ASTM F3403-23
(Specification)Standard Specification for Heterogeneous Polyurethane Sheet Flooring
Standard Specification for Heterogeneous Polyurethane Sheet Flooring
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the requirements for the compound and physical characteristics of heterogeneous polyurethane sheet flooring that is printed or otherwise decorated to achieve a pattern or visual and protected by a clear wear layer.
1.2 This specification covers heterogeneous polyurethane sheet flooring that shall be composed of binder, fillers, and pigments. The binder shall consist of one or more resins of polyurethane, polyurethane copolymers or other suitable or any desirable combination. Other suitable polymeric resins may be incorporated as part of the binder, provided the polyurethane portion of the binder is greater than 60 % in the base layer.
1.3 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.
1.4 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.
1.5 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.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Dec-2022
- Technical Committee
- F06 - Resilient Floor Coverings
- Drafting Committee
- F06.80 - Specifications
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2020
- Effective Date
- 15-Jan-2020
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2011
Overview
ASTM F3403-23: Standard Specification for Heterogeneous Polyurethane Sheet Flooring establishes the essential requirements for the composition, physical properties, and performance of heterogeneous polyurethane sheet flooring. This type of resilient flooring comprises multiple layers, including a decorative printed or patterned layer protected by a clear, durable wear layer. It is widely specified in both residential and commercial construction and renovation projects for its durability, design flexibility, and resistance to wear and chemicals.
Key Topics
- Material Composition: Heterogeneous polyurethane sheet flooring covered by ASTM F3403-23 must contain a binder (over 60% polyurethane in the base layer), fillers, and pigments. Other suitable resins may be used in combination, provided they maintain polyurethane as the majority binder component.
- Wear Layer: The top wear layer must be clear, with a minimum thickness of 0.1 mm (0.00394 in.), providing protection to decorative elements and ensuring long-term performance.
- Physical Properties: The standard details specific requirements for thickness, resistance to indentation, flexibility, recovery from static load, and resistance to chemicals, heat, and light.
- Performance Testing: Flooring must pass several ASTM and ISO test methods, confirming attributes such as chemical resistance, wear layer durability, residual indentation, color stability, and castor chair resistance.
- Quality Control: Clear guidelines are established for sampling, inspection, marking, packaging, and lot formation to ensure consistency and traceability.
Applications
Heterogeneous polyurethane sheet flooring specified under ASTM F3403-23 is ideal for:
- Commercial Spaces: Offices, retail stores, hospitals, and educational institutions benefit from polyurethane’s robust performance, easy maintenance, and resistance to foot and wheeled traffic.
- Residential Installations: Kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, and living areas utilize these floors for their design options and ability to withstand daily wear and household chemicals.
- Healthcare and Institutional Use: The standard ensures flooring maintains visual stability, resists staining, and remains safe under repeated cleaning and exposure to a range of chemicals, making it suitable for clinics, labs, and care facilities.
- Light Industrial Settings: Areas requiring hygiene, durability, and resistance to chemicals or mechanical stress are appropriate environments for this flooring type.
This standard benefits facilities management professionals, architects, specifiers, contractors, and manufacturers seeking reliable, resilient floor covering solutions that meet international requirements for safety, quality, and durability.
Related Standards
ASTM F3403-23 references and aligns with several important standards to ensure comprehensive performance evaluation and consistency:
- ASTM F137: Test Method for Flexibility of Resilient Flooring Materials
- ASTM F386: Test Method for Thickness of Resilient Flooring Materials
- ASTM F410: Test Method for Wear Layer Thickness by Optical Measurement
- ASTM F925: Test Method for Resistance to Chemicals
- ASTM F970: Test Method for Measuring Recovery from Static Loading
- ASTM F141: Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
- ASTM F1514/F1515: Measuring Heat and Light Stability
- ASTM F1914: Indentation Testing
- ISO 4918: Castor Chair Test for Floor Coverings
- ANSI/ASQC Z1.4: Sampling Procedures for Inspection
These related standards ensure that polyurethane sheet flooring products tested and specified under ASTM F3403-23 meet stringent requirements for dimensional consistency, durability, and safety, promoting confidence and performance in a wide range of flooring applications.
