlay backer for reduced noise and for reducing issues concerning
minor subfloor irregularities.
1.4 This type of floor covering is intended for use in commercial and residential buildings. General information and
performance characteristics that determine serviceability and recommended use are included in this specification.
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
F141 Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
F387 Test Method for Measuring Thickness of Resilient Floor Covering With Foam Layer
F410 Test Method for Wear Layer Thickness of Resilient Floor Coverings by Optical Measurement
F925 Test Method for Resistance to Chemicals of Resilient Flooring
F970 Test Method for Measuring Recovery Properties of Floor Coverings after Static Loading
F1514 Test Method for Measuring Heat Stability of Resilient Flooring by Color Change
F1515 Test Method for Measuring Light Stability of Resilient Flooring by Color Change
F1914 Test Methods for Short-Term Indentation and Residual Indentation of Resilient Floor Covering
F2055 Test Method for Size and Squareness of Resilient Floor Tile by Dial Gage Method
F2199 Test Method for Determining Dimensional Stability and Curling Properties of Resilient Flooring after Exposure to Heat
F2421 Test Method for Measurement of Resilient Floor Plank by Dial Gauge
2.2 Other Standards:
ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes
ISO 23999 Resilient floor coverings—Determination of dimensional stability and curling after exposure to heat
ISO 24337 Laminate floor coverings—Determination of geometrical characteristics
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F06 on Resilient Floor Coverings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F06.80 on
Specifications.
Current edition approved Dec. 15, 2017Feb. 15, 2020. Published January 2018March 2020. Originally approved in 207. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as
F3261–17. DOI: 10.1520/F3261-17.10.1520/F3261-20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3261 − 20
NALFA LF01 Laminate Flooring Specification and Test Methods
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 backing or backer—layer(s) of the product described in this specification located below the polymeric rigid core layer that
provides some functional property, for example, noise reduction, underfoot comfort, balance, thickness or other benefit
3.1.2 décor or print layer—the layer of resilient flooring with polymeric rigid core providing visual aesthetic properties
3.1.3 LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank)/LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile), bonded to polymeric rigid core—a marketing term that is applied to
resilient floor tile products – See Terminology F141. Resilient flooring product, typically in plank or tile format that incorporates
a décor, usually printed and protected by a vinyl wear layer, polymeric rigid core or backing layer(s), or combination thereof, where
the combination of visual, texture and gloss provide enhanced aesthetic and durability compared to a base grade solid or chip visual
tile products – for example, VCT (vinyl composition tile).
3.1.4 polymeric rigid core—the material layer which provides thickness, stiffness, dimensional stability and other properties
needed for the finished resilient flooring.
3.1.4.1 Discussion—
The polymeric rigid core layer is an inner layer of the flooring located below the décor layer (for example, wear layer, décor,
polymeric rigid core and backer).
3.1.5 resilient flooring with polymeric rigid core—a rigid floor covering, typically in a plank or tile format, having a multiple
layer product structure, for example, wear layer, décor, polymeric rigid core, or backer(s), or combination thereof. The planks/tiles
have worked edges that allow the product to be joined or butted together to form a larger integral unit. The product may vary in
surface texture and gloss. Resilient flooring with polymeric rigid core does not include products having a textile or non resilient
surfaces such as wood, stone, metal, etc.
3.1.6 rigid—when a flooring product has sufficient stiffness to bridge minor subfloor irregularities and sufficient stiffness that
it takes significant effort to deflect the product when supported between two fixed supports.(for example, resilient flooring with
polymeric rigid core, laminate flooring, wood flooring, etc).
3.1.7 wear layer—the upper portion of the resilient flooring, that protects the pattern and design, exclusive of temporary finishes
and maintenance coatings.
4. Classification
4.1 The modular flooring, in tile or plank form, covered by this specification shall be classified as follows:
4.1.1 Class I—Printed with clear transparent/translucent wear layer.
4.1.1.1 Type A—Smooth surface.
4.1.1.2 Type B—Embossed surface.
4.1.2 Grade—Grades shall be classified by the total wear layer thickness (sum of PVC and non-PVC wear layers). The wear
layer system shall consist of a single layer or multiple layers that do not delaminate under normal use.
4.1.2.1 Grade 1—Commercial, 0.020 in. (0.5 mm) min.
4.1.2.2 Grade 2—Wear layer < 0.020 in. (0.5 mm).
4.1.3 Backing—Backing classes shall indicate if there is an attached underlay backing or not.
4.1.3.1 Backing Class A—No attached underlay backing. Product shall be suitable for floor applications above, on, and
below-grade.
4.1.3.2 Backing Class B—With attached underlay backing. Product shall be suitable for floor applications above, on, and
below-grade.
