Standard Test Method for Embossed Depth of Resilient Floor Coverings

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method is designed to measure the vertical distance between any two levels on the face of the flooring, that is, between any two flat areas, between a flat area and any part of a textured area, or between two textured areas. This vertical distance may be of interest in itself or it may be applied to the questions of: (1) how much of the thickness of the flooring is available before the pattern is destroyed; or (2) how deep the depressed areas must be before valley printing ink is not walked on in normal traffic.
SCOPE
1.1 Two important characteristics involved in the manufacture of resilient flooring relate to the smoothness of the wear surface and the hardness of the layers under the wear surface. The surfaces may vary from completely textured areas to portions that are flat but separated by textured areas. This test method covers flooring with these interrupted wear surfaces which are not supported by soft, cushioned layers.  
1.2 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.  
1.3 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.  
1.4 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-May-2022
Drafting Committee
F06.20 - Test Methods

Relations

Effective Date
01-Aug-2023
Effective Date
15-Jan-2020
Effective Date
01-May-2013
Effective Date
01-Mar-2012
Effective Date
01-Dec-2011
Effective Date
01-Nov-2011
Effective Date
01-Dec-2008
Effective Date
01-Nov-2008
Effective Date
01-Oct-2008
Effective Date
01-Nov-2005
Effective Date
01-Nov-2004
Effective Date
10-Jun-2003
Effective Date
10-Aug-2001
Effective Date
10-Aug-2001
Effective Date
10-Aug-2001

Overview

ASTM F373-13(2022): Standard Test Method for Embossed Depth of Resilient Floor Coverings is a widely recognized international standard developed by ASTM International. This standard outlines a precise test method for measuring the vertical distance between two levels on the surface of resilient floor coverings, addressing both flat and textured areas. By establishing a clear procedure for quantifying embossed depth, ASTM F373-13(2022) supports quality control and ensures the durability and aesthetic consistency of resilient flooring products.

Key Topics

  • Measurement Scope: The standard applies to resilient flooring that features either fully textured surfaces or combinations of flat and textured areas. It is specifically designed for flooring with wear surfaces not supported by cushioned layers.
  • Vertical Distance Measurement: It details the process of measuring the depth between different points on the surface, including flat-to-flat, flat-to-textured, and textured-to-textured areas.
  • Precision and Reproducibility: The standard includes guidelines for repeatability and reproducibility, ensuring consistent results across different operators and laboratories.
  • Test Apparatus: Equipment required includes a comparator stand with a flat anvil base (minimum 6 inches square), a dial micrometer with precision graduation (minimum 0.001 inches), and a hemispherical pressure foot. The standard also specifies force and calibration requirements.
  • Conditioning and Test Procedures: The method provides directions for specimen conditioning and step-by-step measurement procedures, ensuring reliable and comparable results.

Applications

Implementing ASTM F373-13(2022) offers significant value across various stages of resilient flooring manufacturing and quality assurance:

  • Manufacturing Quality Control: Manufacturers use this test method to verify embossed depth during production, ensuring patterns are produced within desired specifications and are not easily worn away.
  • Product Durability Evaluation: The measurement of embossed depth helps assess how much of the flooring's thickness is available before decorative patterns are compromised, supporting longevity and wear resistance.
  • Design Optimization: Flooring designers can use depth data to balance aesthetics with practical wear considerations, ensuring that textured patterns do not unduly trap dirt or degrade under normal traffic.
  • Ink and Finishing Assessment: The test helps determine the necessary depth for depressed areas so that valley-applied printing inks are protected from foot traffic, preserving design integrity.

Related Standards

  • ASTM F141: Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings - Provides key definitions used in this and related standards for resilient flooring.
  • ASTM E691: Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method - Used as a reference for determining test method precision and reproducibility.
  • Other Flooring Standards: ASTM develops a comprehensive suite of standards for resilient flooring, including test methods for wear, slip resistance, and dimensional stability.

Practical Value

ASTM F373-13(2022) is indispensable for manufacturers, quality control labs, and designers involved in resilient flooring. By providing a reliable and repeatable method for measuring surface embossing, this standard helps ensure product quality, customer satisfaction, and compliance with international market expectations. Compliance with ASTM F373-13(2022) also demonstrates adherence to globally recognized standards, supporting market access and customer confidence in resilient floor coverings.