Keywords: ASTM F3403-23, heterogeneous polyurethane sheet flooring, resilient flooring, floor covering, wear layer, flooring standards, commercial flooring, durable flooring, chemical-resistant flooring, international flooring standard.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM F3403-23 is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Heterogeneous Polyurethane Sheet Flooring". This standard covers: SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers the requirements for the compound and physical characteristics of heterogeneous polyurethane sheet flooring that is printed or otherwise decorated to achieve a pattern or visual and protected by a clear wear layer. 1.2 This specification covers heterogeneous polyurethane sheet flooring that shall be composed of binder, fillers, and pigments. The binder shall consist of one or more resins of polyurethane, polyurethane copolymers or other suitable or any desirable combination. Other suitable polymeric resins may be incorporated as part of the binder, provided the polyurethane portion of the binder is greater than 60 % in the base layer. 1.3 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. 1.4 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. 1.5 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.
SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers the requirements for the compound and physical characteristics of heterogeneous polyurethane sheet flooring that is printed or otherwise decorated to achieve a pattern or visual and protected by a clear wear layer. 1.2 This specification covers heterogeneous polyurethane sheet flooring that shall be composed of binder, fillers, and pigments. The binder shall consist of one or more resins of polyurethane, polyurethane copolymers or other suitable or any desirable combination. Other suitable polymeric resins may be incorporated as part of the binder, provided the polyurethane portion of the binder is greater than 60 % in the base layer. 1.3 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. 1.4 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. 1.5 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.
ASTM F3403-23 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 97.150 - Floor coverings. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM F3403-23 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM F1914-18(2023), ASTM F141-23, ASTM F925-13(2020), ASTM F141-12(2020), ASTM F1514-19, ASTM F137-08(2018), ASTM F1914-18, ASTM F1914-17, ASTM F970-15, ASTM F137-08(2013), ASTM F410-08(2013), ASTM F1514-03(2013), ASTM F925-13, ASTM F141-12, ASTM F141-11. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM F3403-23 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
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.
Designation:F3403 −23
Standard Specification for
Heterogeneous Polyurethane Sheet Flooring
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3403; 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 F386 Test Method for Thickness of Resilient Flooring Ma-
terials Having Flat Surfaces
1.1 This specification covers the requirements for the com-
F925 Test Method for Resistance to Chemicals of Resilient
pound and physical characteristics of heterogeneous polyure-
Flooring
thane sheet flooring that is printed or otherwise decorated to
F970 Test Method for Measuring Recovery Properties of
achieve a pattern or visual and protected by a clear wear layer.
Floor Coverings after Static Loading
1.2 This specification covers heterogeneous polyurethane
F410 Test Method for Wear Layer Thickness of Resilient
sheet flooring that shall be composed of binder, fillers, and
Floor Coverings by Optical Measurement
pigments. The binder shall consist of one or more resins of
F1514 TestMethodforMeasuringHeatStabilityofResilient
polyurethane,polyurethanecopolymersorothersuitableorany
Flooring by Color Change
desirable combination. Other suitable polymeric resins may be
F1515 Test Method for Measuring Light Stability of Resil-
incorporated as part of the binder, provided the polyurethane
ient Flooring by Color Change
portion of the binder is greater than 60 % in the base layer.
F1914 Test Methods for Short-Term Indentation and Re-
sidual Indentation of Resilient Floor Covering
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical 2.2 ISO Standard:
ISO 4918 Resilient, textile and laminate floor coverings —
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard. Castor chair test
2.3 ANSI Standard:
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 Sampling Procedures and Tables for In-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
spection by Attributes
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3. Terminology
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1 Definitions: For definitions of other terms used in this
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
standard, see Terminology F141.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.1 polyurethane, n—a polymer composed of organic
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
units joined by carbamate (urethane) links. Polyurethanes can
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
be thermosetting (duroplastic) or thermoplastic polymers.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4. Classification
4.1 Polyurethanesheetflooringcoveredbythisspecification
2. Referenced Documents
shall be classified as: heterogeneous polyurethane sheet floor-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
ing with a clear wear layer. The surface structure can be either
F137 Test Method for Flexibility of Resilient Flooring Ma-
smooth or embossed.