5. Ordering Information
5.1 The purchaser shall state whether this specification is to be used, select the preferred options permitted herein, and include
the following contract requirements on the purchase order:
5.1.1 Title, number, and date of this specification;
5.1.2 Class, type and pattern number (Section 4);
5.1.3 Quantity in square feet, pieces, or cartons;
5.1.4 Size required (7.2);
5.1.5 Thickness required (7.3);
5.1.6 Lot formation if other than as specified in ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 (see Sections 10 and 12);
Available from the North American Laminate Flooring Association (NALFA) at www.nalfa.com.
F3261 − 20
5.1.7 Sampling if other than as specified in ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 (see Sections 10 and 12);
5.1.8 Packing requirement if other than as specified (Section 14);
5.1.9 Palletization if required (agreement between the manufacturer and the purchaser);
5.1.10 Marking required if other than specified (Section 13) (agreement between the manufacturer and the purchaser);
5.1.11 Chemical Resistance (See 8.4)—The basic chemicals used in the test are those likely to be found in domestic,
commercial, and institutional use. Many proprietary compounds contain one or more of these basic chemicals. Should the flooring
for unusual application need to be resistant to a specific chemical, this additional requirement should become part of the
procurement document; and
5.1.12 Other requirements (agreement between the manufacturer and the purchaser).
6. Materials and Manufacture
6.1 The product is a laminated resilient flooring structure consisting of a wear surface, a visual décor, a rigid polymeric core
designed to give added stiffness to the finished flooring, good water resistance, and if the product utilizes profiled edges, good joint
strength. The product can be manufactured with or without an attached underlay backer for better noise reduction and to help with
accommodating minor subfloor irregularities.
6.2 Material—The wear surface of the resilient tile(s) or plank(s) shall be composed of binder, filler, and pigments compounded
with suitable lubricants and processing aids. The binder consists of one or more polymers or copolymers of vinyl chloride, other
modifying resins, plasticizers, and stabilizers, which comprise at least the following minimum percent weight: The polymers or
copolymers of vinyl chloride comprise at least 60 % of the weight of the binder. Any copolymer of vinyl chloride used shall contain
at least 85 % vinyl chloride. The backer layer, core, and décor layer may be exempt from having to be polyvinyl chloride
(PVC)-based polymer, but they shall use polymeric binder and meet the binder levels referenced in the Table 1 requirements.
Products may utilize an underlay attached to the resilient flooring product described in this specification. Attached underlays may
include products such as cork, IXPE foam, etc. provided the finished resilient flooring product, with the attached underlay meets
all requirements of this product specification.
6.3 Class, Type, and Pattern Number—The class, type, and pattern number, as applicable, shall be as specified in the contract
or order (see 4.1).
NOTE 1—The patterns that are available are indicated in individual manufacturer’s current catalogs or on the manufacturer’s website.
6.4 Printed Tile or Plank—The structure of printed luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) are formed of a vinyl
wear layer, which may be transparent or translucent. The pattern and colors are created by a print or other surface decoration
between the wear layer and the intermediate colored layer or polymeric core layer. Other base layers may be added. Products shall
comply with Table 1 for binder content.
6.4.1 For commercial applications, the wear layer shall be a minimum of 0.020 in. (0.5 mm) thick.
6.4.2 Non-PVC Layer—The top layer(s) of a product can be a non-PVC layer(s), which may constitute part of the total wear
layer system up to 49 % and is not removable by normal maintenance procedures. Non-PVC compositions (specialty performance
layer(s) used as the top layer) are not described by binder limits.
7. Physical Requirements
7.1 Binder Content—The binder content shall be determined by a statement of formula (manufacturer certificate of compliance).
7.2 Size—The products are available in a range of sizes. Unless otherwise specified (see 5.1.4), for dimensions 12 in. (305 mm)
or smaller, a size tolerance of 60.016 in. (0.4 mm) will be allowed. For dimensions larger than 12 in. (305 mm), but smaller than
or equal to 18 in. (457 mm), a size tolerance of 60.018 in. (0.45 mm) will be allowed. For dimensions larger than 18 in. (457 mm),
a size tolerance of 60.020 in. (0.5 mm) will be allowed when measured in accordance with Test Method F2055 for tiles and certain
size planks when applicable. Certain specialty items may be available in other sizes. Planks will follow same basic guidelines based
on allowable size tolerance. Planks utilize ISO 24337 for size measurement. For plank length 24 up to 48 in. (610 up to 1220 mm),
a size tolerance of 60.060 in. (1.5 mm) will be allowed, and for plank length 48 in. (1220 mm) or greater, a size tolerance of
60.080 in. (2 mm) will be allowed.
