The “ISO 24343 Flexible and laminate flooring – Determination of pitting and permanent pitting” standard, developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and later published as a European standard within the scope of harmonization efforts, consists of the following sub-sections published under the same title:
For the purposes of this standard, residual indentation refers to the difference between the initial thickness and the thickness measured after the load has been removed. Thickness, in turn, refers to the distance between two parallel plates on which the flooring is laid under a given load.
In principle, a test piece is subjected to a static load, and its thickness is measured before loading and after a recovery period. The testing process follows these steps:
This standard includes a standardized test method for measuring the permanent indentation remaining in flexible flooring (such as vinyl, rubber, or linoleum) or laminate flooring after a constant load has been applied and then the load has been removed.
Permanent indentation refers to any permanent or semi-permanent deformation remaining in the flooring material after the load has been removed and time has elapsed for the material to recover. This property is important for evaluating the long-term durability, appearance, and performance of flooring under static loads such as sustained pressure from heavy furniture, appliances, or wheelchairs.
This test helps manufacturers, specifiers, and testing laboratories assess whether a flooring product meets performance requirements for residential, commercial, or industrial use. It is often used as a reference in product specifications, building codes, or certification schemes for flooring.
For the purposes of this standard, indentation refers to the difference between the initial thickness and the thickness measured after the load has been removed. Permanent indentation refers to the difference between the initial thickness and the thickness measured after the load has been removed and a specified healing period. Thickness refers to the distance between two parallel plates on which the flooring is laid under a given load.
In principle, a test piece is subjected to a static load, and its thickness is measured before loading, after the load is removed, and after a specific recovery time. The testing process follows these steps:
This standard defines a precise test method for measuring short-term indentation (instant deformation under load) and short-term permanent indentation (deformation remaining after a short recovery period) in flexible flooring materials. These include flexible or semi-flexible products such as vinyl, rubber, linoleum, polyolefin, and similar materials.
This standard focuses on relatively short loading times that simulate short-term, repeated, or dynamic pressures, such as those from high heels, moving furniture legs, wheels, or pedestrian traffic. The test evaluates how quickly and how much the flooring deforms under short-term stress and how well it recovers afterward.
This helps evaluate instant visibility protection, underfoot comfort, and resistance to wear and tear from daily use. The results are widely used in product specifications, particularly for commercial and high-traffic areas.
For the purposes of this standard, indentation refers to the difference between the initial thickness and the thickness measured after the load has been removed. Thickness refers to the distance between two parallel plates on which the flooring is laid under a given load.
In principle, test samples are subjected to static load at room temperature, and the thickness is measured before and during loading at specified holding times. The testing process follows these steps:
This standard includes a test method specifically designed to measure the short-term indentation resistance of flexible and semi-flexible flooring. The primary focus is on vinyl composite tiles. This is also known as vinyl composite sheet or homogeneous/heterogeneous vinyl tiles in semi-rigid formulations.
These types of products are widely used in high-traffic commercial environments (schools, hospitals, retail spaces, offices) due to their durability, affordability, and ease of maintenance. However, compared to fully flexible coatings such as vinyl sheeting or luxury vinyl planks, they are more prone to indentation under heavy loads.
The test evaluates how much the material deforms (indents) immediately after or shortly after a constant load is applied, simulating real-world stresses such as furniture legs, equipment, or heel pressure. This standard is dedicated to the indentation behavior of these semi-flexible types, often without a strong emphasis on recovery due to the limited elasticity of the material. This method helps manufacturers ensure that they meet performance criteria for indentation resistance in demanding applications.
For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its clients, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting them in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services in accordance with the EN ISO 24343 standard.
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