A European standard, EN 660-1, defines the Stuttgart test method for determining the abrasion resistance of the wear layer of polyvinyl chloride floor coverings under laboratory conditions. This method is applied to smooth surface polyvinyl chloride floor coverings. This method is used to determine the wear resistance of surfaces to abrasion and especially to rank the different wear layer types within a single type of product. However, this method is not suitable for comparing the abrasion resistance of different materials, for example rubber and polyvinyl chloride materials.
Wear resistance refers to the ability of mechanical parts to withstand wear and tear and repetitive abrasion or friction. Some materials are naturally wear-resistant, while others have their resistance properties enhanced through techniques such as lubricants, coatings, and process improvements.
The types of wear can be listed as follows, with an image describing the hard material in contact with the surface: impact, gouging, high stress and low stress. Numerous coating solutions are proposed to reduce or eliminate wear. These are generally grouped into: coatings for impact wear, coatings for groove wear, coatings for high stress wear, and coatings for low stress wear. There are numerous wear resistant coatings on the market, from tungsten carbide, chromium carbide, ceramic metallic and oxide types. Each coating is designed to combat abrasion while maintaining sufficient ductility to resist impact. For example, the chromium carbide/nickel-chromium and oxide coating family are economical coatings for wear and corrosion resistance. The tungsten carbide coating family provides combined resistance to wear, corrosion and oxidation. The tungsten carbide/cobalt coating family provides the highest wear resistance, but limited corrosion resistance.
In order to understand business needs and determine the best coating material for the applications, tests for the determination of wear resistance are applied in advanced laboratories. Stuttgart test method is one of them.
Among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors, our company also provides Stuttgart testing services for the determination of the abrasion resistance of flexible floor coverings within the scope of EN 660-1 standard, with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.
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