Overview
EN ISO 10545-3:2018 (ISO 10545-3:2018) specifies a laboratory method to determine key physical properties of ceramic tiles: water absorption, apparent porosity, apparent relative density and bulk density. Endorsed by CEN and published in 2018, this part of the ISO 10545 series is used for tile classification and product specification. The standard uses classical Archimedean techniques and requires impregnation of open porosity by a vacuum method (the previous boiling impregnation method has been removed).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and purpose: Measurement procedure for water uptake and related density/porosity parameters to support tile classification and quality claims.
- Principle: Saturate dry specimens with water by vacuum, then weigh dry, saturated and suspended masses to calculate properties.
- Apparatus (examples specified):
- Drying oven capable of (110 ± 5) °C
- Balance with accuracy of 0.01% of specimen mass
- Deionized or distilled water, desiccator, microfibre cloth
- Wire loop/halter/basket and immersion container for suspended mass
- Vacuum chamber/system able to reach 10 ± 5 kPa for 30 minutes
- Sampling and test specimens:
- Sampling rules and specimen counts are provided based on tile area and dimensions (tables in the standard give common-size examples).
- Special instructions for cutting tiles into specimens (scoring/snap or sawing) and handling very small tiles (combine to reach 50–100 g per specimen).
- Procedure and calculations:
- Steps cover sample preparation, vacuum impregnation, suspended-weight measurement and standard calculations for water absorption, apparent porosity, apparent relative density and bulk density.
- Reporting: Test report content and how results are expressed are defined.
Applications
- Product classification: Determine whether tiles meet classifications (e.g., porcelain vs. non-porcelain) based on water absorption.
- Quality control: Routine factory or third‑party laboratory testing to verify production consistency.
- Specification and compliance: Supporting data for product data sheets, tender documents, CE marking and conformity assessment.
- Material selection and performance assessment: Used by manufacturers, specifiers and testing labs to evaluate suitability for different environments (indoor, outdoor, freeze–thaw exposure, etc.).
Who uses this standard
- Ceramic tile manufacturers and R&D labs
- Independent testing and conformity assessment laboratories
- Architects, specifiers and procurement teams requiring verified material data
- Certification bodies and national standards organizations
Related standards
- This document is part of the ISO 10545 series (other parts cover mechanical, thermal and chemical tests). It is published as EN ISO 10545-3:2018 within CEN and supersedes the 1997 edition.
Keywords: ceramic tiles, water absorption, apparent porosity, bulk density, ISO 10545-3:2018, vacuum impregnation, Archimedean method, tile classification, test method.