7.3 Thickness:
TABLE 1 Minimum Binder Content
Class I
Clear wear layer 90 %
A
Base/inter layer(s) 30 %
A
Single composite average of binder content for layers, other than clear wear
layer and the attached underlay. Attached underlay is excluded from binder
content requirement.
F3261 − 20
7.3.1 Product—Unless otherwise specified (see 5.1.5), the tile or plank, or both, shall be furnished in thicknesses not less than
nominal 0.080 in. (2 mm). A tolerance of 60.005 in. (0.13 mm) shall be permitted when tested in accordance with Test Method
F387. If the plank or tile product uses an attached backing layer, a tolerance of 60.008 in. (0.20 mm) shall be permitted when tested
in accordance with Test Method F387.
7.3.2 Wear Layer—For Class I products, the thickness shall be measured in five unembossed locations to determine the
thickness average. See Test Method F410. See 4.1.2.
7.4 Squareness—When tested in accordance with Test Method F2055, the out of squareness of the tile shall not exceed 0.010
in. (0.25 mm). For a planks test in accordance with ISO 24337, the same out-of-squareness limits shall apply as for tiles 0.010 in.
(0.25 mm) maximum.
7.5 Flatness—Determination of width flatness (fw). When tested in accordance with Test Method ISO 24337.
7.5.1 Adjustment and Calibration of the Measuring Apparatus:
7.5.1.1 On the apparatus for measuring width flatness, adjust the support bars or feet according to the width of the test specimen
to be evaluated. The measurement, d, shall be adjusted to be not less than the width, w, of the test specimen minus 10 mm, that
is, d ≥ w – 10 mm. See Fig. 1. Use an appropriate caliper gauge and measure the d value. Record the d value to the nearest 0.020
in. (0.5 mm).
7.5.1.2 The apparatus shall be set to, or verified to zero against the flat, smooth reference plate (that is, granite block, steel plate)
before each measurement.
7.5.2 Measuring—For each of the five specimens, place the specimen with the surface layer up on the test surface. Place the
adjusted and zeroed apparatus for measuring width flatness on the specimen as shown in Fig. 1. Find and determine the maximum
deviation, fw, for each specimen. No force, but the mass of the measurement apparatus gauge, shall affect the flatness of the test
specimen when the measurement is taken. The maximum deviation can be either positive (+ or convex) or negative (– or concave)
and shall be recorded as measurements are taken. Measure values along with their sign (“+” for upward curl or “–” for downward
curl) to the nearest 0.0005 in. (0.01 mm). For fw products 9 in. (229 mm) in width or less, the requirement shall be a maximum
of 60.2 mm. For products wider than 9 in. (229 mm), the requirement for width flatness, f , the maximum shall be <0.15
wconcave
% mm and for f , the maximum shall be <0.2 % mm of the width of the test specimen.
wconvex
7.5.3 Determination of Length Flatness (fl)—For each of the five specimens, place the test specimen firmly against the steel rule
as shown in Fig. 2. If a gap is visible, insert a thickness gauge of successive thickness leaves into the gap at the maximum deviation
until the largest thickness leaf that will fit without forcing it into the gap is found. This value is the maximum deviation, fl. If
necessary, use the caliper gauge instead. The measured value shall be expressed as negative when the surface layer is facing toward
the rule and positive when the surface layer is facing away from the rule. Record all five measured values, with its sign, with the
result achieved from the appropriate thickness gauge. For length flatness, fl, the requirement, f , the maximum shall be <0.15
lconcave
% mm and f , the maximum shall be <0.2 % mm of the length of the test specimen.
lconvex
7.6 Openings—Determination of openings between elements (o). When tested in accordance with ISO 24337.
7.6.1 Assembling—By hand force, without using any glue, against the steel rule as a guide, firmly assemble eleven elements
taken as specimens on the test surface as shown in Fig. 3. The alignment of the individual elements shall be ensured within 60.200
in. (5 mm). No difference shall be made whether the joint design is a glueless mechanical type, a design to be glued, or held
together by any other means. Glue shall, in any case, not be used for this assembly. This test is performed with the elements dry
assembled.
7.6.2 Measuring—Using thickness gauges or an optical comparator, measure the openings, without applying any force to the
elements, at the eight indicated points in Fig. 3. Record all eight measured values with the result achieved from the appropriate
thickness gauge or the comparator value.
7.7 Ledging—Determination of height difference between elements (h) is sometimes referred to as overwood, when tested in
accordance with ISO 24337.
7.7.1 Assembly—Use the same specimens as described in 7.6.1 for measuring height difference. Verify that specimens were
assembled and checked to have been assembled as detailed in 7.6.1. The test assembly with the measuring points locations is
illustrated in Fig. 3.
FIG. 1 Determination of Width Flatness (fw)
F3261 − 20
FIG. 2 Determ
...