terials with Cylindrical Mandrel Apparatus
F141 Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
5. Ordering Information
5.1 Purchaser shall state whether this specification is to be
used, select the preferred options permitted herein, and include
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F06 on
the following information in the invitation bid or purchase
Resilient Floor Coverings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F06.80
on Specifications.
order:
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2023. Published January 2023. Originally
ɛ1
approved in 2021. Last previous edition approved in 2021 as D8062 – 21 . DOI:
10.1520/F3403-23. Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Central Secretariat, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, Geneva,
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Switzerland, https://www.iso.org.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
the ASTM website. 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
F3403−23
5.1.1 Title, number, and date of this specification; 6.2.1 The flooring base layer consists of polyurethane and a
5.1.2 Pattern number; filler.
5.1.3 Quantity in square feet; 6.2.2 If necessary to meet the results listed in Table 1 the
5.1.4 Size required (9.2); base layer can be equipped with a reinforcement layer to
5.1.5 Thickness required (9.1); stabilize the product.
5.1.6 Lot formation if other than as specified in ANSI/
ASQC Z1.4 (see Sections 11 and 13);
7. Physical Properties
5.1.7 Sampling if other than as specified in ANSI/ASQC
7.1 The polyurethane sheet floor covering shall meet the
Z1.4 (see Sections 11 and 13);
requirements in Table 1.
5.1.8 Packing requirements if other than as specified (Sec-
tion 16);
8. Performance Requirements
5.1.9 Palletization if required (agreement between the
8.1 Resistance to Chemicals—Tested in accordance with
manufacturer and the purchaser);
Test Method F925 for residential and commercial usages,
5.1.10 Marking required if other than specified (Section 15)
polyurethane flooring sheet shall have no more than a slight
(agreement between the manufacturer and the purchaser);
change in surface dulling, surface attack, or staining when
5.1.11 ChemicalResistance(8.1).Thebasicchemicalsused
exposed to the following chemicals:
in the test are those likely to be found in domestic, commercial
8.1.1 White vinegar (5 % acetic acid),
andinstitutionaluse.Manyproprietarycompoundscontainone
8.1.2 Rubbing alcohol (70 % isopropyl alcohol),
or more of these basic chemicals. Should the flooring for
8.1.3 White mineral oil (medicinal grade),
unusual application need to be resistant to a specific chemical,
8.1.4 Sodium hydroxide solution (5 % NaOH),
this additional requirement should become part of the procure-
8.1.5 Hydrochloric acid solution (5 % HCl),
ment document;
8.1.6 Sulfuric acid solution (5 % H SO ),
5.1.12 Other requirements (agreement between the manu- 2 4
8.1.7 Household ammonia solution (5 % NH OH),
facturer and the purchaser).
8.1.8 Household bleach (5.25 % NaOCl),
8.1.9 Olive oil (light),
6. Materials and Manufacture
8.1.10 Kerosene (K1),
6.1 Wear Layer:
8.1.11 Unleaded gasoline (regular grade),
6.1.1 The flooring wear layer consists of polyurethane or
8.1.12 Phenol (5 % active phenol).
other suitable combinations that minimally provide the same
NOTE 1—The basic chemicals are representative of those likely to be
results as listed in Table 1.
found in residential, commercial, healthcare, and institutional use. Many
6.1.2 The wear layer shall have a minimum thickness of
proprietary compounds contain one or more of these basic chemicals.
0.00394 in. (0.1 mm). Should the flooring for an unusual application need to be resistant to a
specific chemical, this additional requirement should becom
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
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.
´1
Designation: F3403 − 21 F3403 − 23
Standard Specification for
Heterogeneous Polyurethane Sheet Flooring
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3403; 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.
ε NOTE—Thickness, product in Table 1 was updated editorially to match the overall thickness description in 9.1 in Febru-
ary 2022.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers the requirements for the compound and physical characteristics of heterogeneous polyurethane sheet
flooring that is printed or otherwise decorated to achieve a pattern or visual and protected by a clear wear layer.
1.2 This specification covers heterogeneous polyurethane sheet flooring that shall be composed of binder, fillers, and pigments.
The binder shall consist of one or more resins of polyurethane, polyurethane copolymers or other suitable or any desirable
combination. Other suitable polymeric resins may be incorporated as part of the binder, provided the polyurethane portion of the
binder is greater than 60 % in the base layer.