For accurate measurement and optimal results, it is important that users follow all safety, health, and regulatory practices as advised by this standard and relevant regulatory authorities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM F373-13(2022) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Embossed Depth of Resilient Floor Coverings". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 This test method is designed to measure the vertical distance between any two levels on the face of the flooring, that is, between any two flat areas, between a flat area and any part of a textured area, or between two textured areas. This vertical distance may be of interest in itself or it may be applied to the questions of: (1) how much of the thickness of the flooring is available before the pattern is destroyed; or (2) how deep the depressed areas must be before valley printing ink is not walked on in normal traffic. SCOPE 1.1 Two important characteristics involved in the manufacture of resilient flooring relate to the smoothness of the wear surface and the hardness of the layers under the wear surface. The surfaces may vary from completely textured areas to portions that are flat but separated by textured areas. This test method covers flooring with these interrupted wear surfaces which are not supported by soft, cushioned layers. 1.2 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. 1.3 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. 1.4 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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 This test method is designed to measure the vertical distance between any two levels on the face of the flooring, that is, between any two flat areas, between a flat area and any part of a textured area, or between two textured areas. This vertical distance may be of interest in itself or it may be applied to the questions of: (1) how much of the thickness of the flooring is available before the pattern is destroyed; or (2) how deep the depressed areas must be before valley printing ink is not walked on in normal traffic. SCOPE 1.1 Two important characteristics involved in the manufacture of resilient flooring relate to the smoothness of the wear surface and the hardness of the layers under the wear surface. The surfaces may vary from completely textured areas to portions that are flat but separated by textured areas. This test method covers flooring with these interrupted wear surfaces which are not supported by soft, cushioned layers. 1.2 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. 1.3 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. 1.4 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 F373-13(2022) 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 F373-13(2022) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM F141-23, ASTM F141-12(2020), ASTM E691-13, ASTM F141-12, ASTM F141-11, ASTM E691-11, ASTM F141-08a, ASTM F141-08, ASTM E691-08, ASTM E691-05, ASTM F141-04, ASTM F141-03, ASTM F141-01, ASTM F141-00B, ASTM F141-00A. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM F373-13(2022) 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: F373 − 13 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Test Method for
Embossed Depth of Resilient Floor Coverings
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationF373;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyearoforiginal
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 4. Significance
1.1 Two important characteristics involved in the manufac- 4.1 This test method is designed to measure the vertical
ture of resilient flooring relate to the smoothness of the wear distancebetweenanytwolevelsonthefaceoftheflooring,that
surface and the hardness of the layers under the wear surface. is, between any two flat areas, between a flat area and any part
The surfaces may vary from completely textured areas to of a textured area, or between two textured areas. This vertical
portions that are flat but separated by textured areas. This test distance may be of interest in itself or it may be applied to the
method covers flooring with these interrupted wear surfaces questions of: (1) how much of the thickness of the flooring is
which are not supported by soft, cushioned layers. available before the pattern is destroyed; or (2) how deep the
depressed areas must be before valley printing ink is not
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
walked on in normal traffic.
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
5. Apparatus
and are not considered standard.
5.1 Theapparatusshallconsistofacomparatorstandhaving
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
a flat anvil base at least 6 in. (15 cm) square, equipped with a
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
dial micrometer graduated to 0.001 in. (0.02 mm), and a
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
hemispherical pressure foot ⁄32 in. (0.80 mm) in diameter. The
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
foot shall exert a force of not more than 1 ozf (0.28 N) at any
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
point in its travel.The force shall be obtained by an appropriate
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
weight. The plunger of the gauge shall be perpendicular to the
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
anvil.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
6. Test Specimen
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
6.1 Thespecimenshallbeapieceofflooringatleast9in.by
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
9 in. (230 mm by 230 mm).
2. Referenced Documents
7. Calibration
2.1 ASTM Standards:
7.1 The calibration of the gauge shall be verified by means
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
of gauge blocks or shim stock traceable to national standard of
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
known thickness of the appropriate thickness for the depths
F141 Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
being measured.
3. Terminology
8. Conditioning
3.1 For terminology relating to Resilient Floor Coverings,
8.1 Condition the specimens at least 24 h at 73.4 °F 6
see Terminology F141.
3.6 °F (23 °C 6 2 °C) and 50 6 5 % relative humidity. Test at
the same conditions.
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F06 on Resilient
Floor Coverings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F06.20 on Test
9. Procedure
Methods.
Current edition approved June 1, 2022. Published June 2022. Originally 9.1 Select the two types of areas on a specimen that are to
approved in 1973. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as F373–13(2017). DOI:
be examined.
10.1520/F0373-13R22.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 9.2 Zero the gauge at a random point on t
...

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