1.3 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.
1.4 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.
1.5 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:
F137 Test Method for Flexibility of Resilient Flooring Materials with Cylindrical Mandrel Apparatus
F141 Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
F386 Test Method for Thickness of Resilient Flooring Materials Having Flat Surfaces
F925 Test Method for Resistance to Chemicals of Resilient Flooring
F970 Test Method for Measuring Recovery Properties of Floor Coverings after Static Loading
F410 Test Method for Wear Layer Thickness of Resilient Floor Coverings by Optical Measurement
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
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 Oct. 15, 2021Jan. 1, 2023. Published January 2022January 2023. Originally approved in 2021. Last previous edition approved in 2021 as
ɛ1
D8062 – 21 . DOI: 10.1520/F3403-21E01.10.1520/F3403-23.
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.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3403 − 23
2.2 ISO Standard:
ISO 4918 Resilient, textile and laminate floor coverings — Castor chair test
2.3 ANSI Standard:
ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions: For definitions of other terms used in this standard, see Terminology F141.
3.1.1 polyurethane, n—a polymer composed of organic units joined by carbamate (urethane) links. Polyurethanes can be
thermosetting (duroplastic) or thermoplastic polymers.
4. Classification
4.1 Polyurethane sheet flooring covered by this specification shall be classified as: heterogeneous polyurethane sheet flooring with
a clear wear layer. The surface structure can be either smooth or embossed.
5. Ordering Information
5.1 Purchaser shall state whether this specification is to be used, select the preferred options permitted herein, and include the
following information in the invitation bid or purchase order:
5.1.1 Title, number, and date of this specification;
5.1.2 Pattern number;
5.1.3 Quantity in square feet;
5.1.4 Size required (9.2);
5.1.5 Thickness required (9.1);
5.1.6 Lot formation if other than as specified in ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 (see Sections 11 and 13);
5.1.7 Sampling if other than as specified in ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 (see Sections 11 and 13);
5.1.8 Packing requirements if other than as specified (Section 16);
5.1.9 Palletization if required (agreement between the manufacturer and the purchaser);
5.1.10 Marking required if other than specified (Section 15) (agreement between the manufacturer and the purchaser);
5.1.11 Chemical Resistance (8.1). 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;
5.1.12 Other requirements (agreement between the manufacturer and the purchaser).
6. Materials and Manufacture
6.1 Wear Layer:
6.1.1 The flooring wear layer consists of polyurethane or other suitable combinations that minimally provide the same results as
listed in Table 1.
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO Central Secretariat, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland,
https://www.iso.org.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
F3403 − 23
TABLE 1 Characteristics and Tests
Characteristic Requirement Test Method Reference
Size, tolerance $ than specified N/A 9.3 and 9.4
Thickness, product as specified ±0.006 in. (±0.15 mm) F386 9.1
Thickness, wear layer min. 0.00394 in. (0.1 mm) F410 9.2
Static load recovery 250 lb load, max residual indent 0.004 F970 8.2
in. (0.1016 mm) after 24 h recovery
Residual indentation 75 lb load, average #8 %, maximum F1914 8.3
single reading 10 %
Resistance to chemicals no more than a slight change in sur- F925 8.1
face dulling, surface attack or staining
from listed chemicals
Resistance to light avg ΔE # 2.0 after 300 h F1515 8.5
Resistance to light avg ΔE # 4.0 after 300 h F1515 8.5
Resistance to heat avg ΔE # 2.0 after 7 days exposure F1514 8.4
Resistance to heat avg ΔE # 4.0 after 7 days exposure F1514 8.4
Flexibility passes 0.250 in. (6.4 mm) mandrel F137 8.6
Castor chair test 25 000 cycles ISO 4918 8.7
6.1.2 The wear layer shall have a minimum thickness of 0.00394 in. (0.1 mm).
6.1.3 The wear layer shall not be removable by maintenance procedures in accordance with manufacturer’s guidelines.
6.1.4 The wear layer shall be clear, a background or pattern may be printed on a pattern carrier with suitably formulated, color
stable inks or otherwise prepared to create a color stable pattern. The color of the pattern created must be stable against heat and
light deterioration. See 8.4 and 8.5.
6.1.5 The surface
...








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